…Award should be a catalyst for greater accomplishments – Osidi
In recognition of its contributions to providing housing finance solutions, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, under the visionary leadership of the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Shehu Usman Osidi was on Saturday, December 14, 2024, honoured with the prestigious award of Best Housing Finance Solution at the 6th Edition of the Africa Housing Awards 2024.
This was made known in a release signed by the Group Head, Corporate Communications, Mrs. Virginia Jang.
The event, tagged “Industry End of Year Dinner 2024” held at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, and was targeted at recognizing and honouring individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to housing sector development.
In a goodwill message, the FMBN head lauded the organizer, Barr. Festus Adebayo, and HDAN, for their unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable housing development and driving impactful conversations around affordable housing.
Describing HDAN as a steadfast and invaluable partner to the Bank, Osidi affirmed that collaborating with HDAN has been a testament to what can be achieved when like-minded institutions come together with shared goals. He reflected on the FMBN Day observed during the Africa International Housing Show in July, 2024, noting that the ‘special platform’ enabled the Bank to showcase its strategic initiatives, deepen its engagements with stakeholders, and amplify its message of providing affordable housing to Nigerians. “It also underscored HDAN’s dedication to spotlighting the pivotal role of institutions like ours in addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit,” he added.
He asserted the significance of the event, affirming that “a society that recognizes and rewards merit is creating a platform for advancement and progress.” “By recognizing achievements and contributions to the development of the housing sector, the Africa Housing Awards inspires us all to do more,” he remarked.
Osidi further outlined some key milestones by the Bank, stating that through strategic partnerships, innovative financing models, and stakeholder engagement, FMBN is deepening access to affordable housing and supporting Nigerians to achieve their homeownership aspirations. He noted some of these efforts to include provision of a N100 Billion off-takers’ Guarantee to facilitate the delivery of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates across Nigeria, beginning with the Renewed Hope Cities housing project in Karsana, Abuja, as well as the introduction of new products like Rent Assistance, Non-Interest Mortgage and Diaspora NHF Mortgage, amongst others.
While congratulating all the awardees, Osidi noted that the awards confirm the impact they are making through their work and contributions, which are critical to the realization of the shared vision for the housing sector. “Let this recognition be a catalyst for even greater accomplishments,” he urged.
Chairman of the occasion, Arc. Musa Sada, while welcoming the attendees, noted that the platform was to honour deserving players, while sparking discussions on ideas to produce more houses, come up with regulations for a favourable housing sector environment, enhance social housing which 80% of Nigerians rely on, amongst other matters.
The event featured the induction of two prominent personalities into the Affordable Housing Hall of Fame. These were Mrs. Olajumoke Akinwunmi, the Partner/Managing Director of Alitheia Capital Ltd., and Prof. Olumide Olusanya, a Professor of Architecture from the University of Lagos.
Awards of various categories were presented to men and women of all sectors who had distinguished themselves through their contributions to housing sector development. Notably, the Housing Friendly Governor of the Year went to the Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, whose award was received by the FMBN MD, Shehu Osidi, the Urban Planning Governor of the Year, given to Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto of Sokoto State, the Housing Friendly Senator of the Year, Senator Aliyu Wammako, the Africa Housing Minister of the Year, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa and the Housing Friendly Legislator of the Year, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin.
Others were the Leading Woman in Real Estate presented to Mrs. Oluwayemisi Itodo of Platinum Mortgage Bank, Hajiya Risikatu Ahmed, the MD/CEO of Aso Savings Ltd. and Lami Ayuba as the Quintessential Female Town Planner of the Year amongst other categories, including Best Building Materials, Best Solar Company of the Year, Life Achievement Award and so on.
It was an evening of glitz and glamour as the Executive Director, Loans and Mortgage Services of the Bank, Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdu, and top management staff of the Bank, including the Group Head, Corporate Communications, Mrs. Virginia Jang, the Group Head, Field Operations, Mrs. Felicia Aningo, the Group Head, Project Finance, Mr. Mohammed Jibo, the Group Head, National Housing Fund, Mr. Uche Ihejirika and others, joined the MD/CE of the Bank on stage to receive the award.
