Developer commends FCT minister over C-of-O issuance

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has received widespread commendation for his remarkable effort in signing over 1,000 Certificates of Occupancy for house owners at River Park Estate in Abuja.

Recall that the senior special assistant on public communications and new media to the minister, Lere Olayinka, recently revealed that 5,481 certificates of occupancy were granted ministerial approval between August 2023 and December 2024.

The Managing Director of the estate, Paul Odili, gave the appraisal during a ceremony on Sunday, where the occupants were officially given their certificates.

He lauded the gesture as a pivotal move in boosting the real estate sector, fostering investor confidence, and encouraging long-term investments in Abuja’s housing market.

Odili emphasised that the FCT minister’s decision to sign over a thousand certificates for a single estate underscored the government’s determination to ensure property rights and create a conducive environment for the growth of real estate in the Federal Capital Territory.

“This noble gesture by the Honourable Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has not only made property ownership more tangible for residents of River Park Estate but has also inspired greater confidence among investors in the real estate sector, particularly in Abuja.

“The successful issuance of the certificates is a testament to the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability in land management,” Odili stated.

He also extended his appreciation to the Director of Land at the Federal Capital Development Authority for his pivotal role in facilitating the swift processing of the certificates.

He continued by thanking various departments of the FCDA, including the Urban and Regional Department, Mapping and Survey Department, Estate Department, and most notably the Land Department.

Odili further explained the significance of the event, stating, “We have officially handed over the certificates of occupancy to the rightful owners. These documents were entrusted to me as the developer, and I feel it is important to publicise this moment to ensure full transparency and the completion of the process as promised by the FCT administration.”

During the meeting, Odili informed investors in the estate that he had fully acquired a 100 per cent stake in the business and he owned the estate completely.

Speaking on the new ownership, Odili said, “Houses for Africa Holdings was owned by John Townley-Johnson, who has an 80 percent stake, and he became our international partner for the development of the estate.

“But now, he has sold all the shares owned by Houses for Africa to me, and now I, Paul Odili, am now 100 per cent owner of the River Park Estate, Jonah Capital Limited, and Houses for Africa Nigeria.

“Adrian Ogun was the founder of Jonah Capital before Houses for Africa Holdings came to invest here.

“Now, both of them have relinquished their shares to me. Payment has been made, the agreement signed, and I am now the 100 per cent owner of River Park Estate as of January 13th, 2025.”

Confirming the new ownership status, John Townley-Johnson said, “We no longer have interest in Houses for Africa Nigeria, and we have now transferred our rights to Paul Odili.

“We think it was the best thing to do because he is credible in the real estate developing sector.

“We have absolute confidence in him, Odili, to handle the business. I think his involvement shows that the houses will be completed to the standard he has set for the estate.”.

In his speech, a resident and the President of KRPC Cooperative Society, Kaduna Engr. Benjamin Ogwuche, said, “This is a dream come true. We have come a long way with Paulo Homes. We have over 100 properties here. I am delighted that our members own houses here. These C-Os issued to us today are proof of ownership.”.

Another resident, Daniel Okoebor, said he felt very happy receiving the certificate, stating, “This shows that my investment is now secured. It shows that I have a title document and that my house is safe.”.