Eggheads in the built environment will meet this week to proffer solutions on the lingering housing deficit bedeviling the country at this year’s Housing Circuit Magazine Awards Dinner in Abuja.
The Vice President, Kashim Shetima and Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Umar Dangiwa are among dignitaries billed to attend the event, themed: ‘Bridging Housing Deficit in a Thriving Economy.’
According to the organiser and Chief Executive Officer, Housing Circuit Magazine, Mr Seun Jegede, “this is derived from the constraints facing the housing sector and other aspects of the nation’s economy amidst global downturn.”
He said despite these challenges, hope of deliberate attempts to increase the nation’s housing stock is rekindled with the official launch of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programme and subsequent ground-breaking ceremony for a 3,112-housing unit pilot site in Karsana district, Abuja, adding that the housing scheme if properly implemented would provide affordable homes and bridge the yawning housing gap in the country.
Jegede stated that the award, which started in 2010, is geared towards appreciating outstanding industry players, policymakers and consummate icons who have distinguished themselves in their chosen areas of influence and expertise, particularly within the building, construction mix and infrastructural development.
“After an extensive effort, the editorial team has carefully selected a few icons who have achieved monumental feats in their respective fields of endeavours. “‘In view of the current state of things in the country, this year’s effort is modest and restrained but still a partial fulfillment of what has become an avenue for practitioners in the industry to gather and reflect on issues in a convivial atmosphere,” he said.
The ceremony will draw participants from the presidency, sub-nationals, National Assembly, mortgage finance parastatals, state commissioners, estate developers, investors, real estate enthusiasts, artisans, professionals, and major players in the built industry.
Among the awardees are former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and Senator representing Jigawa North-West Senatorial District, Hussaini Uba.
Others are Director-General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Prof. Ayo Omotayo; former Director, Public Buildings and Housing Development, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Solomon Labafilo and Accountant General, Gombe State, Dr Aminu Umar Yuguda.
