A nonagenarian, Prof. Akinlawon Ladipo Mabogunje, Mallam Ibrahim
Aliyu, and nine others have been inducted as 2021 Affordable Housing
Hall of Fame.
The event organized as African Housing Awards 2021 was hosted by the
leading Non-governmental advocacy organization, Housing Development
Advocacy Network, (HDAN) at the International Conference Centre,
(ICC), Abuja on Friday December 10, 2021.
Prof Akin Mabogunje as he is popularly called is a Nigerian
geographer. He was the first African president of the International
Geographical Union. In 1999, he was the first African to be elected as
a Foreign Associate of the United States National Academy of Sciences.
On his part, Mallam Ibrahim Aliyu is currently the Chairman of Urban
Shelter Limited. He also provides leadership to many businesses in
Nigeria.
Other notable individuals among the inductees were Arch. Femi Adewole,
a housing finance professional and chartered architect with over 25
years experience leading housing initiatives across Sub Sahara Africa
and the United Kingdom. Before his appointment as the MD of Family
Homes Funds, he was MD of Shelter Afrique and Prof. Timothy Nubi,
Housing finance and Urban Regeneration experts. He is the current
Chairman, Housing Committee University of Lagos and the Director of
Foundation Studies. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles and
supervised over 40 postgraduate level theses.
Other inductees into the Affordable Housing Hall of Fame were Prince
Seyi Lufadeju, Arc Sam Odia, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, and Mr Ezekiel Ojo.
Others were Prof. Olumide Olusanya, Rev (Sur.) Ugochukwu Chime, and
Brig. Gen Tunde Reis (Rtd).
According to the organizers of the event, HDAN unveiled affordable
housing hall of fame with the aim of celebrating and honouring those
who have contributed immensely to affordable housing delivery for
Nigerians.
The hall of fame is to spotlight well deserving individuals who have
exemplarily contributed positively to the growth of the housing sector
while recognizing other Nigerians whose works and undying legacies
have continued to inspire millions of people based on their impactful
contributions to affordable housing and development in Nigeria.
The 11 inductees were individuals whose legacies can be seen in the
area of advocating for proper regulation of the real estate sector in
Nigeria.
The idea, according to HDAN, would help “encourage more people, either
as a state governor, as a president, as minister to do more for
affordable housing.”
Recalled that United States of America, the United Kingdom, Singapore,
Malaysia had at various times celebrated their heroes of affordable
housing, NOW is the time for us in Nigeria also to celebrate our
geniuses of affordable housing for the future generation to know those
who have really worked for affordable housing in the country.
