…Council chairman, traditional ruler applaud Hosana Estate project in Ibagwa Nike

Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has commended the Managing Director of Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd., Chibuikem Onyekachi Emmanuel, for his entrepreneurial drive, describing him as a reference point for young people seeking to make an impact through enterprise.

Mbah also praised the company for investing in the state’s housing sector, saying private-sector investments such as Hosana Estate would complement government’s efforts to accelerate development across Enugu State.

The governor spoke on Wednesday at the commissioning of Hosana Estate in Ibagwa Nike, where he was represented by his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai.

Ossai said the investment by the Enugu-born entrepreneur reflected the resilience and determination needed to contribute to the development of the state.

He commended Powell Homes and other investors for committing resources to Enugu, describing such investments as encouragement for the government’s efforts to reposition the state.

The deputy governor assured investors and residents that the administration would continue to provide a secure environment for businesses and communities to thrive.

“As government, our primary objective is to provide security for the people, and I’m delighted with what I’ve seen about the estate,” Ossai said.

He urged the developers to maintain close cooperation with the estate management to ensure effective administration of the development.

Ossai also said the government would continue to expand infrastructure across the state.

“On our part, we’ll keep expanding infrastructure and for all those we’ve not attended to, do not be disappointed. We’re already on that path and we’re progressing geometrically,” he said.

The Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Beloved-Dan Anike, commended Powell Homes and Shelters for siting the project in Ibagwa Nike, noting that the ongoing dualisation of the road had enhanced the area’s prospects as an emerging urban centre.

Anike described the investment as a trailblazing move into what he called a “future goldmine”, assuring that the council would support the development agenda of the Mbah administration.

He said housing projects such as Hosana Estate could contribute to efforts to address Nigeria’s housing deficit, particularly in Enugu State.

The traditional ruler of Ibagwa Nike, Igwe Emma Ugwu, also welcomed the development, saying the community supported genuine investments capable of contributing to its growth.

Ugwu recalled that when members of the community approached him for clarification about the project, he assured them that the development was consistent with the aspirations of the state government and the community’s desire to support credible businesses.

“When my people came to my palace to make enquiries about the project, I assured them that it aligns with the developmental initiative of His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and that the company is genuine and reliable,” he said.

The traditional ruler thanked Emmanuel for choosing Ibagwa Nike for the estate and pledged the community’s support for the project.

Speaking at the commissioning, Emmanuel described the development as more than the completion of another housing estate, saying it represented a combination of vision, perseverance, partnership and purpose.

“Today is not simply about commissioning another housing project. It is a celebration of vision, perseverance, partnership and the power of purpose,” he said.

He attributed the completion of the project to God and the collective efforts of those who contributed to its development.

Emmanuel, on behalf of the board, management and staff of Powell Homes and Shelters Ltd., thanked Mbah and his deputy for honouring the commissioning.

He said the company viewed housing as more than the construction of buildings, describing a home as a source of security, dignity and stability for families.

“At Powell Homes and Shelters, we believe that housing is more than bricks, concrete and physical structures. A home represents security. A home represents dignity. A home provides stability for families,” he said.

According to him, Hosana Estate was conceived as a planned and functional community designed around the needs of modern families rather than simply as a collection of houses.

He listed internal roads, drainage systems, electricity infrastructure, recreational facilities, a synthetic football pitch and a children’s playground among the facilities provided at the estate.

The managing director acknowledged Nigeria’s housing deficit and the financial challenges facing many families, saying the company was working to make homeownership more accessible.

He said Powell Homes would continue to develop quality homes at affordable price points while exploring innovative financing models, strategic partnerships and other housing solutions to expand access to homeownership.

Emmanuel said the commissioning of Hosana Estate marked a new phase in the company’s expansion plans rather than the end of its journey.

“While today marks the successful completion and commissioning of Hosana Estate, our journey does not end here. If anything, this achievement strengthens our resolve to do more,” he said.

He disclosed that Powell Homes and Shelters planned to expand its housing developments beyond Enugu, with the broader objective of building more homes and communities and increasing access to decent housing in other parts of Nigeria where the need exists.