The Federal Government has redeemed their 1994 housing promise to former Super Eagles coach, Jo Bonfrere during the administration of late military head of state, General Sani Abacha after winning the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
Revealing this good news was confirmed by Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola on Tuesday, where he hosted Bonfrere in Abuja before fulfilling the pledge.
The former Lagos State Governor stated that change means that the government is solving very difficult and old problems, no matter how long the problems are, be it human, social, habitation needs, including infrastructure.’’
“This is consistent with the commitment President Muhammadu Buhari has made to make Nigerians proud of the country and to stand by and respond to needs of the citizens.
“But the matter did not go back 24 years. Rather it actually goes back 38 years.
“The Green Eagles, like Emmanuel Okala, Martins Eyo, Tunde Bamidele, among others, became the Super Eagles after winning the first Nations Cup Nigeria won.
“They were promised houses, but in their own cases they actually received the allocations and they did not have any document.
“So, it was not until April 2017, 38 years after the promise, that they finally got letters of allocation in this administration, which simply shows that the Federal Government is committed to solving problems, no matter how old.
“Change means that the government is solving very difficult and old problems, no matter how long the problems are, be it human, social, habitation needs, including infrastructure.’’
“That again is a sign that even National Housing has seen change.
“I am happy to say that the Bonny Bridge in Rivers, which has been in concession for 32 years after two previous contractors have failed, is now under construction.’’
In his response, Bonfrere expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government for redeeming the pledge made 24 years ago as a reward package.
“This gesture will encourage our sportsmen and women to aspire extraordinarily for accomplishments, knowing their accomplishment will not be unrecognised.’’
