The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, and other stakeholders in the built environment are expected to converge in Lagos on Wednesday, November 4, to explore sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s housing challenges at the 2026 Annual Lecture and Awards Day of the Property and Environment Writers’ Association of Nigeria (PEWAN).

The event, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at NECA House Conference Hall, Central Business District, Alausa, Ikeja, will focus on sustainable housing, facility management and innovative building materials.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UPDC Plc, Mr Odunayo Ojo, has been invited to chair the occasion.
With the theme, “Re-imagining Housing: Sustainability, Facility Management and Innovative Building Materials,” the lecture will examine practical approaches to addressing the country’s housing challenges, particularly the need for sustainable construction methods, effective management of housing assets and greater adoption of innovative building materials.

A major highlight will be a presentation by the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of HBM Nigeria Plc, Mr Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, on “Innovative Building Materials: Place of the Private Sector.”

His presentation is expected to examine how businesses and private investors can drive the adoption of modern building solutions, improve construction standards and contribute to sustainable housing delivery.

The event will also recognise the contributions of the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Bldr. Florence Omolola Gbaye, who has been nominated to deliver a goodwill message and receive a Special Recognition Award.

According to PEWAN, the nomination acknowledges her contributions and achievements since assuming leadership of the agency, particularly its efforts to strengthen building control and promote safer construction practices in Lagos State.

HBM Nigeria Plc and its chief executive, Alade-Akinyemi, have also been nominated for awards in recognition of their contributions to innovation in the building materials sector.

The awards will recognise public- and private-sector organisations and individuals whose contributions have made notable impacts in their respective fields, with emphasis on quality, innovation and sustainable development.

Expected participants include built environment professionals, environmental science lecturers, government officials, real estate operators, representatives of non-governmental organisations, recyclers, students and other stakeholders in the housing and construction industries.

Speaking ahead of the event, PEWAN Chairman, Mrs Okwy Chikezie Iroegbu, said the annual lecture was designed to provide a platform for informed discussions on developments, challenges and opportunities in the built environment, while promoting stronger collaboration between government and private-sector players.

The association, an umbrella body for journalists reporting property and environmental issues across print, electronic and online media platforms, expressed optimism that the participation of industry leaders and professionals would generate practical ideas for improving housing delivery in Nigeria.