The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development made this known in a statement published on its official website on Wednesday, confirming that one of the beneficiaries, former national team striker Efan Ekoku, has now received his allocation.
Ekoku, who was unable to attend the ceremony in person, was represented by his niece, Lisa Jenifer Nwagbogun, who received the allocation letter for a house in Abuja on his behalf.
The letter was formally presented by Pemi Temitope, Director and Head of Department for Public Building and Housing Development, who represented the Minister of Housing and Urban Development at the brief ceremony.
Temitope noted that the allocation is a reflection of the government’s ongoing commitment to honouring those who have served the nation patriotically, describing the gesture as long overdue recognition for the football legends of 1994.
“This is not merely the fulfilment of a pledge—it is a tribute to national heroes whose service and successcontinue to inspire generations,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of her uncle, Nwagbogun expressed appreciation for the government’s gesture, noting that the move reinforces belief in public institutions and the value of keeping promises.
“I am deeply grateful to the Federal Government and the Ministry of Housing for fulfilling this long-standing pledge to my uncle. It is truly heartening to witness such commitment to integrity and follow-through,” she said.
“This gesture not only honours Mr. Efan Ekoku’s service but also restores faith in the value of public promises being kept.”
It will be recalled that the original housing pledge was made to members of the 1994 squad in the wake of their historic AFCON victory. However, it wasn’t until 2022—under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari—that the implementation of the promise was officially approved, 28 years after it was first made.
Since then, housing units have been earmarked for members of the squad across various states, with some, like Ekoku, receiving their allocations in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
