By Dwelleth Morountodun
The promoter and convener of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), (formerly Abuja International Housing Show), Barr. Festus Adebayo, has said the 16th edition of the AIHS will be the nexus and rallying point for global players in housing and construction sector.
According to the Housing Guru, he averred that the housing show which commences from 25 to 28 July, is the answer to the pressing global need for a one stop shop where stakeholders from across the globe will interface to deliberate and offer solution to the emerging challenges in the construction sector.
He added that the convergence of players from different housing and construction background will proffer solutions, network, exhibit and introduce latest innovations to the market through sales and promotion.
The show, he said has been endorsed by governments and private sector leaders as an ideal platform to discuss the recent advances and research results in the fields of Housing and all related areas such as architecture, policy studies, education, interior architecture, city planning and urban studies.
He said: “The Africa International Housing Show brings together leading housing patrons, CEOs, academic, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Affordable Housing and Construction.
“It also provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, housing practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of Housing and Construction.”
According to him, the widely popular conference and exhibition show returns for its 16th year from 25th to 28th July 2022 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, Nigeria.
The event, he said will take a critical look at the roles and opportunities for all players in the housing market, including Investors, developers, local authorities, housing associations and their related advisers, whilst networking with the leading professionals in Housing from across the world. Much is happening currently, with the sector evolving rapidly, and lots of opportunities are emerging as a result.
The Conference allows all stakeholders to understand how the public and housing association sectors can work together to deliver Housing and how Private and Public Investment is a growing opportunity area.
Expressing optimism on the 2022 outing, he the ever-sold-out show gives international participants the chance to be fully updated on what is going on, accumulate some experience and network with the leading figures in the industry.
On international speakers expected at the conference, he explained that 30 speakers from at least 15 countries will be speaking at this year’s event.
He said: “The speakers who are drawn from reputable institutions like mortgage banks, real estate companies, housing regulatory agencies, construction companies, housing finance firms etc. and from various countries including USA, UK, Canada, South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, India, China, UAE, Ghana, Liberia and Rwanda speak on this year’s theme which is; “Housing for All – The Role of Governments in Creating an Effective Enabling Environment.’’
The speakers include, the former Minister of Housing, City and Territory of Columbia, Jonathan Malagon, Director of International Housing Finance Program Wharton School University of Pennsylvania, USA, Dr. Marja C. Hoek-Smit; Partner and Chief Economist, PWC Nigeria, Mr. Andrew S. Nevin; World Bank Lead Team Nigeria, Bertine Kamphuis; Chairman, iBUILD Global Incorporated, USA, Lew Schulman; Chairman of the Mortgage Finance Fund, Egypt, Mrs. Abdel Hamid; Executive Director and founder of the Centre for Affordable Housing Finance in Africa (CAHF), Kecia Rust; World Bank Lead Team Nigeria, Bertine Kamphuis; Associate Principal at Miyamoto International, USA, Olivia (Caldwell) Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer, Reall UK and Ian Shapiro, renown housing expert.
The others are: Foreign ministers of works and housing from Ghana and others from countries like Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa and many more have confirmed participation for this year’s event. This delegation also includes international diplomats and high commissioners representing governments and international organisations.
According to him, these high-level participants will hope to adapt whatever resolutions that had been agreed upon at the show in their respective countries and organisations for the advancement of housing and construction initiatives.
The show will also host international exhibitors of housing and construction wares, affordable mortgage, building construction materials, home interior decorations, home and office furniture, roofing sheets, blinds, tiles, mixing and interlocking machines, paints, home lighting, cement and many more innovations in the global industry.
International contractors, investors, developers and mortgage banks will also participate at the show to favourably compete in an atmosphere of excellence, innovation and creativity where bargains are very affordable for the buyers.
High level sessions like the CEOs Forum, Housing Finance Conference and Stakeholders Panels, among others will dominate this year’s show with the mandate of establishing realisable goals and objectives for housing development.
With over 40, 000 participants and 400 + exhibitors, the importance of this year’s event cannot be overemphasised as Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo will lead a strong delegation of top public officials, governors, ministers, legislators, commissioners, all housing and construction association leaders and private sector CEOs to declare the event open.
Meanwhile, one of UK based leading bathroom manufacturers, Utopia, is set to debut with several global brands at the 16th edition.
The outfit will be showcasing its latest innovative bathroom technology products and services, while also leveraging both local and international collaborations to boost its operations.
Utopia Furniture Group is the UK’s leading manufacturer of complete bathroom solutions, supplying complete bathrooms each year, more than any other manufacturer in the UK, he added.
With over 30 years, Utopia has been designing and manufacturing bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, worktops, mirrors and accessories in the UK and offers these through a network of over 600 selected retailers covering the UK and Ireland.
He said: “As the best seller and supplier of original fitted furniture, brassware and showers, sanitary ware, the UK based company also provides a full range of baths, shower screens, lighting, taps and tiles to enhance and complement the overall look and appearance of bathrooms and add that extra special wow factor.
“All baths are manufactured and supplied with Resinite technology, providing a triple layer reinforcement and a 5mm ICI Acrylic top Coat for extra strength, rigidity and longevity. Baths are supplied with a 30year guarantee against manufacturing defects. All baths are supplied Undrilled and are delivered with a protective film to prevent scratching.
“AIHS provides the platform to share competitive ideas, cutting edge innovations and influence public and private policies that will enable housing and construction sector development. The show is organized by the International Housing and Construction Show Limited.
