The Guardian has again emerged tops in the Nigeria Housing Awards (NHA) at the presentation ceremony held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
The Property & Environment Editor, Chinedum Uwaegbulam won the Housing & Environment Reporter of the year for his series of exclusive stories in the real estate sector.
Earlier in the year, Uwaegbulam was also honoured by the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI), Nigeria chapter, as the best journalist in the real estate sector for 2016.
In the NHA, Kwara State Housing Corporation took Housing Corporation of the year, while Mrs. Mercy Iyorter, president, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors picked up the President of the Professional Bodies of the year award.
For the second year running, the Millard Fuller Foundation won the award for the Affordable Housing Project of the Year 2017; Nigeria Mortgage Mortgage Refinance Company (Housing & Mortgage Innovation Award); Window Story (Innovative Window Blind of the yar).
Similarly, Trust Bond Mortgage Bank plc was bestowed with Mortgage Bank of the year and Flora Anne (Television Presenter (housing programme) of the year; Royal Ceramic Company Limited won Ceramic Company of the year.
The Nigeria housing construction and industry awards 2017 drew its support from Trade Union Congress, professional bodies in the Nigeria construction industry and major housing related agencies such as Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company Plc.
Chairman of the occasion, Senator Osita Izunaso who bagged Housing Promoter Personality of the year, urged the private developers and mortgage operators to make housing affordable for the down trodden in the society.
He called for a proper mortgage system that supports social housing and ensures affordability for prospective homeowners.
Mr. Kunle Fadeti, a member of the NHA board of directors, explained that the award recognizes, appreciates the hardworking, excellent and innovative companies and personalities in the sector.
He said that nomination for this years’ award were made by various stakeholders, professionals and the general public who participated in an online poll, which was collated by a reputable accounting firm.
According to him, the award is transparent and meant to create competition, promote standardization and ethical practice in the wide spectrum of the real estate sector.
Marc Philips
