Housing Minister, others laud Adebayo’s impact on Africa’s Housing Sector

The Africa Housing Awards 2024 turned into a resounding celebration of innovation, commitment, and advocacy in the housing sector, with glowing tributes paid to Festus Adebayo, the award-winning coordinator of the event and Executive Director of the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN).

Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development,  Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, praised Adebayo for his unwavering dedication to affordable housing advocacy and his impactful contributions to the housing industry in Africa.

“Festus Adebayo has been a critical voice in housing reforms, pushing for affordable housing solutions and creating platforms for constructive engagement between stakeholders,” Dangiwa remarked.

The Minister noted that through initiatives such as the Africa Housing Awards, Adebayo has inspired industry-wide collaboration and fostered a new wave of optimism for housing development in Nigeria.

Former Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals and chairman of the occasion,   Musa Sada,  lauded Adebayo’s efforts, describing him as a transformative leader in the housing sector.

Sada praised Adebayo’s pioneering work through Housing TV Africa and the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), which he described as the largest housing exhibition and conference platform on the continent.

“Festus Adebayo’s relentless drive has brought unprecedented attention and solutions to the housing challenges faced across Africa,” Sada said.

Abdulmumin Jibrin, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Habitat, added his voice to the tributes during his acceptance speech for the Housing Friendly Legislator of the Year award.

He hailed Adebayo as a workaholic, forthright, and courageous advocate whose passion for affordable housing has galvanized stakeholders. “I fondly refer to him as ‘Mr. Housing’ for his unmatched commitment to advancing affordable housing in Nigeria and beyond.

His initiatives have not only inspired us but also provided practical frameworks for sustainable development,” Jibrin said.

Festus Adebayo is widely regarded as a trailblazer in Africa’s housing industry. He is the founder of Housing TV Africa, the first specialized television station for the housing sector, which airs on Channel 149 StarTimes.

Adebayo’s Fesadeb Media Group pioneered the first syndicated housing program on national television channels like AIT, NTA, and TVC, further cementing his role as a leader in housing media advocacy.

In addition, he is the convener of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), a platform that brings together policymakers, developers, and other stakeholders to drive innovation and investment in housing.

Through the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), Adebayo has continued to engage governments on reforms aimed at creating an enabling environment for developers and promoting affordable housing.

The Africa Housing Awards 2024 provided a platform to recognize key achievements in housing advocacy, legislation, and innovation. Dignitaries, including policymakers, industry leaders, and professionals, came together to celebrate the collective strides made in addressing Africa’s housing challenges.

As the curtains closed on the event, Festus Adebayo’s name stood out as a symbol of excellence and tireless dedication to housing development, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and inspiring hope for a brighter housing future in Nigeria and Africa.