They are property players who have distinguished themselves at their various levels. They are playing big. They have intimidating records in the real estate industry. But they aren’t too loud in their day to day activities. Now, they are opening up new sites, building new estates and adding more value to the sector. Some of these players aren’t enjoying the media attention as other real estate firms that have always been on the pages of newspapers for the obvious reason.
The first is Mr Harmony Kunu, a man who has virtually seen it all in Nigeria before he travelled to Rwanda to become a formidable force in another territory.
He is the CEO/Project Director, Workers Affordable Properties Limited (WAP), in Rwanda. He worked with Chevron Nigeria and the USA for 25 years. Now, he’s one of the leading real estate players in Rwanda. He’s currently leading the group of project teams on affordable properties. He has a big target in Rwanda and that is to build a minimum of 1,000 affordable housing units every year. He was honoured at the recently concluded City People Real Estate Award as the Best Nigerian Property Developer in Rwanda award.
Also playing big is Dr Oluwatosin Olatujoye, CEO, Zylus Group Property. This is one of the outstanding property players in the sector. He is someone who has paid his dues in the Insurance sector before he went into real estate business many years back. Talk of big real estate players who have been very active, especially in Lagos, his firm’s name would make the list.
In recognition of his contribution to the Real Estate industry and the society at large, he has won prestigious awards such as: AIICO’s Best Unit Manager (2016), AIICO Top 10 Agency Manager in Revenue (2017), Nigeria Achievers Award (2020), top 50 Entrepreneurs in Nigeria, Icon of Humanity Award, and Nigeria Property Merit Awards. As a young, dynamic and youthful entrepreneur, he was named the West Africa Man of the Year by ECOWAS Youths. In recognition of his contribution to the industry within such a limited time, Dr. Olatujoye was recently recognised and honoured with the Under40Ceo Award.
What about Olatunji Olaseinde? He is an astute business man who carved a niche for himself in real estate industry. He’s the MD/CEO of Gate and Carter Limited a property development company that focuses on delivering premium quality real estate and investment opportunities to clients.
He is passionate about building Smart homes and plans to deliver 10,000 smart homes to Nigerians by December 2030. In the past, he assisted both individuals and corporate organisations to plan and execute diverse strategies, which in turn enhanced their general productivity.
He is an alumnus of the prestigious Leeds University Business School, Leeds England. He also obtained certificates and gained knowledge from other world renowned institutions such as Oxford University, Joseph Ayo Babalola University and Daystar Leadership Academy; to mention a few. He directly inspires thousands weekly through his social media platforms, podcast, videos etc He is known for his dedication to excellence and the value he adds to the Nigerian real estate space and the world at large.
There is also Mrs. Funke Adesoji, one of the strong women in the real estate industry. She is the MD, Remax Realtors Limited. Her foray into real estate started with Hamco Engineering Services as the Marketing Manager. After a short stay abroad, which eventually gave birth to Remax Realtors Ltd in May 2006, she’s been able to deliver about 1000units of houses accross board in the last few years.
She has received several accolades/awards in and outside Nigeria. She’s also a fellow of Institute Management and many other institutions.
Talk of a property development company with finesse, class and luxury, Ocean Growth is on the list. The company’s MD/CEO is Chief Ifeanyi Harry Jeffery. His company is one of the most outstanding property development companies that could boast of remarkable projects in the high brow areas of Lagos. The MD is young, but well-grounded in the sector. The company builds 150 to 200 luxury housing units every year.Â
What about Mr Oloyede Opeyemi, MD/CEO, Omek Properties & Investment? It is one of the fastest-growing real estate firms in Lagos. It was set up about 2 years ago by a young and vibrant man, to provide affordable homes for people. Today, the company has more than 3 brand ambassadors in and outside Nigeria. Mr Oloyede Opeyemi Opeoluwa has made hundreds of people landlords in the last few years.
Mrs Mabel Ebele is a woman who has distinguished her self in a male-dominated sector. Within 3 years in business as the MD of Eagles Height, she’s been able to prove her mettle. The MD is a competent woman, with enormous experience even before she set up her company. She set up her firm 3 years ago. She currently has more than 10 estates in Ajah axis. Her name is Mrs Mabel Ebele Magbulu-Monina. What about Mr Jide Ogunleye? He’s the MD/CEO, Denaro Properties Limited. He’s not just one of the best in the industry, but his company has executed many laudable remarkable projects.
It’s one of the best real estate companies in Lagos with special attention on Joint Venture is Denaro Properties. The company celebrated its 10th anniversary a few weeks back. The MD, Babajide Ogunleye, 3 years ago went fully into Joint Ventures and has built many housing units on the Mainland.
There is also ESV Olabisi Demola-Alade. She is the first Female Chairman of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers, Lagos State branch, the leading branch of the noble institution in Nigeria. She is also a Deputy Director, Lands Bureau, Governor’s Office, Alausa Ikeja Lagos. She became the first Female Vice Chairman N.I.E.S.V Lagos State branch in 2019.
She became the Chairman of NIESV a few months back, and she has proved her mettle within a short period in office. She’s a woman who has seen it all and has worked in both public and private settings.
Chief Emeka Uzeoto is another top property developer in the Lekki/Ajah axis that’s under-reported, especially by the media. Chief Emeka is the CEO, 1st Homes Limited.
1st Homes is a luxury development company that is very consistent in the delivery of housing units. It builds 150 to 200 housing units every year. It focuses on high brow areas of Lagos, such as Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, etc. – Isaac Abimbade
