Over 150 Lives Lost in Mokwa Flood

Dr. Samson Opaluwah, chairman of CORBON, spoke after a tragic flood in Mokwa, Niger State, which killed more than 150 people. He offered his sympathy to the families affected and urged leaders at all levels to act fast. He stressed that yearly floods are not surprising they happen regularly and should be expected.

We Know the Problem Now Act

According to Dr. Opaluwah, Nigeria’s rainy and dry seasons are predictable. That’s why he believes local, state, and federal governments must have clear flood prevention plans each year. Instead of always reacting after damage has been done, he urged a shift toward preparing ahead of time.

He also called on the Ministry of Environment and climate agencies to stop delaying action. Nigeria has enough experts to handle the challenge what’s missing is urgency and proper coordination.

Niger and Benue Rivers: Wasted Opportunities

Dr. Opaluwah pointed out that Nigeria is blessed with two large rivers, the Niger and Benue. These should be valuable assets for trade, tourism, and transport. Instead, because they are not properly managed, they turn into threats during heavy rains. He believes this failure is a missed chance for both safety and economic growth.

Building in the Wrong Places

Another major cause of flooding, according to CORBON, is the ongoing construction of buildings on floodplains. When water bodies overflow, they need space to flow. But when homes and structures block that space, floods destroy everything in their way.

Opaluwah said planning authorities must stop allowing buildings in unsafe areas. They should also design cities with better drainage and safer layouts. If homes are already sitting in risky zones, they must either be properly protected or moved out.

The Way Forward

He urged state governments to make better use of the Ecological Fund, which is meant for problems like this. He also promised that CORBON is ready to support any government that wants real, long-term solutions not just quick fixes.

Flooding in Nigeria doesn’t have to keep happening. With smarter planning and the right actions, lives can be saved and communities protected

The post Builders Slam Poor Planning as Root of Nigeria’s Flood Crisis appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Professor Kabiru Bala, the Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) and former Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), is set to receive the Life Achievement Award at the highly anticipated Africa Housing Awards on December 14, 2024.

The announcement was made by Festus Adebayo, the coordinator of the Africa Housing Awards, during an interview in Abuja. According to Adebayo, the Industry End of the Year Dinner and Africa Housing Awards scheduled for Saturday 14th December 2024 celebrates excellence and unparalleled contributions to Nigeria’s housing and construction sector.

Adebayo highlighted that Professor Bala’s tenure at CORBON and membership on the National Universities Commission Board have significantly influenced policies and standards, shaping the future of housing and construction in Nigeria. He said as Vice Chancellor of ABU and a member of multiple esteemed professional bodies, Professor Bala has championed innovation and collaboration, leaving a lasting impact on academia and the built environment.

The Africa Housing Awards, scheduled to take place at the Musa Yar’Adua Event Centre in Abuja will also honor Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State as the Urban Planning/Housing-Friendly Governor of the Year while Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State will also be honored, reflecting the event’s commitment to recognizing outstanding leadership in the housing sector.

The awards ceremony will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders from across Africa. High-profile attendees include the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa; Governors from various states, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Permanent Secretary of the ministry; Commissioners, the First Lady of Cross Rivers State and distinguished members of the National Assembly. Engr. Emeka Eze, OFR, former President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, will chair the occasion.

Organized by Housing TV Africa in collaboration with the Housing Development Advocacy Network, the event will highlight categories such as innovative housing solutions, rural housing initiatives, and real estate investment trusts. The Affordable Housing Hall of Fame will honor individuals who have made transformative contributions to the sector, ensuring their legacies endure.

The Africa Housing Awards is more than a celebration of achievements, it is a platform to inspire innovation and collaboration in addressing Africa’s housing challenges. The recognition of Professor Kabiru Bala, alongside Governors Ahmad Aliyu and Abdullahi Sule, underscores the vital role of leadership in shaping a sustainable and inclusive housing ecosystem.

The post Housing friendly Governors, Minister, VC ABU, Housing friendly Legislators to Receive Prestigious Honors at Africa Housing Awards on Saturday Dec. 14th appeared first on Housing TV Africa.