Gbenga Ashafa Writes His Name in Gold as He Bows Out in Style

The march of progress can lead a person upwards or downwards, depending on the bumps on the road. For Senator Gbenga Ashafa, the present circumstances appear to be leading him downhill. But considering his achievements over the years as the Managing Director (MD) of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Ashafa’s future is still very bright with his name written in golden letters.

The time has come for a reshuffle over at FHA. President Bola Tinubu recently gave the directive for the management board at FHA to move aside for fresh blood. This move, coinciding with a similar directive given to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), means that Ashafa would have to retire from his position as FHA MD.

Although President Tinubu did not explain the move, informed netizens believe that it is in line with the recent executive decision to reconfigure the management of FHA and FMBN, fastening them to the wagon of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. On this new track, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo has geared up to take over from Senator Ashafa as FHA’s MD.

Ojo has much to do to fill Ashafa’s shoes. During the latter’s tenure, FHA witnessed a significant boost in perceived relevance. Not to mention how Ashafa’s leadership pushed the frontiers of urban development to a new level, his approach to housing was considered compatible with sustainability and earned accolades for the past and present presidential administrations.

As Ashafa bows out as FHA’s MD, he does so in style. The 65-year-old has proved himself a capable civil servant and corporate leader, one who did not allow his position to wear a political character and instead led by example and compassion, touching the lives of many. For his extensive service at FHA, Ashafa’s name is written in gold.