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Organizers of Design Hub Reality Show Pitch revolutionary Concept to Minister of Housing and Urban development

Published

3 years ago

December 30, 2023

… Says Project will revolutionise housing sector

The organizers of the highly anticipated design hub reality show have recently presented their comprehensive plans to the distinguished Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Honourable Ahmed Dangiwa, in anticipation of the forthcoming event slated for 2024.

At the forefront of this presentation was Mr. Segun Maku, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cipriani Limited and a noteworthy supporter of Rugby Nigeria through his Syda company. The focal point of their proposal revolves around the ambitious endeavor to develop the largest 3D smart city community in Abuja, a groundbreaking initiative that includes a one-of-a-kind Sport University. Mr. Maku’s strategic partner in this visionary venture is none other than Lafarge Cement PLC. Their collaborative vision emphasizes that the design hub reality show will play a pivotal role in bridging the existing housing challenge gap.

This ambitious project also enjoys partnerships with the Federal Capital Territory Authority and the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. The collaborative efforts are geared towards overcoming the challenges inherent in traditional construction methods through the incorporation of cutting-edge 3D technology. Notably, Femi Yusuff, an esteemed construction expert, shared insights during the presentation, shedding light on the housing challenges in Nigeria.
According to estimates by the United Nations, a staggering 85% of urban dwellers in Nigeria currently reside in single rooms.

Mr. Yusuff passionately argued that this housing dilemma could be effectively addressed through a combination of technology and well-crafted government policies. He acknowledged the inherent technical and commercial challenges associated with the development of 3D printing technology for affordable housing. However, he expressed confidence in resolving these challenges by adapting proposed architectural drawings to Nigeria’s engineering design standards, which are developed around Euro-codes for engineering designs.

As part of the proposed solution, Mr. Yusuff emphasized the necessity of constructing a robust business case for the relatively expensive 3D printer. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of garnering interest from a significant number of real estate developers willing to adopt this transformative technology for their upcoming projects.

In Mr. Yusuff’s visionary perspective, the 3D technology stands as the future of housing in Nigeria, contingent upon major stakeholders collaborating effectively through the initiative.

He lauded the inclusion of Cipriani Nig Ltd into the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s reform team. This encompasses various crucial teams such as the Reform Team for Federal Housing Institutions, the Multi-agency Project Team, the Land Reform Team, and the Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs Task Team. According to him, this strategic co-option marks a commendable step in the right direction towards realizing the transformative potential of 3D technology in Nigeria’s housing sector.

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AWESSA 2026: Customs Assures Border Cooperation for Women Entrepreneurs

Published

13 mins ago

October 25, 2026

The Gleamer

By James Samuel, Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service has said the nation’s borders must become gateways of opportunity for African women entrepreneurs, not obstacles that kill their businesses.

This was disclosed at the African Women’s Economic Sovereignty Summit and Awards (AWESSA) 2026 held at the Customs House, corporate headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja.

Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, his representative, an Assistant Controller, said hosting the summit inside Customs premises was deliberate.

“That this summit holds within the Customs premises is no accident. It is a statement of intent,” he said.

“The border is where the promise of every African trader either comes alive or dies quietly. And the men and women of this Service have resolved that for every woman entrepreneur of this continent, that promise will never die.”

He said women account for an estimated 70% of informal cross-border trade in Africa and over half of agricultural labour, yet they face documentation, standards, finance and harassment challenges.

“Too often she meets the border as an obstacle rather than a gateway. Because she trades in small volumes, in cash, in informality without formal papers, capable business women are now trapped in informality, invisible to trade statistics,” he noted.

He added: “AfCFTA will not be delivered by treaties alone. It will be delivered at border posts, in conference halls, and in market stores.”

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, represented by a Director, said women are central to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.

According to her, NEPC’s focus is now on building export- ready competitive enterprises through programmes like the Women in Export Initiative, Export Clinic, and Zero to Export.

“Our focus is no longer on encouraging exports alone, it is on building competitive export-ready enterprises. We are supporting women to move beyond production into value addition, quality assurance, standard compliance, branding and market positioning,” she said.

She said AfCFTA offers a market of over one billion people, but women need knowledge, certifications and institutional support.

“Empowering women economically is one of the most effective tools for achieving poverty reduction, food security, job creation and inclusive growth,” she stated.

The Convener, Helen Okon, who is the Publisher of Business Review Africa & Africa Today Magazine, as well as representatives of NAFDAC DG and NEXIM Bank MD, reaffirmed commitment to supporting women-owned businesses access standards, certification and finance.

The summit, with the theme of positioning women as drivers of trade and sustainable development, is part of activities marking the International Year of the Women Farmer.

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