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Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Aba Yusuf, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Alhaji Ahmed Dangiwa and other African leaders received awards at the African Housing Awards held in Abuja.
The 7th Africa Housing Awards recognized leaders in the public and private sectors who are driving sustainable housing and infrastructure development across Africa.
Governor Yusuf was named “Housing and Infrastructure-Friendly Governor of the Year” for his policies that support the massive supply of housing and urban renewal efforts.
Organizers described Yusuf as a “people’s governor,” citing his commitment to inclusive housing and openness to innovative construction solutions.
Dangiwa was named Africa’s Most Transformative Housing and Urban Development Minister of 2025 for his reforms targeting affordability, locally sourced materials and private sector participation.
Speaking at the event, Dangiwa said: “We are re-positioning the housing sector to ensure decent and affordable housing for Nigerians.”
He added: “Our reforms focus on reducing construction costs and opening up housing finance for low- and moderate-income earners.”
Mr Dangiwa revealed that a committee had been set up to examine the country’s housing data and a report was forthcoming.
He said the housing data is based on reliable demographic and other national parameters.
“Housing data is not as speculative as it is often made out to be. The commission is coming up with more reliable and verifiable data,” he said.
Approximately 52 individuals, organizations, agencies and initiatives were recognized across three categories.
Namibia’s Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, has been awarded the Minister of Housing Award 2025.
“Africa has reached a stage where its development efforts must be recognized and celebrated,” Sankwasa said.
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, Wale Edun, has been awarded the Minister of Housing Finance 2025 award.
Edun was recognized for supporting housing finance reform and strengthening macroeconomic policies that affect the availability of mortgage loans.
Senator Victor Umeh was elected to the 2025 Housing Senate for his continued legislative advocacy on housing and infrastructure development.
Mr. Ume said, “What stands out to me is the number of young people who were recognized at this event.”
He added: “Instead of waiting for white-collar jobs, young Nigerians are investing in real estate development.”
Umeh thanked the convenors, saying the award reflected the legislative commitment to inclusive housing policy.
Other individual winners include Dr. Armstrong Takan, Housing Finance Personality of the Year and Mrs. Uzoamaka Onukubili, African Real Estate CEO of the Year.
Dr. Umar Sani was also honored in the women category for her contribution to the housing sector.
The company award was for BUA Cement as the Fastest Growing Cement Company of 2025.
Taybitat was honored as the Emerging Real Estate Brand of 2025 for its innovation and market growth.
Festus Adebayo, the award’s organizer, said the recognition fosters collaboration and accelerates sectoral innovation.
Mr. Adebayo said: “These awards promote inclusive policies and stronger partnerships for sustainable housing development.”
The event featured keynote speeches, cultural performances, networking sessions, and award presentations.
Written by Patricia Amog
