AIHS: 200 CEOs converge on Abuja to tackle recurrent housing challenges

NO fewer than 200 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) from varied firms and institutions in the housing, construction, business industries across Africa and the world will converge on Abuja, next week, for the 17th edition of  the popular Abuja International Housing Show (AIHS).

Besides, the renowned experts are expected to provide housing market forecasts and examine issues such as employment, home prices, production, demand and supply.

According to the Coordinator of the AIHS and Managing Director, Fesabdeb Communications, Mr Festus Adebayo, the nation’s premier property exhibition and forum, would be the biggest convergence of such important figures sharing ideas, experience and expertise on how to lead a more effective and financially inclusive industry.

Some of them  guest speakers at the forum include the managing director, Oct 5 Real Estate, Babajide Odusolu: CEO, Millard Fuller Housing Foundation, Sam Odia; Managing Director, UPDA, Odunayo Ojo; Founder, Eximia Realty, Hakeem Ogunniran; Managing Director, Family Home Fund, Femi Adewole; Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Olukayode Pitan; Director, International Housing Finance Program, Wharton School, University of Pensylvania, Marja Hoek-Smit;  CEO, Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company, Kehinde Ogundimmu; President, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, Aliyu Wammako and MD/CEO, Shelter Afrique,  Andrew Chimphondah, among others

Adebayo pointed out that the CEOs’ forum would tackle several challenges, especially the recurrent ones in the housing sector, adding that over 200 CEOs in the real estate, mortgage housing finance, construction companies and professional institutions will be focusing on macro-economic and socio-political environment and impact of real estate market.

“The forum which is a gathering of high profile professionals who are founders and business owners will give an opportunity to present and discuss challenges facing their respective organisations and the way forward. It is a collaborative and supportive environment for leaders in Nigerian real estate industry support services and mortgage banks. Participating in the forum will increase high level business contact.’’

“It will equally provide an avenue for meeting counterparts from every part of the country and outside the country on networking business relations. With an ever changing world, it is indeed very timely to have all these top leaders converge for the sake of advancement. Various ideas and experiences from several places will greatly benefit the participants in forging more adaptable and effective models of operation.”

Talking on cross-fertilisation of information, the lead coordinator said the attending CEOs would proactively engage the show with first hand and authentic  information on a number of issues pertaining to the industry, pointing out that the most potent resource of the 21st century and especially in the housing and construction Sector is information.

“Things change quickly, and only those who can keep up will be able to compete and stay relevant in the industry. Having access to veritable information has always been one of the most important benefits for stakeholders who attend the AIHS.”

“A major highlight of the event is the showcase of innovative developments in the housing industry, paper presentations from experts and leading names in the industry,’ Adebayo said.