Prioritize affordable housing – Gowon tells African leaders

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has urged African leaders to prioritise affordable housing as a key component of their sustainable development agendas.

Gowon, represented by Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, former Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), made the call at the opening of the 19th Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) on Tuesday in Abuja.

DAILY POST reports that the event, themed “Re-imagining Housing Through Innovation, Collaboration, and Policy”, was convened by Festus Adebayo, CEO of AIHS.

Gowon noted that inadequate housing remained one of the most critical issues facing the continent, stressing that affordable housing directly influenced public health, education, and economic productivity.

He said it was imperative for leaders to promote sustainable urban development and inclusive policies.

He was quoted as saying that African governments must collaborate to ensure housing policies were not only effective but also equitable and inclusive.

He added that innovation, investment, and implementation were key to meeting the needs of Africa’s rapidly growing population.