By Danjuma Auta
It was a moment of joy for beneficiaries of the ECWA Development and Finance Scheme First Housing Project in Jos as the first stage was completed and handed over to them.
In a colourful ceremony at the project site, close to the Government House, Jos, the ECWA President, Rev. Dr. Stephen Baba Panya, enjoined beneficiaries to consider themselves blessed for being among the first to benefit.
He expressed gratitude to God for witnessing the handing over of the keys, adding that the church would continue to initiate ways of enhancing the welfare of staff and church members.
He pledged to continue spreading the message of EDFSL so as to sensitize ECWA sons and daughters about the new housing scheme.
The Chairman, Board of Directors of EDFSL, Rev. Dr. Ezekiel Adeleye, represented by the ECWA Director of finance, Mr. Friday Iveh Mamman, disclosed that this was the first fruit in the personal housing delivery to ECWA staff and members.
He explained that the company, which was established in August 2015 and commenced operations in January 2018, is solely owned by ECWA and ECWA members with authorized share capital of N1.0 billion ordinary shares at N1 each.
He disclosed that EDFSL, which was originally envisioned by Rev. Baba and Rev. Prof. Yusufu Turaki, had continued to grow over the years into a mission accomplished.
He added that EDFSL, apart from providing personal housing to ECWA staff and members, was also present in Lagos, Kaduna and Port Harcourt where it had commercial property that were currently in use.
Managing Director and Chief Executive of EDFSL, Mr. Solomon Edokpa, disclosed that the organization had been working round the clock to ensure that the company is not found wanting in anyway as, according to him, “We shall spare no efforts at ensuring that the basic amenities are provided and well maintained by a unit of the company.”
Also contributing, Head, Human Resources, EDFSL, Mrs. Mariam Justin, applauded the first beneficiaries for confiding in the organization by investing their resources in it.
She said: “The first beneficiaries of the scheme who have contributed 70% of the selling price are the ones to be issued with the keys of their apartments during the dedication and presentation today.’’
She disclosed that despite the cost of goods and services in the country today, the houses were still within the reach of the people as the 2-bedroom bungalow with entrance porch, waiting/visitors’ restroom, living room, master bedroom, kitchen/store, dining room, two WC/bath, verandah, bar/refreshment area goes for 13.6million naira.
She added that the 3-bedroom bungalow with entrance porch, ante room/visitors rest room, master bedroom ensuite, two other rooms, kitchen/store, dining hall, bar/refreshment area and a verandah goes for 16.9million naira while a 4-bedroom fully detached duplex with ante room, visitors rest room, living room, 4-bedroom with boys’ quarters attached, dining room, kitchen/store, 5WC/Bath and a sit out goes for 27million naira only.
She called on ECWA staff and members of the public to take advantage of the present offer to become proud house owners.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Prof. Musa Dankyau, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the houses and thanked ECWA for the wonderful initiatives which would enable staff own homes that would be paid for at ease. The event was attended by the ECWA Executive, DCC Chairmen and Secretaries and a former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, among others.