Housing Minister Calls for Continuous  Collaboration with Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders of Nigeria. Minister of State for  Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo has called  for continuous collaboration between the ministry and the Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders of Nigeria, (IMBLN), in order to ensure adherence to standard specifications in houses  construction by practitioners the in built  environment  The minister said the collaboration will creat a brighter future alongside achieving  overall economic growth in the country in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Tijjani Gwarzo made this call when he received the governing council of the IMBLN Institute led by it's President, Quantity Surveyor Hayatuddeen Atiku Awwal on a visit to his office. He said "As we continue to work towards our common goals of enhancing professionalism and fostering growth within the mortgage and real estate sectors, I encourage continued collaboration and dialogue between our ministry and the Institute," noting " together, we can overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and create a brighter future for our nation." Gwarzo noted "In line with our government's agenda to provide affordable housing and promote sustainable urban development, we acknowledge the importance of a robust regulatory framework and a skilled workforce. " He also described the Institute's role in setting prescribed rules and regulations that ensures adherence to best practices and ethical standards, a good measure to safeguard the interests of both consumers and professionals alike Accordingly, Gwarzo recognizes the crucial role played by the Institute in setting and reviewing standards, promoting research and development, and providing consultancy services  " Your efforts in organizing conferences, seminars, symposia, and meetings, contribute significantly to knowledge exchange and capacity building within our industries" he added. Speaking earlier, the President of the  Governing Board of the Institute of Mortgage Bankers and Lenders of Nigeria,  QS. Hayatuddeen Awwal, said the Institute has identified some challenges facing the housing sector with regard to home ownership and creation of jobs, saying collaboration with the ministry was the only way to tackle them  " wmWorking together with the ministry would unlock potentials in mortgage industry as well as drive positive changes the housing sector" he said  The President also explained  " ... through our activities, we strife to create an enabling environment for affordable housing and wealth creation for all Nigerians bearing in mind that the housing sector alone has the tendency to challenge the peculiar insecurity, job loss and death of artisans that is ravaging the country," He further expressed confidence  that  under the current leadership in the housing ministry, design and specification of houses will be standardised, pointing out that he has begun an advocacy on adopting Nigeria model in the built environment by scaling down features like using regular ceiling board instead of fixing POP and using Nigeria made doors instead of imported Turkish doors Adopting Nigeria model, he said, would enhance mortgage reforms that would ensure the acquisition of the  Renewed Hope Cities and Estates within the shortest possible time. On Mortgage facility open to informal sector of the nation, the President explained that the workers in informal  sectors of Nigeria are not exempted from accessing mortgaging facilities but they find it difficult to access it because mortgage officers are not patient enough to generate a statement of income that could qualify them for  accessibility since they  do not have a standard payslip. He further advised the mortgage bankers to exhibit patience and humility when engaging with them so as to promote inclusivity in home ownership through mortgage financing, disclosing that the Institute has begun talk with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria to liberalise to the informal sector. The Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders established by an Act of the National Assembly is mandated to regulate and professionalise the mortgage industry and housing thereby promoting transparency, ethical standards and professionalism in the sector.  It is also charged with the responsibility of capacity building, training, certifying and regulating the activities of property, mortgage and real estate industry ensuring their competency.   ...

Housing Minister Charges REDAN for Commitment, Professionalism ..... Sets Agenda for the new leadership  Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has charged the new leadership of Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria  (REDAN) to be committed to professionalism and make a difference in the delivery of Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed in providing affordable housing for Nigerians Dangiwa stated that the realization of the Presidential vision can only be possible through active involvement and collaboration  of Association like REDAN The Minister gave the charge when he received the new leadership of REDAN led by it's President, Akintoye Adeoye on a visit to his office.  REDAN serves as the principal agency and umbrella body of the organized real estate sector developers involving both public and private sector in the housing dekivery in Nigeria  He explained that the association play an impactful role in shaping the future of Housing and Urban Development in Nigeria, adding that the ministry aims at transforming the landscape of housing in Nigeria by driving historic housing reforms and increases access to affordable housing for Nigerians  Accordingly,  he urged the association to ensure rigorous adherence to its code of conduct, continuous professional development for its members, and also transparent mechanism for accountability. The Minister noted that moving the housing sector forward does not only require new policies, reforms, or investments but also integrity, reliability, and ethical conduct of those who are at the forefront of bringing the visions of the sector to life; ”It is only when our developers adhere strictly to ethical business practices, quality standards, and regulatory compliances, that we can assure the populace of the safety, durability, and affordability of their homes. This commitment to professionalism must be evident in every aspect of your  operations, from the planning stages to the delivery of each housing unit” he stated  Arc. Dangiwa also advised the Association to prioritize professionalism, dialogue, innovation, transparency, and accountability in their engagements with its members and external stakeholders. The minister also admitted that a partnership with stakeholders like REDAN would help the Ministry to achieve its aim of transforming the landscape of housing in Nigeria by driving historic housing reforms and increasing access to affordable housing for all Nigerians across all income brackets under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu. He said “By working together, we can explore innovative approaches to tackling the challenges to housing development and mobilize the much-needed resources to address the housing needs of our growing population”. Arc Dangiwa expressed confidence in the capacity of the new President, Adeoye to drive innovative change in the face of the myriad of issues presently facing the real estate sector. “I have no doubt that under your stewardship, REDAN will play a more impactful role in shaping the future of housing and urban development in Nigeria. Speaking earlier, the president REDAN, Akintoye Adeoye expressed satisfaction on what the ministry has achieved so far in the housing sector and commended the minister for being a front burner of Renewed Hope Agenda. He said that, Redan as a group would engage, collaborate and partner with the ministry to better the housing sector, and ensure regulation that will bring sanity in the sector thst can stand the test of time.  Adeoye used the occasion to invite the Minister to the REDAN Investiture ceremony scheduled to take place on 23rd May, 2024 to adopt the Renewed Hope Agenda into their program.   ...

Housing Perm Sec, Ogunbiyi Receives Pacesetter Award from Alma Mater .....Institutes award for the best graduating student in Agricultural Science ....Award in recognition of contribution to service, trailblazers in own field - HOD Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, PHD, was honoured with the prestigious Pacesetter Award by the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Federal University Technology, Akure, Ondo State.   The award was in recognition of his pacesetting contributions as the first alumnus of the department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering to be appointed as a Federal Permanent Secretary as well as his outstanding contributions to the growth of the Federal Civil Service and humanity at large.   Dr. Ogunbiyi was one of the students in the second set of students admitted in the Federal University of Technology (FUTA) in 1983 and he graduated in 1988 from the university.      Ogunbiyi said in his remarks " Today is great a day in the history of my life because being recognised and honoured by your own people is indeed a great thing to happen to you and I am very appreciative for this."   He noted that the award was a recognition of qualities, attainments, character, adding that it is call for him to manifest more of positive qualities and achievements.      To his co -awardees, he said, " .. I see this recognition as a challenge to us today from all works and more representation from the department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering and most especially more service to our university."   Similarly, Ogunbiyi advised the Students of FUTA to imbibe the culture of hard work and take advantage of the quality education being taught in the university, as well as the good advises given by their dedicated lecturers, saying that those would take them to places and make them attain important status in life.   He urged the students to respect the institution of learning by obeying instructions and also shun cultism.   Earlier in his address, Head of Department, Agricultural and Environmental department, Prof. Ayo Ajayi, explained that the pacesetter award recognizes the alumni that have been trailblazers in their fields, setting new standards of excellence and innovations. He added that the awardees for the prestigious pacesetters have not only excelled in their careers but have also made significant contributions in their societal growth demonstrating the truth leadership at service. While emphasizing on the impact of the advise and education he received from FUTA, he said he would not have expected to pass his examination for permanent secretary as an engineer because he was not armed with information like the officers in administration department who are naturally armed with the knowledge of several reforms needed when writing such examination.   He explained that, with the values of hard work, dedication and commitment to one's vision inculcated in him by the revered, selfless and dedicated lecturers in the department,  he emerged first out of the 24 candidates from his states who sat for the examination.    " If I, Marcus Ogunbiyi can become a Permanent Secretary, all you students sitting here looking at me, if I can make it you are going to make it." he stated.   Giving back to the school that has given him a solid foundation to attain so much in life, Ogunbiyi has announced institution of Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi Award for the Best Graduating Student in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering with a price of five hundred thousand naira every year starting from the next convocation of the university.   The Permanent Secretary who had only visited the university just twice since he graduated 36 years ago while expressing elation at the award and homecoming said, " the reunion was very important. I crave the indulgence of both the alumni association and the department, and indeed the university to please organize such reunion or at least get some programme that will bring us to our alma mater," pledging to mend his way by making sure  he is regularly in touch with the university.   In her remark, the first female Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Prof Adenike Temitope Oladiji noted that the department of agricultural and environmental engineering has contributed massively to the growth and development of the university as many of the alumni of the departments have held several leadership positions in the university ranging from deputy vice chancellor and Dean of schools.   Oladiji appealed to the alumni of FUTA to consider giving scholarships to all types of students in the university, saying that they could be indigent students, best performing students depending on which category the alumni decide to choose.   She added, "we will also be looking up to you for funding of your universities," noting that most of the student hostels have become dilapidated and would need urgent renovation.   Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of award to15 Awardees in the categories of Pacesetters and remarkable achievement awards.   In attendance at the event were; the Imperial Ruler and Deji of Akure, Oba Dr Adetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi and Professor Emeritus, Ougbenga Ademosun, whom the awardees referred to as their mentors who moulded them for greatness. ...