Relief and renewed hope now define the lives of widows resettled in a free housing estate in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State under the Family Homes Funds scheme.
Six months after the inauguration, the estate, once clouded by uncertainty and hesitation, is gradually coming alive as beneficiaries take possession of homes designed to offer safety, dignity and a fresh start.
The social housing estate, funded through a partnership involving the Family Homes Funds and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning for Adashe Women Society, targets vulnerable women across the state.
Speaking with journalist during a media visit to the estate at the weekend, the Facility Manager, Dr. Mustapha Umar Kumshe, said although 100 housing units were allocated to beneficiaries late last year, many initially hesitated to relocate.
Kumshe also disclosed that despite the allocation of 100 housing units late last year, initial response from beneficiaries was slow due to perceived insecurity and access roads.
But that narrative has since shifted. Family Homes Funds has intensified outreach efforts and reinforced safety measures within the estate, gradually rebuilding trust and encouraging relocation.
The Facility Manager said, “After the commissioning, there were gaps and glitches. Many beneficiaries were afraid to move in due to perceived insecurity and concerns about access roads.
“We assured them there was no problem. We have the presence of well- armed security personnel, including vigilantes and Civil Defence officers. There is no cause for alarm.”
According to him, the presence of early occupants who resided in the estate for months without any security incident helped to build confidence among others.
“As we speak, over 65 of the 100 houses are now occupied, and more residents are expected in the coming weeks,” Kumshe added.
The facility manager further disclosed that the estate is fully equipped with essential infrastructure to support comfortable living, saying that Family Homes Funds also intervened in the education of the children (Orphans) in the estate by providing school uniforms, text books, exercise books and all other school needs.
He said, “We have four functional boreholes, including solar-powered systems, and a dedicated electricity supply supported by a transformer, alongside solar installations in each house.
Kumshe also said that each housing unit is fitted with lighting, fans, kitchen facilities, and access to constant water supply, while the estate also features over 450 economic trees, including fruit-bearing varieties and internet connectivity.
He therefore urged the remaining beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity and relocate to the estate without delay.
“ Federal Government has given out these two-bedroom homes free of charge. It is an opportunity many people would not want to miss,” he added.
Acknowledging that some beneficiaries were still reluctant due to challenges such as relocating their children from existing schools, Kumshe expressed optimism that occupancy would continue to improve in the coming days.
He recalled that the estate was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, ministers and other top officials, where beneficiaries were formally presented with keys.
For many of the widows in the estate, the homes represent far more than shelter—they signal a turning point in their lives.
One of the beneficiaries who spoke during the media visit to the estate, Fadila Tahir, described the opportunity as transformative, linking her improved circumstances directly to a new chapter in her personal life.
“I came here as a widow, but today I am married because the issue of accommodation is no longer a problem. I am grateful to Allah for this opportunity,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Amina Alhassan, highlighted the stark contrast between her past living conditions and her current reality.
“Before now, I lived in a single room with my children, but now we have a two-bedroom apartment with tiles, electricity and water. We are thankful to everyone who made this possible,” she said.
The Rigachikun housing initiative is widely regarded as part of broader efforts to tackle housing deficits among vulnerable populations, while strengthening social welfare systems in Kaduna State.