From 23rd to 26th July 2019, over 30, 000 local and international stakeholders will convene at the prestigious International Conference Abuja for the 13th Abuja International Housing Show (AIHS).
As Africa’s largest event on housing and construction, stakeholders are always excited to attend the show which offers them premium opportunities to learn, network, exhibit and make sales.
This year’s edition will be declared open by the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo alongside the governors of Lagos, Bauchi and Edo. Other top dignitaries includes former and present presidents, governors, ministers, ambassadors, foreign ministers, permanent secretaries, directors, commissioners, and CEOs.
As the show draws near, a lot of stakeholders are speaking on why they cannot afford to miss out of this year’s highly anticipated edition.
According to Mutiu Adelaja, a ranking property developer, Abuja International Housing Show gives him access to his best clients. ‘’Since I became a property developer, this is the show where I come to get off-takers and buyers for my developed or soon to be developed properties. I know this conference brings all kinds of professionals together, including buyers and sellers. This year, like the past years, I will be attending as a seller of properties and I can’t wait,’’ he said.
In the same vein, Fredrick Amadi, a mortgage executive whose bank is one of the major sponsors of this year’s show said that the Abuja International Housing Show presents his bank the opportunity to meet customers in need of affordable housing mortgages.
Andrew Audu is a real estate agent who said he is looking forward to meeting an investment company at this year’s show. ‘’My colleagues have all strike up great investment deals at this show. I believe this year is my turn,’’ he said excitedly.
For Ude Ugo, it is the opportunity to meet and network with global leaders in housing and construction that really has him enthusiastic. International housing expert, Debra Erb of Overseas Private Investment Corporation, USA, will lead a strong delegation of international investors and experts to Nigeria for this year’s show.
Over 30 speakers from at least 15 countries will be speaking at this year’s event. The speakers who are drawn from reputable institutions like mortgage banks, real estate companies, housing regulatory agencies, construction companies, housing finance firms etc. and from various countries including USA, UK, South Africa, Kenya, Morocco, India, China, UAE, Ghana, Rwanda etc. will speak on this year’s theme which is; ‘’Driving Sustainable Housing Finance Models in the Midst of Global Uncertainty.’’
Top among the international guest list at this year’s edition includes, 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.
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. It is therefore a privileged platform for the highest level networking in housing.
Others including Paul Benjamin, a young career officer would relish the opportunity to attend the Not Too Young To Own A Home session where young people are exposed to better career opportunities, home ownership prospects and forums to network with industry leaders from across the world.
The sole dream for Ukeje Vincent is to own a home this year. With past testimonies of people acquiring affordable homes from developers at the show, Ukeje is determined to make his dream come true this year.
The opportunities at Abuja International Housing Show are too numerous to mention. It offers stakeholders the platform to discuss about sector trends and provides buyers and sellers a convenient atmosphere for beneficial trade and investments. It’s an event for all in the housing and construction sector.
By Ojonugwa Felix Ugboja
