Africa’s pioneer and foremost housing advocacy group, the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has decried what it described as the non-inclusion of many construction and housing professionals in the award of National Honours.

The advocacy group said given the prominent role that the housing and construction sector plays in the overall development of the country vis-à-vis contribution to welfare, provision of employment and the multiplier effect it can have on the overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it was indeed pitiful that individuals who have served the country at various levels in different professional bodies, federal and state government committees, regulatory boards etc are constantly being overlooked for the National Honours.

In a statement released by the Executive Director of HDAN, Festus Adebayo, he said that the names of many individuals who have served the country by dedicating decades of service into various professional bodies, committees, regulatory bodies and have come up with policies and projects that have been truly beneficial to the housing and construction sector are nowhere to be found during the National Honours Award, noting that not even up to five persons who fall into this category was included in this year’s list.

He stated, “It is very unfortunate that most of the persons getting the awards are the same politicians who have collectively and individually put the country in the current state that it is.

“Where are the technocrats and the professionals who have used their expertise to proffer real solutions to the problems of the country?”

Mr Adebayo recalled how during the 1970s, the Federal Government gives opportunities to professional bodies and associations to nominate its members who have truly distinguished themselves in service to the country.

The HDAN director called on the Federal Government to do more to encourage citizens who have put in their best and served with their strength for the betterment of the country, some of whom are even retired.

He added, “If the Federal government can find a way to reward these professionals for true service to the country, it will serve as encouragement to young professionals who are in the sector to also put in their best and serve their country too.”