Odu’a, UK-based Firm Sign N3.5bn Housing Deal

• Odu’a, UK-based Firm Sign N3.5bn Housing Deal

Odu’a Investment Company Limited says it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with United Kingdom-based Iconic City Limited for the development of a 3.8-hectare land in Alakia, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, into a residential housing estate.

Odu’a said the agreement was in pursuit of its growth strategy predicated on unlocking value from its huge asset base for sustainable development.

The firm said in a statement that the signing of the agreement which took place at the Odu’a Group Headquarters, Cocoa House, Ibadan was witnessed by Odu’a Management team led by the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Adewale Raji and the Management of Iconic City Limited and its local Subsidiary, Chapter Four Estate Management Limited led by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Shamsideen Ogunmuyiwa.

According to the firm, the proposed residential housing estate which has been code-named ‘Westlink Iconic Estate’ is a medium density luxury estate consisting 124 households and will cost about N3.5bn.

“It comprises various housing types to allow for different market segmentation subscribers. The housing products are 60 units of three-bedroom apartments, 42 units of four-bedroom terrace houses, 14 units of five-bedroom semi-detached duplexes, eight units of six-bedroom fully detached duplexes and 36 commercial and business units,” the firm said.

It said the initiative was hinged on the Federal Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan which had human capital development as one of its cardinal objectives with housing provision as key factor in achieving that goal.

The statement read in part, “The housing deficit in the country is over 22 million if not more, and investment in housing remains a worthwhile and profitable venture, especially when affordability is considered.

“Odu’a Investment Company Limited has identified partnership as a veritable strategy to add tremendous value to her existing property portfolio, earn remarkable return, strengthen her brand image and increase her socio-economic footprint for the benefit of its shareholders and stakeholders. The Estate which is scheduled for completion in 30 months will boast of state-of-the-art features.”

Raji was quoted to have said the N3.5bn joint venture investment with Iconic City was another landmark initiative to unlock value from the property portfolio of the Odu’a Group and bring on board a new dimension in structured and luxurious community living in Ibadan.

“This is in line with the vision of the board and management of the company to live the mandate of our shareholders to be the engine room of the economic development of the West,” he said.

Ogunmuyiwa was also quoted as saying the partnership would give his firm the opportunity to utilise its professional experience from training, working and living in the UK to build a world class mixed luxury residential estate in Ibadan.

“The designs and model types are exquisite and the finishing inviting and affordable,” he added.