Aso Gardens Estate Karsana Abuja Advances Homeownership for All Classes of Nigerians

Managing Director of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, an Architect, has described the exquisite Aso Gardens Estate in Karsana, in Abuja, commissioned recently, as landmark achievement for the promoters, Aso Savings and Loans Plc., and Global High Property Development Company. It is also a good thing for Nigeria, as it will significantly increase the nation’s housing stock. Bennett Oghifo reports

Aso Savings and Loans Plc., has no doubt taken a formidable stride in housing finance with the execution of the Aso Gardens Estate Karsana in Abuja. Players in the real estate industry see it as a very remarkable step that other Primary Mortgage Banks should emulate, to reduce the huge deficit in the nation’s housing sector.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, an Architect, who was co-chair at the commissioning of the estate, recently, said, “This project is a landmark achievement, not only for those directly involved, but for Nigeria as a whole, given our difficult journey towards addressing our nation’s housing shortage.”

Dangiwa said it was always a thing of joy for him to witness the inauguration of homes built by establishments like Aso because the event translated into provision of shelter for Nigerians and because “housing is a critical element in any nation’s economic strategy which propels development in all sectors.

“It is therefore heartwarming to witness the commissioning of the first phase of this estate project, comprising 249 housing units of different mix in a conducive and decent environment with essential amenities and infrastructure.”

He commended Aso Savings and Loans Plc., for providing the finance for the project, as well as mortgage for prospective homeowners. And Global High Property Development Company for the project’s concept.

Dangiwa said, “We are happy that these institutions are complementing the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and other agencies doing all within their capacities to advance the cause of homeownership for Nigerians of all classes.”

The Aso Garden Estate Karsana, which construction cost is put at N10 billion, is a residential estate conceived by Global High Property Development Company in partnership with Aso Savings and Loans Plc. The community is located on a 5-hectare piece of prime land just after Gwarinpa, along the Kubwa Express Road beside the Papal Ground within the Karsana East District, which is part of Abuja Phase IV.

The estate is designed to have 249 units, made up of 129 units of 2 bedroom apartments, 117 units of 3 bedroom apartments, 3 units of 4 bedroom terrace houses and associated External Works.

The estate provides an ultimate lifestyle experience, particularly with its location in a serene environment and display of high quality infrastructures, recreational area and civic facilities.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman, Board of Directors of ASO Savings and Loans Plc., Alhaji Ali Magashi said, “For those of you stakeholders, you know what a tough economic operating environment it has been for primary mortgage banks in Nigeria, as such; the delivery of the estate is no small feat for ASO.
“It is for this reason that the board and management thank all staff for their continuous effort and commitment to weather the many storms and make ASO the true leader that it is.”
Risikatu Ladi Ahmed, Executive Director, Corporate Services of ASO Savings, said the successful completion of the project is a further testimony to ASO Savings’ vision to be the mortgage bank of choice in Nigeria in terms of client service and housing provision for the citizens.

She stated: “The successful completion of this project in spite of the daunting challenges due to the difficult operating environment attests to the doggedness of our management team and our   never say fail spirit no matter how intimidating the odds are. We are determined to continue to make the expectations of our stakeholders.”
Risikatu Ahmed said: “I am therefore on behalf of the management and staff of ASO Savings and Loans Plc, under the leadership of a great man whose supervision and resilience, I am delighted to say, we are witnessing the official opening of phase 1 of this estate which promises to bring more meaning to the housing growth within the FCT and the nation.”