A property development company, The Address Homes, has commended the drive by the Lagos State Government to tackle quackery and fraudulent activities in the real estate sector, describing the just-concluded 3rd Real Estate Market Place Conference and Exhibition as a huge platform created to deepen professionalism in the industry.
The luxury property development company said the decision of the state government through the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority, LASRERA, to create a platform for the players in the industry to discuss safety, technology, policies and showcase their products and services reinforces Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s commitment to boost the sector.
The 3rd conference and exhibition with the theme: “Town Hall Meeting on the Lagos Real Estate Emerging Markets- Mitigating the Potential Risks” was held last Tuesday and Wednesday at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Address Homes which was one of the major sponsors of the event said it decided to partner with the Lagos State government on the project because of its desire to enthrone complete sanitisation of the industry and enhance growth in the burgeoning sector.
Speaking at the sideline of the Conference and Exhibition, Mr Segun Ogunbiyi, Marketing Manager, The Address Homes, said the company’s partnership with the government was purely for promoting integrity, professionalism, customer satisfaction and safety in the real estate industry in Nigeria.
According to Ogunbiyi, while the collaboration was meant to curb unscrupulous practices and promote global best practices and investment opportunities in the sector, the firm has continued to change the face of real estate development through the delivery of quality homes to high-income luxury homes seekers.
“The real estate market has different segments. There is an emerging market, there is a mid-market within the grassroots, and there is the upper-echelon market. We play in the upper echelon market whereby we build luxury homes for the VIPs, captains of industry, and oil and gas gurus. Those are the people we focus on because they can afford our properties.
“Our market is narrowed to a particular set of individuals and not the whole market.”
According to him, some of the company’s projects, included The Luxuria, on Alexander Road, Dan on Banana Road, Ikoyi, and Osapa London in Lekki, adding that the firm has also extended construction to Ikeja, GRA and Keffi Street, Ikoyi.
“When talking about luxury homes, standard housing construction, top-notch finishing and functionality location, affordability and serenity, The Address Homes is always there.
“We focus on this segment because we are in business to make a margin. We have seen the market and we discovered that there is a particular set of people that want the best location.
“We concentrate in urban locations. Sometimes, we approach the owner, go into a joint venture, build, operate and transfer to the owner,” he said.
Ogunbiyi, while adding that the Address Home has been known for professionalism, quality building with detailed finishing that can stand the test of time, noted, “We don’t cut corners; we build standard projects that stand the test of time. We do not compromise. That is the difference, and our finishing is top-notch.”
Also speaking at the conference, Morohuntoye Olufunke of the Client Service, Marketing unit of The Address Homes said the idea behind the conference aligns with the core values of the company which are hinged on professionalism, integrity and customer satisfaction.
“As a realtor and stakeholder, you must have knowledge of what is going on in the industry; you must also know that there are checks and balances in the operations within the sector and those are part of what this marketplace is designed to address. Various stakeholders within the industry have been able to interact and share ideas that can uplift the real estate sector.
“As one of the exhibitors, the event has been able to create a platform for us to showcase our potential to do things differently. We have said that The Address Homes doesn’t just do construction, we build homes with a combination of high-class contemporary architectural design and high-level finishes with respect to designs and styles that meet consumer passion, taste and comfort. Our projects including The Luxuria, located on Alexander Road, Dan and Dan located on Banana Road, Ikoyi, Osapa London among others speak of the difference we bring into construction,” she said.
Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Housing and Dr. Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Physical Planning at The Address Homes booth during the 3rd Lagos Real Estate Market Place Conference and Exhibitions held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos recently
Speaking earlier at the conference and exhibition, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, described the real estate sector as the biggest employer of labour in the country with the potential to open the floodgate of economic prosperity for not only the state but the nation.
The governor said the industry with a propensity to be the cash cow for the people needs to be protected against quackery, and unprofessional attitudes of practitioners who could compromise safety and hurt the citizens.
He said, “We are worried about the emerging trends and practices in the sector in recent times which has now called for increased vigilance on the part of all genuine practitioners and the government in view of the rate of reported cases of dubious acts by some real estate agents who are taking undue advantage of the market which has become one of the fastest growing in Nigeria and Lagos State in particular as a result of increasing population.
“Our government through LASRERA has defined minimum operational standards and guidelines for citizens to abide by, adding that the guidelines provide a comprehensive checklist for the citizens to correctly identify and have a competitive list of registered individuals/organizations to avoid doing business with unregistered Real Estate practitioners in the system.
Sanwo-Olu said the private sector must collaborate to prevent the proliferation of fraudulent activities in the real estate market.
“The emerging trends and practices in this sector in recent time call for increased vigilance on the part of all genuine practitioners and the government in view of the rate of reported cases of dubious acts by some real estate agents who are taking undue advantage of the market which has become one of the fastest growing in Nigeria and Lagos State in particular as a result of increasing population,” he said.
The Governor pleaded with residents and everyone interested in the real estate business to be cautious in any financial transaction they engage in by fact-checking the track records of the organisations they are dealing with to ascertain if the individual or organisation is registered with LASRERA and other relevant government Agencies in the sectors.
On her part, the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Housing, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, who oversees the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority, LASRERA said that the Real Estate Sector has been plagued with risks and losses which have been critical issues for those in the Sector.
Benson-Awoyinka said that the quest for transparency in business transactions in the Real Estate Market necessitated the need for the involvement of the government in the regulation of the Real Estate Sector.
She said Lagos State Government was determined to ensure sanity was restored to the State’s Real Estate Environment with the review of the Agency’s law.
“Impersonation in the Real Estate Industry is becoming unethically high which is contributing to the increase in the fraudulent activities in Real Estate Market, hence the need for Government intervention.
“This development calls for appropriate regulation, implementation and enforcement of the Real Estate Laws in order to restore sanity into the sector and instil public confidence in the real estate profession and it explains why the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority – LASRERA is mandated to regulate and register those individuals/organisations who are involved in this Sector.
“One significant potential risk involving the Real Estate Market is identifying the Real Stakeholders of this Market, and in doing this, there must be Watchet to Monitor activities of operations towards the development of the Sector effectively.
“As an integral part of the Real Estate Environment, Government’s regulations must address the ethical standards of potential risk in terms of losses for the protection of the citizenry’s investments,” Benson-Awoyinka said.
ASR Africa has commenced the construction of a N250 Million medical science laboratory for Crescent University, Abeokuta in Ogun State.
From Right: Mr. G. T. Ogunmefun (University Acting Bursar); Barr. A. M. Ajiobla, SAN (Proprietor); Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila (Vice- Chancellor); Dr. Ubon Udoh (MD/CEO, ASR Africa); Barr. Z. A. Ajibola (Registrar) and Prof. M. K. Momodu (Dean, College of Law) at the ground breaking ceremony of the Medical Science Laboratory for Crescent University, Abeokuta.
August24news.com gathered that the laboratory will enhance the capacity of the institution in meeting the National Development Plans and Transformational Agenda (NDTA) of the Federal Government of Nigeria, whilst filling the gap created by laboratory scientists who have left the country recently.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, expressed gratitude for the institution’s nomination by ASR Africa under its Tertiary Education Grant Scheme (TEGs).
He applauded ASR Africa for the award of the grant and noted that the project is the university’s topmost priority, considering its drive to expand its College of Health Sciences programs.
In his response, the MD CEO of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, commended the management of the university for their academic achievements and systematic growth which is evident by the addition of three new colleges recently.
These colleges include the College of Environmental Sciences (COES), Bola Ajibola College of Law (BACOLAW) and the College of Health Sciences (COHES). Dr Udoh reiterated the commitment of ASR Africa in ensuring a timely completion of the project.
The N250 Million grant will provide fixtures and fittings for the medical science laboratory which features a 300 sitting capacity auditorium, offices for Head of Departments and lecturers, lecture /seminar rooms.
It will also cater as laboratories facility for Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Biology, Hematology, Pharmacology/Therapeutics and Chemical Pathology.
The ASR Africa Tertiary Education Grant Scheme is targeted at supporting quality education within the tertiary education system in Nigeria and so far over 30 tertiary institutions in Nigeria have benefitted from this grant which ranges from N250 million to N 2 billion.
ABOUT ASR AFRICA The brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa.
Seplat Energy Clinches ‘Deal of the Year’ at New Telegraph Award
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Seplat Energy Plc, a leading Nigerian energy company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the London Stock Exchange, has clinched the ‘Deal of the Year’ Award at the recently held New Telegraph Newspaper Awards.
L-R: Stanley Opara, Manager Corporate Communications, Seplat Energy; Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos State Commissioner for Information & Strategy; and Adebowale Eboda, Associate General Counsel Corporate & Compliance, Seplat Energy at the New Telegraph Newspapers Awards where Seplat Energy clinched the ‘Deal of the Year Award’ in Lagos … on Friday.
Seplat Energy completed the deal on the acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited – renamed Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU) from ExxonMobil in December 2024.
The Award ceremony was not just a ceremony but a heartfelt tribute to outstanding organisations and individuals that have made significant contributions across various sectors, including governance, business, education, and technology. The event honoured those who have excelled in their fields and inspired others through their work.
In his remarks, the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of the New Telegraph Newspaper, Mr Ayodele Aminu, said: “Tonight, we celebrate not just achievements but the transformative power of love, dedication to work, those who have transcended expectations, those who have defied barriers and inspired digital growth and made extraordinary waves and impact in their various fields.”
“The true essence of these awards lies not in accolades or trophies, but in the enduring impact of each orgnanisation and individual’s contributions,” Aminu said, urging awardees to continue to push boundaries and inspire others for greater heights.
L-R: Stanley Opara, Manager Corporate Communications, Seplat Energy; Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos State Commissioner for Information & Strategy; and Adebowale Eboda, Associate General Counsel Corporate & Compliance, Seplat Energy at the New Telegraph Newspapers Awards where Seplat Energy clinched the ‘Deal of the Year Award’ in Lagos … on Friday.
The MPNU deal was transformative for Seplat Energy, with the capacity of more than doubling production and positioning the Company to drive growth and profitability, whilst contributing significantly to Nigeria’s future prosperity.
The completion of the acquisition has created Nigeria’s leading independent energy company, with the enlarged company having equity in 11 blocks (onshore and shallow water Nigeria); 48 producing oil and gas fields; 5 gas processing facilities; and 3 export terminals.
The acquisition of the entire issued share capital of MPNU adds the following assets to the Seplat Group: 40% operated interest in OML 67, 68, 70 and 104; 40% operated interest in the Qua Iboe export terminal and the Yoho FSO; 51% operated interest in the Bonny River Terminal (‘BRT’) NGL recovery plant; 9.6% participating interest in the Aneman-Kpono field; and approximately 1,000 staff and 500 contractors have transitioned to the Seplat Group.
This strongly connects to Seplat Energy’s mission of delivering value to all its stakeholders, and building a sustainable business that can deliver affordable, accessible and reliable energy for Nigeria.
Responding, Seplat Energy thanked the New Telegraphy Newspapers for its recognition whilst lauding the Newspaper’s commitment to excellence and professionalism. “At Seplat Energy we are proud of the contributions we can make to improving affordable energy access for Nigerians through the safe, responsible development of Nigeria’s oil and gas reserves,” it added.
A research Director of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Engr. Dr. Samuel Olugbenga O. Olusunle has been conferred with the prestigious Fellow of Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (FNMGS), one of the oldest professional bodies in the history of Nigeria.
NASENI Research Director, Engr. Dr Samuel Olugbenga O. Olusunle, FNMGS, (right) receiving the Conferment Award plaque and Certificate from Prof. Akinade Sadrach Olatunji, the President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society(NMGS)(left) during the Awards Night which took place at the Chida International Hotels Abuja on Wednesday 19 February 2025.
The Nigeria’s late sage, Pan Africanist and President during the First Nigerian Republic Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was the first patron of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society.
The Society yesterday in Abuja concluded its 60th Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE), and it was time for the body to honour and recognize its members who had contributed tremendously not only to the growth and development of the Mining and Geosciences profession in the country, but the accomplishments of the honourees having direct bearing on the general socio-economic development of the country.
The event which was held between 16th to 19th February 2025 at the Chida International Hotel Abuja, came to a climax with Awards Night and recognition. Dr. Olusunle and 42 other members were honoured with the prestigious fellow category, which is the highest election attainable in society.
This conferment has added new appellation to Engr.Dr. Olusunle’s name as FNMGS. In 1977, the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) succeeded the Nigerian Mining Geological and Metallurgical Society (NMGMS) which was founded on 15th January 1961 and officially inaugurated on 17th December, 1962.
The society is an international professional organization. Its Objectives include: Advancement and practice of Mining, Earth sciences and Metallurgy, Acquisition, preservation and dissemination of mining geoscientific and metallurgical knowledge, publication of an interdisciplinary learned journal of Mining and Geology (JMG), the CRUST, periodicals and specialized books including annual books of abstracts and programmes of the society’s conferences and activities and upholding the ethics and safeguarding the interests of the professionals covered by the society.
The society also has statutory representation in the council of the Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG) established by the Federal republic of Nigeria Decree No. 40 of 1990. The categories of membership are Fellow, Corporate, Graduate, Students, Affiliate, Institutional and Honorary fellow, the highest of all is the Fellow category.
When asked to speak on the significance of the society’s recognition to him and NASENI where he serves as Director Research, a highly elated Olusunle had this to say: “I give God the glory and I am really humbled to be elected FELLOW of NMGS. It should be noted that the mandate of NASENI and the core concerns of NMGS are knittingly related. NASENI has one of its institutes operating within the purview of solid minerals exploitation (SOMMEDI).
NASENI also under wonderful leadership of the EVC/CEO, Khalil S. Halilu, is actively involved in the CNG project of the Federal Government. These and other notable activities/intervention of NASENI are collaborative windows between the agency and NMGS”.
Before he became research director, Dr. Olusunle was former Managing Director, Engineering Materials Development Institute (EMDI) Akure, one of NASENI Development Institutes. Also, he is a FELLOW of the Nigeria Institute of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE), the Materials Science and Technology Society of Nigeria (MSN), the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), The Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM), The Nigerian Metallurgical Society (NMS)and many others.