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HAFSAH BALOGUN-OMOTOSO, MD HAFBAM Properties
Hafsah Balogun Omotoso is one of the emerging names and fast rising personalities in the ever-booming real estate industry. She is the Managing Director of Hafbam Properties and her company offers services in sales of landed properties in fast growing area of Lagos State,
Sales of off plan house projects and finished house projects, and Investment plan. The company enjoys patronage from smart investors. Also, the company is well known and largely sought-after as it gives special attention to the Muslim Ummah. Last Sunday, Hafsah was among the outstanding real estate players who bagged an award at the 2023 edition of City People Real Estate Awards. During the award ceremony, City People Reporter, JAMIU ABUBAKAR (08085185886) had a chat with the award-winning MD of HAFBAM, Hafsah and there, she pointed out the unique things she does that has won her accolades in just 2 years in the industry. She has indeed hit the ground running and she has the potential to become great in the business.
For how long have you been in the industry?
I started my real estate journey in 2021. Yes, 2021 and this is 2023 and since then it’s been a success story, from one success story to the other. All grace to God.
In just 2 years, you have become this successful, how did you do it?
Last year, I got the real estate personality of the year award from the Africa Real Estate Industry. Personally, for me, I know that whatever it is you are doing, you have to do it well. What’s doing is what is doing well. That has been my mantra. So, whatever it is I do, I try to do it exceptionally. And here I am today for the City People Award.
Why did you go into real estate?
Actually, my dad was a real estate practitioner. He was a Surveyor when he was alive. And during his time, when we were young, I observed the way he does his things to stay out of trouble. Every time, he was always solving problems and addressing issues from clients. Growing up, I began to resonate with all of those things that there should be a better way in dealing with all those things without having any issue, without having any form of trouble and all that. So, I decided that, okay, let me go into the real estate industry, at least to continue with the legacy he left behind and also to continuously do it even better than he did when he was alive.
So that means your dad was an inspiration for you joining real estate. How true is this?
Yes, he was part of the inspiration. actually, but not the full inspiration. He was part of the inspiration. I know that anyway he is now, he will be really happy that his daughter is making him proud.
What have you been doing which makes you different from others?
One major thing that has actually distinct me from others is the fact that passionately, I invest in knowledge. I invest in continuous knowledge. And my continuous knowledge has worked for me. I don’t just feel like I’ve arrived and end it there. It’s always continuous learning. In short, one of my core values is continuous learning. So, that has given me the edge over other people. You know the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that extra. I have been able to have that extra effort into it and ensure that I do it well. I learn. I keep myself up to date with legal trends and other things. You know in this industry, a lot of things could go wrong. So when I’m well involved with all of those things and ensure that my clients and all stakeholders are well taken care of.
Not so many Muslim women are into real estate, seeing people like you is an inspiration to others, how are you coping?
Yes, I understand that Muslim women part. I totally understand and that is the reason why I say that I am here to also change the narrative and let people know that this is a profession that is open to even Muslim women. Yes, prior to now, a lot of people are in their shell not doing what is meant to be done. But of course, somebody has to come up, stand up, speak up and change the narrative for others. And that is exactly what I am doing. And this has nothing to do with me compromising my values as a Muslimah. So, based on that I will continue to set the pace for Muslim women and open the door for other people. Real estate is a very good industry they can go into.
What is your advice to fellow Muslimah and others who intend coming into real estate sector?
My advice for them is to be truthful to what they are doing. Whatever it is you do, whatever profession you find yourself, integrity comes first. You should know that you have to be someone of integrity. For me, it’s integrity, I don’t joke with it. Whoever it is that will work with me must also have integrity. So, as Muslim, you should have integrity. And at the same time, you should not compromise your values when it comes to this. So, if you put all of this together, and yes, don’t forget the God factor. Because whatever we do, we have to put God first. So, if all of this is in place, I’m sure the sky will just be the beginning for anybody coming to the industry.
And finally, I want you to tell us a bit about your background in academics and in the company?
Okay, for my background, like I told it before, my name is Hafsah Balogun Omotosho, I had my SSC in Ilupeju College, Ilupeju. I schooled, grew up and everything here in Lagos. I finished my first degree at the University of Calabar. I had my National Diploma at Yaba College of Technology. After then, I have been able to go into different things. I had pulled a whole lot of certification courses to upscale myself in all other industries, I’ve found myself. So a lot of certification, and yes, I am a graduate of the Metropolitan School of Business and Management in the UK. I’m a certified real estate consultant with the top brokerage firm in Africa as the Billionaire Realtor’s Group, every other thing. So, Alhamdulillah, Thank you so much!
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