House owners in River Park Estate, Abuja, have been thrown into jubilation as the Chairman of the Estate, Paul Odili, on Saturday issued certificates of occupancy to them in the estate.
Odili said this was the first time an estate in the Federal Capital Territory would be issuing C-of-Os to house owners.
While thanking the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, Odili said the estate has been pursuing the C-of- O in the last seven years.
Addressing reporters at the end of a meeting with house owners, Odili said: “We are gathered here today to witness an epoch-making event in estate development/ management in Nigeria. This is because River Park Estate will be issuing Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) to house owners.
“The importance of C-of-O cannot be overstated. It is a document issued to land owners and property buyers as legitimate proof of ownership. It also spells out what the land can be used for. It can equally be used for many purposes including as collateral.
“River Park Estate will be law abiding and adhere to all the rules and regulations guiding estate development in Abuja. We are poised to close the housing deficiency in the country. Currently, River Park is expanding to Kabba District, along Kubwa Road, Abuja.
“River Park Estate, uniquely located along Airport Road, is one of the foremost estates in Abuja. It has well-laid out streets and state-of the-art buildings, a functional police station and 24-hour security. It also has an 18-hole golf course and a shopping complex among other modern facilities.
Moses Okezie-Okafor, one of the residents described the development as highly welcome, noting that he is not surprised though as Chief Odili and his company, Paulo Homes Ltd, have a long history of service excellence in the housing delivery business.
According to the lawyer who said he has known the developer for about 10 years and is one of the earliest homeowners to move into estate, the C of O is the gold standard of property titles and Mr. Odili has just sent his clients into the elite corps of title-holders in Abuja. ‘We thank him,’ he added.
