The federal government has finally honoured its three-decade-old pledge of housing allocations for members of the 1994 Super Eagles squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
This was revealed in a statement posted to the ministry’s website on Wednesday.
Former Super Eagles striker Efan Ekoku was among those who received an allocation letter for a property in Abuja.
His niece, Lisa Jenifer Nwagbogun, represented him at the little ceremony.
Pemi Temitope, Director and Head of Department for Public Building and Housing Development, delivered the letter on behalf of the Minister of Housing and Urban Development.
Temitope highlighted the decision as part of the government’s commitment to recognising the team’s patriotic efforts, which brought honour to the country three decades ago.
Nwagbogun said, “I am deeply grateful to the Federal Government and the Ministry of Housing for fulfilling this long-standing pledge to my uncle. It is truly heartening to witness such commitment to integrity and follow-through.
“This gesture not only honours Mr Efan Ekoku’s service but also restores faith in the value of public promises being kept.”
It should be noted that former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the implementation of the 1994 housing pledge in 2022, 28 years after it was made.
Housing units are being distributed to team members in various states, with some, such as Ekoku, obtaining them in Abuja.