By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

KADUNA — Six months after the commissioning of a housing estate for widows in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, beneficiaries of the Family Homes Funds project have expressed gratitude, describing the initiative as life-changing.

The widows, who spoke during a media visit to the estate, said the provision of free two-bedroom flats has significantly improved their living conditions and restored their dignity.

One of the beneficiaries, Fadila Tahir, said the opportunity has transformed her life.

“I came here as a widow, but today I am married because accommodation is no longer a problem. I am grateful to Allah,” she said.

Another resident, Amina Alhassan, described the development as beyond her expectations.

“We are experiencing what we never imagined. I didn’t believe it was real until I moved in. Before now, I lived in a single room with my children, but now we have a two-bedroom flat with tiles, electricity and water. We are grateful to Allah and everyone who made this possible,” she said.

Management of the estate, however, said occupancy increased gradually after initial hesitation by beneficiaries over security concerns and access challenges.

Facility Manager, Dr. Mustapha Umar Kumshe, explained that although 100 housing units were commissioned and allocated late last year, early uptake was slow.

“After the commissioning, there were initial challenges. Many beneficiaries were reluctant to move in due to perceived insecurity and concerns about access roads,” he said.

Kumshe noted that management addressed the concerns by engaging directly with beneficiaries and strengthening security within the estate.

“We reassured them and improved security. We have over 20 armed personnel, including vigilantes and civil defence officers. There is no cause for alarm,” he said.

He added that confidence grew as early occupants lived in the estate for months without incident, encouraging others to relocate.

According to him, more than 65 of the 100 housing units are now occupied, with additional residents expected in the coming weeks.

Kumshe also revealed that internal disputes among beneficiaries initially affected access to some homes.

“We discovered that some beneficiaries were unable to access their houses because their keys had been taken under false pretences, with attempts to reallocate the homes,” he said.

He said management intervened by replacing locks, issuing new keys and restoring allocation documents to the rightful occupants.

Despite the early challenges, he said the estate is equipped with essential amenities, including potable water, electricity, solar lighting, accessible roads and internet services.

“We have four functional boreholes, including solar-powered systems, and a dedicated electricity supply supported by a transformer, alongside solar installations in each house,” he explained.

Each unit, he added, is fitted with lighting, fans, kitchen facilities and a steady water supply. The estate also features over 450 economic trees, including fruit-bearing varieties.

Kumshe urged beneficiaries yet to relocate to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that the houses were provided free of charge.

“Government has provided these homes at no cost. It is an opportunity many people would not want to miss,” he said.

The housing project, delivered by Family Homes Funds in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, was launched in November 2025.

Located in Igabi Local Government Area, the estate is designed to provide safe, affordable and dignified housing for vulnerable women, particularly widows, across Kaduna State, regardless of religious background.