By Fatima Saka
The need for greater private-sector investment in innovative building materials and sustainable construction practices will take centre stage as stakeholders in the built environment converge for the 2026 Annual Lecture of the Property and Environment Writers’ Association of Nigeria (PEWAN).
The lecture, scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, at NECA House Conference Hall, Central Business District, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, will explore strategies for addressing Nigeria’s housing challenges through sustainable construction, effective facility management and innovative building solutions.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, is expected to attend as Special Guest of Honour, while the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UPDC Plc, Mr Odunayo Ojo, has been invited to chair the occasion.
With the theme, “Re-imagining Housing: Sustainability, Facility Management and Innovative Building Materials,” the event is expected to examine emerging approaches to improving housing delivery, construction standards and the long-term management of housing assets.
A major highlight of the lecture will be a presentation by the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of HBM Nigeria Plc, Mr Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, on “Innovative Building Materials: Place of the Private Sector.”
His presentation is expected to highlight how businesses and private investors can drive the adoption of modern building solutions, improve construction quality and contribute to sustainable housing development.
Also, the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Bldr. Florence Omolola Gbaye, has been nominated to deliver a goodwill message and receive a Special Recognition Award.
According to PEWAN, the recognition is in appreciation of her contributions and the achievements recorded by the agency since she assumed leadership, particularly in strengthening building control and promoting safer construction practices in Lagos State.
Similarly, HBM Nigeria Plc and its chief executive, Alade-Akinyemi, have been nominated for recognition over their contributions to innovation in the building materials sub-sector.
The awards are designed to recognise public- and private-sector operators, as well as individuals whose contributions have made significant impacts in their respective fields, particularly in quality, innovation and sustainable development.
Expected participants include built environment professionals, environmental science lecturers, government officials, real estate operators, non-governmental organisations, recyclers, students and other stakeholders in the housing and construction industries.
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Speaking ahead of the event, PEWAN Chairman, Mrs Okwy Chikezie, said the annual lecture was designed to provide a platform for informed discussions on developments, challenges and opportunities in the built environment, while promoting stronger collaboration between government and private-sector players.
The association, an umbrella body for journalists covering property and environmental issues across print, electronic and online media platforms, expressed optimism that the participation of industry leaders and professionals would generate practical ideas and policy recommendations for improving housing delivery in Nigeria.
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