MINISTER GWARZO ADVOCATES INCLUSIVITY TO PROMOTE WOMEN DEVELOPMENT    The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo has urged stakeholders in construction industry to invest in initiatives that can encourage gender equality and creates an environment where women can excel.   The Minister was speaking as a Special Guest at a conference hosted by Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors on "ARe - SuRe - Gender Diversification of Construction Industry Workforce: Attracting, Recruiting, Supporting, and  Retaining  Women Graduates" a research project aimed at understanding the obstacles hindering women from taking up employment in the construction workforce in Nigeria.   According to him women bring unique skills, perspectives, and problem solving that can enhance construction projects, promote sustainable practice, and foster a collaborative working environment.    To this end the Minister said the Conference was a significant platform to address the longstanding underrepresented of women in the construction sector, adding that embracing diversity means upholding fairness and equality while it will unlock a wealth of untapped potential to drive the industry forward.   He therefore called on the participants explore strategies and initiatives that will foster a more inclusive and equitable workforce that will harness the immense potential that women can bring into the sector.   Minister Gwarzo then commended the resilience and commitment of the organisers of the conference for aligning with President Bola Ahmad Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda on inclusivity saying it will reshape the industry, foster culture of inclusivity, respect, and opportunity.   On his part the chairman of the Conference Professor Muhammad  A. Mainoma, mni Vice Chancellor Prime University, Abuja  has said that community engagement and outreach are essential aspects of promoting gender diversification in the construction industry workforce.   Professor Mainoma further stated that leadership commitment is vital to set the tone for the entire industry and create an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.   ...

Retirement Offers Exceptional Individuals Enjoy Fruits of their Labour - Gwarzo  Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, has described retirement as a deserved opportunity for exceptional individuals to rest, reflect and enjoy the fruits of their labour. The Minister made the remarks at the send forth ceremony organised by the Ministry for a retiring Director and Head of Department of Engineering Services,  Engr Cyril Ogu Onyeneke  Engr. Onyeneke retired from Federal service after completing his normal service life cycle at 60 years Gwarzo described the outgoing director as an exceptional and humble man, who  dedicated his life to the service of the Nation. He also commended the Director for the proficiency he exhibited in his skills throughout his service years, stating that he was leaving a vital role in the Engineering department of the Ministry. While expresing sadness that the Director would be greatly missed, he further wished him a retirement filled with peace, happiness and fulfillment of expression and best of luck in his future endeavors. “As we bid you farewell from the civil Service, we do so with deep gratitude and profound respect, your contribution has left an indelible mark in our Ministry and the Nation at large;  As you embark on this journey, I have full confidence that your wealth of knowledge and experience would continue to positively impact the society in different capacity” Gwarzo stated Earlier in a welcome remark, Director Planning, Research and Statistics, Bala Muhammad Saulawa who represented the Permanent Secretary,, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, wished Engr. Onyeneke a very happy, successful and enjoyable life after retirement. He prayed that those still in service will also live to celebrate a successful retirement in due time. Delivering his vote of thanks, the retiring Director Engr. Cyril Onyenke expressed happiness that he was leaving the service in a glorious way and a satisfied Man. He thanked the Honorable Ministers for their tutelage, the Permanent Secretary, his fellow directors as well as his subordinates in the engineering department for their cooperation during the course of their work. The event was graced by some retired Directors, serving Directors and staff of the Ministry, family, friends and well wishers of the celebrant, who wished him well in his future endeavours. ...

Housing Ministry Holds Top Management Retreat on Implementation of Performance Management System   The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban has organised a two day retreat for the Top Management on the implementation of Performance Management System (PMS) in the Ministry.   The retreat was for directors and heads of units in the Ministry and its agencies; Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria,  Federal Housing Authority and office of the Surveyor General of the Federation.   Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, in his introductory remarks restated the commitment of the Ministry to sustaining and strengthening its structures, in line with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP 25).   "This retreat will provide opportunity to identify Presidential priorities, operational and Service Wide for all Departments as well as Key Performance Indicators (KPI), Key Result Areas (KRAs), targets that will be cascaded down to the various Departments " he said.   He noted that based on the ongoing reforms in the FCSSIP25, there was a need for re-engineering of the Ministry's processes with a view to ensure performance and delivery of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.   Dr Ogunbiyi also explained that the retreat was to review and agree on set targets and deliverables and also validate the documents that were developed by a Team of Officers from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and for signing of the Performance Contract between the Permanent Secretary and  Directors and Heads of Units.   Accordingly,  he stated that the Ministry with his support has achieved the implementation of the Ministerial Performance Management System (MPMS) and Ministerial deliverables.   In his welcome remarks, the Director Planning Research and Statistics,  Muhammed Bala Saulawa described the retreat as a new journey for the staff of the Ministry to enhance their performance and productivity with the contract signing with the Permanent Secretary on their performance   " Today, we take a crucial step towards strengthening our commitment to excellence and effectiveness in delivering our mandates. Our PMS is designed to streamline our processes, improve our outputs and ultimately, enhance the quality of our services for the nation" he said.   Saulawa expressed appreciation to partners and stakeholders who have supported the Ministry in this endeavor. ...