By Dwelleth Morountodun
The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinabjo, Senate President Ahmed Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila,
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and several other distinguished Nigerians have indicated interest to attend the 13th edition of the Abuja International Housing Show beginning on 23rd to 26th of this month.
Convener of the show, Barr. Festus Adebayo, over the week end hinted that with over 40, 000 participants and 400 exhibitors, the outing will be a premium platform of learning and networking for all stakeholders in housing and construction at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
According to him, the importance of this year’s event cannot be over-emphasised as Osinbajo will lead a strong delegation of top public officials, governors, ministers, legislators, commissioners, all housing and construction association leaders and private sector CEOs to declare the event open.
He said: “At this year’s edition, international housing expert, Debra Erb of Overseas Private Investment Corporation, USA, will lead a strong delegation of international investors and experts to Nigeria for an event that will have the most impact in the country’s housing and construction industry.”
He said the annual event has been reckoned as the number one place for highest number of international experts in housing and construction, sharing their experience and knowledge on the best ways to finance affordable housing, mortgage and construction.
Over 30 speakers from at least 15 countries will be speaking at this year’s event, he added, stressing that speakers who are drawn from reputable institutions like mortgage banks, real estate companies, housing regulatory agencies, construction companies, housing finance firms and from various countries including USA, UK, South Africa, Kenya, Morocco, India, China, UAE, Ghana, Rwanda, will speak on this year’s theme which is; ‘’Driving Sustainable Housing Finance Models in the Midst of Global Uncertainty.’’
Also top among the international guests, he said include, Lew Shulman, the CEO and Chairman of the Board, iBUILD Global Incorporated, USA; Debra Erb, Managing Director of Housing Programs for the Overseas Private Investment Corporation; Kecia Rust, Executive Director and founder of the Centre for Affordable Housing Finance in Africa (CAHF); Anders Lindquist, Founder and President, Business Development at EchoStone housing; Robert Hornsby, CEO of American Homebuilders of West Africa (AHWA); Olivia Caldwell, Principal at the Affordable Housing Institute (AHI); Mounia Tagma, Regional Manager, Affordable Housing Institute, Morocco; Andrew Chimphondah, MD of Shelter Afrique, and many more.
Adebayo said: “Foreign ministers of works and housing like Samuel Atta Akyea from Ghana and others from countries like Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa and many more have confirmed participation for this year’s event. This delegation also includes international diplomats and high commissioners representing governments and international organisations. These high level participants will hope to adapt whatever resolutions that had been agreed upon at the show in their respective countries and organisations for the advancement of housing and construction initiatives.
“The show will also host international exhibitors of housing and construction wares, affordable mortgage, building construction materials, home interior decorations, home and office furniture, roofing sheets, blinds, tiles, mixing and interlocking machines, paints, home lighting, cement and many more innovations in the global industry.
“International contractors, investors, developers and mortgage banks will also participate at the show to favourably compete in an atmosphere of excellence, innovation and creativity where bargains are very affordable for the buyers.
“High level sessions like the CEOs Forum, Housing Finance Conference and Stakeholders Panels, among others will dominate this year’s show with the mandate of establishing realisable goals and objectives for housing development. “