Forty-two winners have emerged in yesterday’s monthly draw of the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme, known as Lagos HOMS.
Mrs. Funmilayo Stephen Faleye could not contain her joy as she jumped from her seat immediately her name was picked as the only winner for the three-bedroom flat in Mushin scheme.
She was all smiles as she walked up to the podium to collect her certificate.
She came with her three children, who were oblivious of what the moment meant to their mother.
Her case was one of trying her luck. She had applied for the first time and won on the first try. Despite her pessimism, winning has proved her wrong.
She said: “I actually watched some draws on TV. When they started last year, my first thought was that it was a government scam.
“But a colleague told me it was true, so I decided to give it a try.
“When I called Lagos HOMS, even though I didn’t submit properly, they were very helpful. So, when I was pre-qualified, I was called and I got an email.”
At the main draw held at the Lagos Television Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja, her victory dance was delayed.
The moderator had announced winners for the one bedroom and two bedroom homes, but mistakenly skipped the three-bedroom scheme, which she had applied for.
Worried by what could have become of her chances, Mrs. Faleye, a Human Resources Manager, made her way to the complaint tent to inquire about the omission.
But when the draw was to be held, it was announced that only one winner would emerge from the pot, which had over 10 qualified entries.
“When I learnt it was just one winner that would emerge from the three-bedroom draw, I said a silent prayer and when they called my name, I couldn’t help but jump for joy.
“This is the first time I applied and I won. I am so happy.
Like Mrs. Faleye, Mr. Alison Kehinde, another winner, was all smiles.
Kehinde was one of the seven winners for the three-bedroom unit in Sangotedo scheme in Eti-Osa Local Government Area.
Also a first applicant, he had been squatting with his family.
A burning desire to own a house spurred him to apply.
“I commend the Lagos State government. Initially, it was as if it was not going to come true. I am glad today that it is a reality.
“I was staying in one of my father’s houses and I’ve been longing to own my own home and that is why I applied for the scheme. I am very happy,” he said.
Executive Secretary of the State Mortgage Board Akinola Sagoe said 80 people applied, but only 60 qualified for the draw.
He said the 42 new home owners, brings to 661, the total number of home owners, who have emerged since the first draw in March 2014.
Sagoe said not less than 15,000 jobs have been created from the construction of the housing schemes, including consultants, artisans, sub-contractors, among others.