•The Blow-By-Blow Account Revealed
Sunday, July 25, 2021, was party time for most of the Real Estate companies and players in Nigeria as all the big names and fast-rising players gathered at the popular event centre, 10 Degrees, on Billings-Way, Oregun, to celebrate and be celebrated when City People Magazine, Nigeria’s oldest soft-sell magazine held her 6th annual awards for the players in the real estate sector.
The venue which was easily accessible, coupled with very friendly weather on a bright Sunday evening made the day more than glorious for all the guests.
They had fun, were entertained and are anticipating more of such celebrations from the stable of City People. Starting from the number one citizen of Lagos who was duly represented, the event didn’t just gather a crowd, it had the most important personalities in the industry fully represented. Let us also quickly inform you that the governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu as well Lagos State itself were among the top winners of this prestigious award.
City People’s DAMILARE SALAMI 08155134152 was present at the event and in this report, he brings you all the juicy gists, memorable moments and the behind the scenes activities that made the event a talk of the town, enjoy.
10 DEGREES EVENT CENTER WAS THE VENUE
The serene environment, easy accessibility and large parking space made the 10 Degrees event centre in Oregun, Lagos the choice venue of an event of this magnitude. The auditorium was a beauty to behold, of a truth the organizers of this event had put in great work to achieve such a beauty. It was decorated in white and a touch of gold. The illumination was top-notch such that a drop of a pin on the floor would be easily found.
THE RED CARPET WAS ON FIRE
One of the biggest talking points at this event was the red carpet. It was positioned at the entrance of the auditorium were everyone coming into the event would have the privilege of gracing the red carpet before they get into the thick of the fun.
Virtually all the guests at the event had a stint on the red carpet. Trust women and their love for pictures, most of the celebrity ladies that came were spotted on the red carpet. City People’s photographers and videographers led other media houses on the red carpet and they gave the guests something to cherish even after the event.
DJ MOP THRILLS GUESTS
One of the vendors that proved to be world-class at the event was DJ MOP. At about 3:00 pm when the red carpet commenced, DJ MOP had started welcoming guests with some cool music. He afterwards took it to another level with some serious party vibes. At some point at the event, DJ MOP was really blistering with his delivery as he worked alongside the compere. They both made a good combo.
Popular Comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka De 1ST Anchored Event
Gbenga Adeyinka De 1st doesn’t need any introduction in the Nigerian entertainment industry. He is a multi-award-winning Nigerian actor, comedian, radio and TV presenter, writer, and MC. He hails from Abeokuta in Ogun State and he usually refers to himself as CFR (Comedian of the Federal Republic) and now GCON (Grand Comedian of Nigeria). He ran the show from the beginning to the end and we can tell you categorically that the audience enjoyed his performance. His rib-cracking jokes were one of his selling points. Gbenga Adeyinka is a complete entertainer who knows his onions quite well. He ran the show carrying his guests along appropriately. He would at times sing, dance and even dramatize all to the pleasure of his guests. Did they appreciate his performance? Definitely yes, the feedback City People received about his performance was quite pleasing.
PUBLISHER (SK) REVEALS WHY REAL ESTATE AWARDS DIDN’T HOLD IN 2020
Shortly after the national anthem that was led by DJ MOP, Dr Seye Kehinde, the Publisher of City People Magazine mounted the podium to give the welcome remarks. In his speech, he alluded to the fact that the real estate industry has had a positive impact on the Nigerian economy, hence, a need for the top players to be appreciated and the upcoming players to be encouraged. In his speech, SK revealed that the 2020 edition of the real estate awards couldn’t hold because of the hard-biting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We couldn’t hold the award last year because the whole world was in the thick of the pandemic and economically, things were a bit tough. We thank God today that we could have this year’s edition against all odds. Even though things are yet to stabilize, it is worthy of note that the hard work of the players in this sector is a motivation for us to appreciate them today,” he said.
Furthermore, he appreciated the effort of the Lagos State Government in sanitizing the industry and making sure that fraudulent acts are reduced to the barest minimum. He revealed that the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority, LASRERA has played a vital role to ensure fairness between real estate investors and customers; and that is why there is an appreciable improvement in the industry in Lagos, compared to other states of the federation.
MRS TOKE BENSON-AWOYINKA DELIVERED KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka is the special adviser to Gov Sanwo-Olu on Housing. She represented the governor as well as her agency, the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority, LASRERA at the event. As the keynote speaker, she revealed the many things the governor has put in place to reposition housing in Lagos and place the real estate industry on a pedestal that cannot be matched by its contemporaries in other states.
She said “As part of efforts of this present Administration, the State Government through LASRERA has leveraged on technology to make it easy for Individuals anywhere in the World to access the data of accredited Real Estate Individuals/Organisations online via lasrera.lagosstate.gov.ng
“This is one of the strategies, the State Government is using to curb the proliferation of uncertified Practitioners, quackery and unprofessionalism which is believed to be the major challenge confronting the growth and development of the Industry.
“In furtherance to protect lives and properties of the citizenry and also build confidence in the minds of potential consumers and prospective investors in the Real Estate Sector, LASRERA has organized series of Stakeholders Forum as a way of building healthy relationships among all the relevant Stakeholders in the Built Sector.
“Worthy of mention also is a bill presently before the Lagos State House of Assembly on Real Estate business in the State. The State Government wants to back its position about Real Estate activities by relevant Laws and make the Laws in tune with present realities.
“Let me use this opportunity to make a renewed appeal to investors in the Sector to team up with the State Government to create a home ownership model that will help address the deficit in the housing market in Lagos State through Private Public Partnership (PPP), Joint Venture Projects.”
Nana Yakubu, ESV Olabisi Demola-Alade Presented First Set of Awards
Two delectable society women and achievers in their various sectors, Princess Nana Yakubu, Founder/CEO of African Poverty Alleviation Initiative (APAI) NGO in Abuja Nigeria and an Assistant General Manager in the Nigerian Ports Authority and ESV. Olabisi Demola Alade is a Chief Land Officer in the Lagos State Government, Lands Bureau, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja Lagos; who also served as the first female the Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) Lagos State Branch presented the first set of awards. These two beautiful women have intimidating CVs and so, had the honour of presenting plaques to the following winners… Adron Homes who won the most impactful real estate company of the year, Mr Spark Obaje who bagged the best Real Estate Coach of the year award, MKH Investment, Omek Properties & Investment Limited was honoured for its remarkable contributions to the Real Estate Sector. Eagles Height Properties & Investment Limited was honoured for its remarkable contributions to the Real Estate Sector. and most importantly, Gov Babajide Sanwo-Olu, distinguished builder, Dr Mrs Modupe Balogun Okubanjo and Dollar Constructions owned by Mr Idowu Lamidi.
WORTHY WINNER, ALHAJA MONTAI APPEARED IN STYLE
Alhaja Taibat Elemosho Okesanjo needs little or no introduction. She has been rocking Lagos social scene for over 33 years and still counting. Many people know her to be a shoe merchant. Only few people know that she has spent over two decades in the real estate business. She delved into the construction business in 1995 and has since been waxing stronger.
Let’s tell you how Alhaja Montai appeared when she came to receive her plaque. She came in a classy black gown with a gold-like chain veil. Many ladies at the event requested to have a selfie with her simply because they want to have a glimpse of her style.
GOV SANWO-OLU BAGGED DOUBLE HONOURS
One of the biggest winners at this year’s City People Real Estate Awards was Gov Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He emerged Real Estate Governor of the year while the Lagos State bagged the number one state in Housing Development in Nigeria. He was represented by his Special Adviser on housing, Mrs Adetoke Benson-Awoyinka.
Governor Sanwo-Olu has always had a penchant for Real Estate, having served as the Managing Director/CEO of Lagos State Development Property Corporation (LSDPC) from 2016 till he became the governor in 2018. Also present to receive the plaques alongside Mrs Awoyinka were the Chief Press Secretary to Lagos State Governor, Mr Gboyega Akosile, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Lands and Housing, Mr. Wasiu Adedamola Akewusola, Miss Adeoti Sobowale, PRO LASRERA amongst several others.
FORMER ONIGBONGBO COUNCIL BOSS ALSO CAME AROUND
One of the public figures that graced the 6th Real Estate Awards was the Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) boss, Hon. Oladotun Olakanle. He came in a ravishingly white outfit. He also had the privilege of celebrating with some of the winners who happened to be his friends.
PRETTY RADEKE KUPOLUYI STUNNED AT THE EVENT
Mrs Radeke Kupoluyi is a successful Lagos businesswoman who recently turned 51. But you wouldn’t know if she does not tell you. She looks good for her age. She is blessed with a refreshingly young look. She also acts young, and she dresses young. She is young at heart. She was one of the top society women at this year’s real estate awards. Her appearance sold her out immediately. It didn’t take long for Gbenga Adeyinka to spot her from the crowd and announce her arrival.
SSP & GBENGA ADEYINK IN DRAMATIC SALUTATION
Not many people saw the drama that ensued between the event anchor, Gbenga Adeyinka and popular Afro Juju originator, Sir Shina Peters (SSP) but you can always rely on City People for this. When SSP got to the venue, he walked straight to the stage to exchange pleasantries with Gbenga Adeyinka but to everyone’s surprise, he prostrated in such a funny manner to Gbenga Adeyinka. To the amazement of everyone, Gbenga Adeyinka prostrated in return and the camera caught both of them on the floor. Instagram went agog immediately because bloggers didn’t waste any time before posting it online. SSP who had already clocked 60 wasn’t looking his age at all. He looked so smart and agile in his shorts and trousers.
ALHAJA MONTAI, AIG AMINU PRESENTED NEXT SET OF AWARDS
Beautiful Hajia Montai and Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Aminu Saleh Pai were the next public figures to present the next set of awards to the winners. They wasted no time as the winners were announced one after the other, they handed over their plaques and joined in the photo session. Some of the winners that got their plaques in this session are Mr Babajide Ogunleye, the MD, Denaro Properties, Global Properties & Facility Service Nig. Ltd, who were named the best real estate service provider of the year.
REVOLUTIONPLUS PROPERTIES SHINE AT CITY PEOPLE’S 6TH REAL ESTATE AWARDS
One of the biggest real estate companies in Nigeria that dazzled at this year’s award was RevolutionPlus Properties. There is no doubt that Dr Bamidele Onalaja, the MD/CEO and his darling wife, Mrs Tolulope Onalaja, the Group Executive Director have put in a lot of hard work over the last year to ensure that the company remains relevant despite all the visible challenges in the country’s economy. The company won the best game-changer in the real estate business as a result of the creativity and innovations the management of the company has deployed to stay relevant in the business. Mrs Tolulope Onalaja was also among the top winners on the night. She was named the top female performer in real estate marketing. While Dr Onalaja went home with the Leadership Award in Real Estate. Just this year, Mr Onalaja has been made the chairman of Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Lagos State Chapter and 20th President of Rotary Club of Maryland, Ikeja. Aside from this, the company has been one of the sponsors of the biggest reality TV show in Africa, Big Brother Nigeria also known as BBNaija.
MRS ONALAJA’S OUTFIT LEFT TONGUES WAGGING
Mrs Tolulope Onalaja would probably win one of the best-dressed women on the night if there was an award in that category. Her white dinner gown caught the attention of everyone. As soon as she stormed the red carpet, photographers immediately scampered around to make sure that they have this gorgeous woman recorded. She made more friends on the night and the point of attraction for many people was no other than her outfit.
MR. WASIU ADEDAMOLA AKEWUSOLA, SIR SHINA PETERS PRESENTED THE NEXT SET OF AWARDS
The next awardees got their plaques from the current Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Lands and Housing, Mr. Wasiu Adedamola Akewusola and the ever-young music Icon, Sir Shina Peters. Gbenga Adeyinka would later joke that PS and SP was a perfect combo in this session. Some of the awardees in this session were Mr Dubem Okroji of Home by De Virtue, Olugbenga Collins Rotimi of Olu Rotimi and Co, Graced Properties owned by Oluwatosin Alerinwa and many more.
CELEBRITY POLICEWOMAN, DOLAPO BADMUS, ASIWAJU TUNDE MOSHOOD ON THE PODIUM
Celebrity Policewoman, Ifedolapo Opeyemi Badmos is not strange to the podium. She is very popular on the social scene. She is currently a Chief Superintendent of Police and most people call her CSP Dolapo Badmos. She shared City People’s 6th Real Estate Awards platform with Asiwaju Tunde Moshood, another popular socialite and they both presented the next set of awards to their winners. One of the winners in this category were Mr Michael and Mrs Rowland Awaite, the owners of PWAN Homes. They dedicated the award to their directors, Dr Jane and Mark Nwere. Others are Mr Edward Akinlade of Suru Homes Ltd., Mrs Funke Adesoji, the MD, Remax Realtors, the Deputy Director at Lagos Land Bureau, Surveyor Olabisi Demola-Alabi.
DR BAMIDELE ONALAJA DELIVERS SECOND KEYNOTE ADDRESS
The Chairman of Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Lagos State Chapter, Dr Bamidele Onalaja was billed to deliver the second keynote address and he did in style. He revealed the many things his association has achieved since he became the chairman and pleaded with non-members to join so that the association can foster a stronger bond between then and the Lagos State government. He further revealed that his association has been working closely with all relevant government agencies like LASRERA, the Ministry of Lands Bureau, the ministry of physical planning and the ministry of housing. He revealed that the association is working tirelessly to see to the opening of the so-called rural areas in Lagos and bring development to the seemingly neglected areas and the less developed communities in the state.
SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR, ABEL EGBARIN BAGS SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS
Chief Executive Officer of Obimzy Properties, Abel Egbarin is not a new name in the real estate industry. He has been making headlines in the past two years and has kept delivering optimal service for teeming customers. His service extends to assets in the marine, availation and rail industry. Obimzy Properties is also involved in valuation of the masterplan of the city projects individual plots. he bagged special recognition for running sustaining a reputable real estate business.
MRS RADEKE KUPOLUYI, HON DOTUN OLAKANLE PRESENTED NEXT SET OF AWARDS
These two need no introduction. Gbenga Adeyinka was eagerly waiting to announce their names and when it was time, he had the pleasure of doing so with style. Stylish Mrs Redeke Kupoluyi and Hon Dotun Olakanle presented plaques to the following winners; Deluxe Residences, leading luxury property brand, The Adress Homes, Chief Emeka Uzoete of First Homes, KAB Constructions Company CEO, Mr Kehinde Alex Bankole and others.
TWO MEDIA GIANTS, MR GBOYEGA AKOSILE AND OTUNBA FEMI DAVIES WERE NEXT
This time around, two media giants Mr Gboyega Akosile, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov Sanwo-Olu and the publisher of Metro News, Gbobaniyi Femi Davies presented the next set of awards. Those who went home with their plaques in this category are Chief Ifeanyi Harry Jeffery, the CEO of Ocean Global Homes, Virgin Landmarts Ltd., Mr Richard Nyom, the MD of Lekki Gardens who bagged the award of the youngest real estate developer of the year. The last person in this category was Dr Olatunbosun Oladunjoye of Zylus Group International.
ADRON HOMES WIN BIG ON THE NIGHT
Many people had expected Adron Homes to emerge as one of the top winners on the night. The reason is simple, this company has consistently remained relevant in the business. As a matter of fact, they are one of the biggest names in the real estate business in Nigeria today. City People being an unbiased umpire rightly recognized Adron Homes’ hard work with two prestigious awards. The MD/CEO, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing won the 2021 Real Estate Icon Award while Adron Home won the most impactful real estate company of the year. Although Aare EmmanuelKing was unavoidably absent, he sent a very strong team that was led by the Director-General, Mr Ayodeji Ojo Omoniyi, Mrs Fisayo Oloruntoba, the Director of Sales, the company’s secretary, Mrs Yemisi amongst several other people.
OTUNBA BIMBO ASHIRU, MRS JOKO ADEUSI WERE NEXT ON THE STAGE
Many didn’t know that popular Ogun Politician, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru was present until Gbenga Adeyinka invited him to the podium. He was joined by Mrs Joko Adeusi, a popular celebrity woman and they both presented the next set of awards. The winners in this category were Mr. Harmony Kunu as Best Nigerian Property Developer In Rwanda, Seagle Properties as the Leading Luxury Real Estate Brand In Oniru, Lagos, The Most Real Estate Friendly Mortgage Bank of the Year Award, Providus Bank Plc as The Most Real Estate Friendly Bank In Nigeria Award, Palton Morgan Holdings as The Biggest Real Estate Luxurious Brand Award, SUJIMOTO as The Leading Real Estate Luxury Brand Award.
SSP FINALLY PERFORMED
This is the moment most people had been waiting for, the performance of the almighty Sir Shina Peters, SSP and his Afrojuju band. It was a whole lot of highly spirited performance. SSP practically turned the award night to a dance competition. At every corner and spot in the auditorium, dancers gathered and had fun. Many didn’t even bother to go to the stage, there was sufficient space for everyone to dance. Even Gbenga Adeyinka couldn’t stop the party. You wouldn’t agree less that the people had been waiting for this time all along.
THE SHEDIBALABALA DANCERS
Not many would probably see this set of beautiful young ladies who almost turned the event into a nightclub dance party. They were full of energy and danced all the kinds of trending steps including shedibalabala. At first, we thought that they were listening to a different brand of music entirely but on a second look, we realized that it was the same SSP groove that everyone was dancing to as well.
KING OF SMALL CHOPS, SAHEETO AND MRS TOKE BENSON PRESENTED THE LAST SET OF AWARDS
If you say the last was reserved for the best then you will be absolutely correct. The last set of awards was presented by two great grassroots politicians and business tycoons. The first person was Saheed Kekere-Ekun. Everyone simply calls him Saheeto. He is often called The King of Small Chops, because of how he came to dominate the small chops business. He is also the CEO of Saheeto Suites on Lewis Street, Lagos Island. Today, he is a member of the state House of Reps and he speaks for Lagos Island Constituency 2. The second celebrity woman was Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka. While Saheeto was dressed in an all-white outfit, Mrs Awonyinka was dressed in a beautifully styled poker-dot white and black material. This duo presented awards to the following people; the best run REDAN Chapter that went to Dr Bamidele Onalaja and the Lagos REDAN Chapter, Dr Freeman Oshonuga of Adloyalty Business Network, Gate and Carter Ltd and the young real estate firm with good ambition award that went to Mr Olatunji Olasehinde.
SSP RETURNS TO STAGE
By popular demand, Sir Shina Peters was required to perform again after the last set of awards had been presented. The reason was simple, the guests couldn’t have enough of him and wouldn’t mind if the event was running into the night. Many stayed back to enjoy good music and his energetic dance steps before he finally took a bow. The memories of the 6th City People Real Estate Awards will definitely linger on for a while on the minds of those who were present while some are already anticipating the next edition.
