*Champions innovation, youth leadership
By JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
In a bold push to tackle Nigeria’s staggering housing deficit, the Minority Leader of Nigeria’s Youth Parliament, Hon. Osawemwenhio Uwagboe, has engaged with His Excellency, Dr. Michal Mlynár, Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat, in a strategic conversation aimed at finding scalable, sustainable, and innovative solutions to the country’s over 20 million housing shortfall.
The dialogue centred on embracing modern technologies such as 3D-printed homes and the use of eco-friendly alternatives to cement—both offering cost-effective, environmentally friendly solutions to traditional construction methods.
Hon. Uwagboe, widely believed to be a passionate youth advocate, stressed that Nigeria cannot bridge its housing gap with outdated construction methods alone.
“3D printing in construction allows rapid creation of durable and disaster-resilient structures, reducing labour dependency, cost, and time,” he noted.
He also emphasized the need to leverage Nigeria’s position as a major agricultural producer by transforming waste by-products into sustainable building materials, thereby cutting down on carbon emissions and reducing construction expenses.
He said the advocacy aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estates initiative, which aims to expand affordable housing, create jobs, and regenerate urban areas.
Hon. Uwagboe commended the administration’s efforts in strengthening institutions like the Federal Mortgage Bank, promoting public-private partnerships in real estate, and involving youth in the housing value chain.
However, he expressed concern that many of these reforms remain underreported, especially in an age dominated by social media. “Constructive criticism is vital, but we must also use our platforms to amplify successes and drive national development,” he stated.
“As youth, our role is to lead with vision, to advocate solutions, and to support policies that secure our future,” he added.
Hon. Uwagboe’s advocacy was further strengthened through his participation in the Club de Madrid Young Decision-Makers Programme, where he engaged with peers from the Kenyan Young Parliamentarians Association to explore youth-led responses to global challenges including poverty, governance, and sustainability.
The engagement also drew a coalition of forward-thinking leaders and youth changemakers. Notable attendees included Hon. Fakorede Seun, Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Youth Affairs; Hon. Mubarak Umar; Hon. Deborah Doshima Aku; Pharm (Dr.) Ovie Etoroma; Mr. Kayode Adewale of Livesmart; Dr. Itua Jerry Abhulimen; Eric Erie Ijarhe; Rt. Hon. Fawole Israel; as well as representatives from Spir Limited, Proton Real Estate, and the Prince Uwagboe Foundation.
He also commended Hon. Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, for pioneering sustainable reforms, and Hon. Ayodele Wisdom Olawande, Minister of State for Youth, for driving youth empowerment. He then acknowledged Hon. Gift Johnbull, SSA to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), for his grassroots mobilization efforts.
He explained that together, these voices are pushing for the integration of 3D printing and environmentally friendly cement alternatives into Nigeria’s national housing policy, greater public awareness of government efforts, and active youth participation in building a resilient and inclusive future.
“We are not just seeking shelter—we are building a future,” Hon. Uwagboe concluded.
