Mrs. Abimbola Fashola (L) cutting the tape to launch the 9th Lagos Housing Fair while Alhaji Lateef Jakande (M) and other participants look on.
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola (R) listening to an exhibitionist during the 9th Lagos Housing Fair.Apr 27, 2009 - 9th Lagos Housing Fair
I congratulate Lagos State Radio Service in partnership with Beachland Resources Limited, organisers of this 9th Lagos Housing Fair with the theme “Quality Assurance in Housing Delivery”.
Shelter as we all know is the second most important need of man after food. It is therefore a vital indicator used in measuring the level of welfare of people and the growth of the economy.
Provision of decent and affordable housing for the citizenry is a major challenge especially for cities such as Lagos with ever growing population. This challenge also brings with it great investment opportunities for both local and foreign investors to partner with government in meeting the housing demand of the populace.
One critical challenge faced by individuals in home ownership is that of getting the right information on matters relating to land acquisition, mortgage financing, usage of the right building materials and so on. This forum provides an avenue for all stakeholders in the housing sector to come together, exchange ideas and knowledge on new developments that will move this sector forward.
A major challenge facing the industry is the increasing cost of building materials which has made home ownership a difficult task for many. One of the ways we can address this problem is to start looking inwards by promoting our indigenous local material and reduce our dependence on imported material for building; this will go a long way in reducing construction cost and make housing more affordable for the low and middle income earners. Our research institutes, tertiary institutions and professional bodies should take up this challenge to continuously engage in activities that will lead to the development and promotion of alternative local materials and products.
Once again, I commend the Lagos State Radio Service and Beach Land Resources Limited for organising this fair and pray that this edition will be more successful and rewarding than the previous ones.
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege and pleasure to declare this 9th Lagos Housing Fair open to the glory of God.
Thank you and God bless you all.
Eko o ni baje o!
Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State