This dogged advocate does not consider himself to be a celebrity, a soloist or a front man. But, through a public-spirited determination, and unabashed interests for low income earners, Adebayo is assiduously pushing for a better affordable and accessible housing deal for all. This undying quest has seen him working with Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) as a Media Adviser. He is also playing the same role to Family Homes Funds, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, a loud confirmation of his determination to ensure affordable housing for all irrespective of background and socio-economic status.
The titanic Adebayo is the Convener of the largest housing evennt in Africa that has featured Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, many governors and international participants. Unarguably, he has made a remarkable impact on the ethos of accessibility and affordability of housing for all, a struggle that has become an integral part of enigmatic life.
While he is currently part of the Federal Government’s Sustainability Committee on Housing charged with delivery of two million houses across the 36 states of the federation, Adebayo is a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management and a leading promoter of housing development in Nigeria. He has received numerous awards for his unparalleled contributions to housing development.
Early life
He spent his early life in Ilesha, Osun State where he had his primary and secondary school education, and he was involved in menial jobs to support his mother having lost his father at the age of two. He attended Holy Trinity Primary School, Ilesha, where he was a time keeper. ‘’I was among the school prefects from where I entered into Biladu Grammar School, Ilesha, through the free education programme of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria. There I was a senior prefect from my year one to the fifth year. I had the best result in my first attempt at West African Examinations Council (WAEC) which enabled me to proceed to OAU, ile-ife for his first degree in political science ,then Law and then to to UNILAG for his MBA. I was a member of the Boys Scout then at ilesa, Adebayo says.
Career
‘‘I flagged-off my career with Nigerian Industrial Development Bank, now Bank of Industry as a Youth Corper serving my country in one year compulsory national youth service in 1991 to 1992 from where I moved to the then Amicable Bank Limited as a Banking Officer After three years of service, I resigned. From there I was appointed Executive Secretary of the newly established S.O. Housing Foundation by the Buba Marwa military administration in Lagos State. That is how I started my journey into Nigeria’s housing industry.’’
Accomplishments
Adebayo’s landmark achievements are many. He is credited with establishing the first Housing television for the promotion of co-ownership and affordable housing delivery in Nigeria. He is the mid-wife of the largest international housing exhibition and conference which has become a flagship in Africa, popularly known as Abuja international Housing Show (AIHS). He is also the promoter Housing Time on RayPower, the first radio programme that is devoted to educating Nigerians on how to own a home of their dream. He has impacted the lives of more than 5000 Nigerians who have through his assistance, programmes, and mentoring become home owners. He has served in a Federal Government Task Force on Affordable Housing 2016 to 2019. He is a member of Federal Government Committee on Housing (Clay & Bricks).
Personal life & Philantrophy
His children are: Ifeoluwapo, oluwatobiloba, oluwasemilore and oluwadarasimi. He established Festus Adebayo Foundation in his home town to support elderly people who need help, and annual scholarship for the best WAEC student in Ilesha West Local Government Area of Osun State. He is involved in free training of artisans in the area of empowerment for youth development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. He has been involved in various community support projects. He has sponsored many artisans training and empowerment program.
Works/Publications
Issues, Challenges and Prospects in the Housing Sector: Operator's Perspective. Adebayo, Festus. SECTION I. Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, Central Bank of Nigeria Publication
Awards/Honours
Icon of Housing Development in Nigeria by Nigerian institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Merit Award from Association of Professional Women Builders, Award of Excellence by Lifestyle Asset Hub Ltd, Institute of Town Planners Award of Excellence
