From IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
The Edo state governor Mr Godwin Obaseki is expected to grace the opening ceremony of this year shelter conference in Benin City.
The conference which is the second edition will be Chaired by the past president of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, and former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development in Lagos State, Tpl Toyin Ayinde and other renowned industry experts.
According to the convener of the conference Architect Cecilia O. Atohengbe, is scheduled to take place in Benin City between Monday, September 25th and Friday, September 29th, 2023.
The conference is a platform to address and profered solution to the critical issues affecting housings need of the people.The conference will feature range of activities including informative workshops, insightful presentations, and thought-provoking panel discussions that will centre on affordable housing,
According to the MD of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Mr Kelvin Uwaibi, the Shelter Conference presents a unique opportunity for businesses and investors to make a lasting impact in the housing sector. With a focus on Edo State, this event is your gateway to a thriving real estate market. By investing in Edo’s real estate sector, you not only secure lucrative returns but also contribute to the region’s growth and development”,Uwaibi noted.
The Edo State Government is enthusiastic about actively participating in the Shelter Conference, where it will showcase its achievements in the realms of shelter and affordable housing through the Edo State Development and Property Corporation (ESDPC).
During a recent steering committee meeting, Commissioner for Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development, Isoken Omo, highlighted the Government’s keen interest in the Shelter Conference. She emphasized that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government views the event as a unique opportunity to showcase its revolutionary achievements and investment prospects in the real estate sector.
“All our city expansion projects are guided by the Edo State 30-Year Masterplan. The Emotan Garden phases one to three, the Golf Mews apartments, the Coral City Project, Cultural District, Medical City and many more are integral components of the development plan formulated by the people of Edo and their government,” Omo elucidated.
She further stated, “We acknowledge that we have less than one year left so we are working diligently to meet the targets set by Governor Godwin Obaseki, and participating in the upcoming Shelter Conference will enable us to demonstrate our efforts to those who can collaborate effectively with the government.”
Architect Cecilia Atohengbe ardently believes that collaborative efforts and data-driven solutions are paramount in addressing the formidable housing challenges faced by Nigeria. She asserted. The housing sector transcends the mere provision of shelter; it is a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and the enhancement of the living standards of Nigerians.
The Conference will spotlight on key development projects, including the ambitious proposal for a 300,000-unit mass housing project, reaffirming Edo State’s unwavering commitment to diminishing the housing deficit.
Over 500 participants from across Nigeria, including government officials, developers, researchers, financial institutions, and various professionals from the construction industry are expected at the conference. Nigeria’s alarming housing deficit, estimated at over 22 million units, presents a formidable challenge that affects millions of Nigerians.