Experts to offer insights into FG’s housing agenda at PEWAN Confab

Experts in Nigeria’s housing sector are set to provide insights into the financial and regulatory challenges in achieving the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on Housing at the forthcoming 2024 edition of the Property and Environment Writers Association of Nigeria (PEWAN) annual conference in Lagos.

The conference, themed “Resolving the Financial and Regulatory Dilemma in Achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda on Housing”, will feature the Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Shehu Usman Osidi, as the keynote speaker and the Managing Director of UPDC, Mr. Odunayo Ojo, as guest speaker. The event will be chaired by the former President of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Mr. Kunle Awobodu.

Other prominent industry leaders expected at the event include the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Abiodun Olumide; the President of the International Real Estate Federation, Nigeria Chapter (FIABCI), Mr. Akin Opatola; the General Manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Architect Gbolahan Oki; and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pecksgrey Group, Dr. Oluremi Olukoya.

Also participating is the Group Head of Corporate Communications at Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Tony Chijiena, who will present a paper at the conference; the CEO of Lagos State Development and Property Company (LSDPC); and Mr. Sam Ogrih, Founder and Managing Director/CEO of Delta Mega Trend Limited, owners of Plantation City in Warri, Delta State.

The conference, scheduled for November 28, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., will take place in Conference Room 1, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of PEWAN, Mrs. Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie, stated that the conference aims to chart pathways towards increasing housing provision in the country to address the significant housing deficit, estimated at 28 million. The event will focus on removing barriers to effective housing production by improving access to low-cost financing and aligning with the Federal Government’s housing agenda.

According to her, a key highlight of the forum will be the presentation of awards to deserving stakeholders who have distinguished themselves in housing provision, regulation, and professional services within the sector.

The chairman said that leaders in the housing sector value chain have been carefully selected to examine the issues and challenges, as well as to provide actionable solutions that ensure states are well integrated into the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda. This will help ensure that Nigerians in need of affordable yet quality homes benefit from the initiative.

“As an association of dedicated journalists from print and electronic media organisations covering the property and environment sectors, we are committed to advocating for solutions that remove barriers to home ownership in the country. We aim to hold leaders at both state and federal government levels accountable to Nigerians,” she added.