The Federal Government on Tuesday in Abuja, inaugurated 163 housing units built for civil servants under the Federal Integrated Staff Housing (FISH) scheme.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), said the purpose of the scheme was to make acquisition of low-cost houses affordable for civil servants.

Yemi-Esan expressed delighted for the successful delivery of the houses, which had been on government’s plan for over two years.

According to her, the housing estates located at Mararaba and Karshi in Abuja, is in collaboration with the Federal Government Staff Housing Loan Board (FGSHLB).

“This is one of the estates that have been developed in partnership with the office of the HOCSF, and in particular, the FISH programme services.

“It is government’s responsibility at all levels and by all means to ensure that the welfare of its civil servants and its people is taken care of.

“And this is why the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has placed a very high premium on the welfare of workers, and remains committed to exploring all avenues of improving the living condition of civil servants,” she said.

Mr Ibrahim Mairiga, the Executive Secretary, FGSHLB, expressed delight for the collaboration between the board and the HOCSF, which had yielded positive results in the provisions of affordable houses for civil servants.

“It is interesting to note that this partnership came into limelight in 2018 and from inception to date, the board has financed the purchase of 321 completed houses to 321FISH off-takers,” he said.

Mrs Juliet Obe, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari and the HOCSF for fulfilling the promises on the housing scheme.

Obe, however, appealed for the provision of access road as well as improving electricity supply for the residents of the estates.

The “FISH Programme” was designed to provide quality and affordable house for public servants in line with the Federal Government’s Housing Policy.

The Nigeria Civil Service Week celebration 2019 will kick off on Friday Sept. 20, with a special Juma’at Prayer to be held at the National Mosque, by 2 p. m. in Abuja.

According to the calendar of events obtained by from the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation on Thursday, other events have also been arranged to make the week.

The events are sporting activities and medical screening/gymnasium activities at the National Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 21, by 10 a. m.

The event would also feature inter-denominational thanksgiving service, taking place at Living Faith Church, near Kado Estate, Jahi.

While public service lecture/creative and innovative writers` book exhibition will take place on Wednesday Sept. 25, by 10 a. m., at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.

NAN reports that the long-week celebration will end with a dinner and award night ceremony on Friday Sept. 27 at 6:30 p. m, at Conference Hall, State House, Abuja.

NAN also reports that the theme of the event is: “The Intersection of Youth Empowerment and Migration: Entrenching the Culture of Good Governance, ICT and Innovation for Inclusive Service Delivery“.