Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Thursday, will join experts and stakeholders within the housing and property development industry to address the issues of the housing deficit in the country with a view to affordability and sustainability.
This was disclosed by the organisers of the National House Fair, Bstan group, in a chat with our correspondent on Wednesday.
Speaking with The PUNCH, the convener of the National House Fair, Becky Olubukola, stated that making affordable homes accessible to all Nigerians influenced her decision to bring together relevant stakeholders so as to end the not-so-difficult housing challenge adding that it remained her priority and passion.
According to the convener, the event themed, “Youth and Women in Economic Growth and Development: The Future”, is geared towards strengthening trade and investment opportunities in the area of housing and would offer an open atmosphere for private individuals, companies, trade groups and government to have equitable access to housing.
She added that it would provide the platform for major players in the industry to address the issues of housing deficit in Nigeria.
She said, “The idea behind the National House Fair is our love for Nigerians, it is the passion that built the National house fair. It is the idea to build and make affordable homes available to all Nigerians which has been our core value. The kind of houses most people build now are not accessible. Affordable homes are considered scarce and we are doing all with our powers to make shelter available without breaking the bank for all Nigerians.
“The national house fair is now beyond housing, other sectors are now involved, it is an economy builder. In this year’s edition, we are talking about reforms in other sectors and not just housing, we will be looking at housing, health, educational and leadership reforms. We will be talking about youth and women’s empowerment.
“It is a major bridge for nation building, it is also a place to get the cheapest and most affordable homes in Nigeria because, at this year’s event, over three thousand houses are ready to be sold. We have partnered with several other estate firms to partake in the event and the properties will be sold at an unbeatable 20% discount. Beyond that, we have 10 plots of land worth millions of naira going for free.”
The event now in its sixth edition is expected to feature several activities, including discounts on properties, exhibitions, freebies, panel discussions and a raffle draw.
Some keynote speakers expected at the event include the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on housing, Mrs Adetoke Benson-Awoyinka, the Managing Director, Nigerian Export Processing Zone, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, CEO, Optiva Capital Partners, Jane Nechi, Pastor, Transforming Church, Isaiah Emmanuel, President, Prudent Women Organisation, Mrs Msurshima Chenge and Directing Staff, National Defense Academy, Brig. Gen. Dele Arogundade.
Some monarchs expected to grace the three-day event include the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal; Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse; Sultan of Sokoto, Sheik Muhammadu Abubakar; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Minister of State for works and housing, Umar El-Yakub and Oba Saheed Elegushi.
Other important personalities billed to grace the occasion include the Minister of Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare and Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing, Senator Sam Egwu.
[Punch]
