It was a rain of tributes yesterday for the Managing Director of Africa’s pioneer and foremost housing advocacy group, the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), Festus Adebayo, as he was conferred honourary membership of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP).
Adebayo has been receiving glowing commendations from loved ones, most especially stakeholders in the housing sector, describing the new development as deserving and worthwhile.
According to Tpl. Olutoyin Ayinde, President of NITP who conferred the honour on Adebayo and four other recipients at the institute’s 53rd annual conference in Abuja, the honour was given in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development of town planning in the country, with the goal of promoting best practices and networking opportunities through special media coverages.
Ayinde in his speech, noted that Adebayo who is a lawyer with other interests spanning banking and finance, real estate and brand communications, has through his media institution, contributed to the growth of the profession whilst also advocating provision of mass affordable housing across the African continent.
The Chairman, Board of Trustees, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Oluseyi Luadeju in his congratulatory speech said; “Big congratulations to you dear Tpl Festus Adebayo, the affordable housing guru on your conferment with honorary membership of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners by the President of the Institute Tpl Toyin Ayinde, FNITP. Together with five others, this would mark the first time of such an award by the Institute. Well done!”
Also, the Chief Executive Officer, Financing and Partnerships Africa Ltd. (FINPAR), Emmanuel Akinwumi said; “Congratulations to my 3 in 1 brother, friend and colleague in housing development. Honour well deserved. A challenge to do much more in national development in the coming years. Kudos to the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners for honouring our deserving patriot. Congratulations!
In his goodwill message, the immediate past Managing Director of Family Homes Funds Limited, Femi Adewole congratulated Adebayo, saying “this a recognition of your commitment sometimes at great personal cost.”
Similarly, Edo State Commissioner for Housing, Isoken Omo said; “Congratulations to a dear brother & friend. Tpl Festus Adebayo, so well deserved. Proud to be associated with you.”
“Highly welcome and indisputably well deserved recognition and Honour; CONGRATULATIONS TPL Barrister Festus Adebayo. Your commitment, dedication, foresight and vigorous pursuit of basic human environmental comfort in Nigeria and beyond is amazing!!!!!!!. More and more rewards are coming your way to the glory of God Almighty”, says Board of Trustees Chairman, Nigeria Institute Of Architects, Arc. Gabriel Aduku.
Otunba Sola Enitan in his own congratulatory message said; “Congratulations to you on this laudable recognition as a Planner of Cities and Builder of Nations. We love you.”
President of the Association of Housing Corporation of Nigeria (AHCN), VICTOR ONUKWUGHA said; “Congratulations to our own TPL Barr Festus Adedayo on your well deserved award.”
Reacting, the HDAN boss appreciated the leadership of NITP and entire members of the institute for the historic honour.
While noting that the honorary membership is a call to do more for the development of physical planning and urban development in Nigeria, Adebayo restated his continued commitment to the growth of the profession and the entire housing industry ecosystem.
“Recognitions like this demonstrate that we are doing something right, and I want to assure you and the entire housing stakeholders that we will continue to leverage platforms and constructive synergy to strengthen our advocacy at all levels.
“We pledge to do everything in our power to ensure that planning is prioritized in the nation’s built and construction industry, as well as that it remains central to our decisions in every aspect and dimension of our daily lives, and this is more than a rallying cry for service excellence,” he said.
