•Details Of The Star-Studded Event
The crowd that gathered on Sunday, August 11, 2019, at the Times Square Event Centre in Ikeja was huge when the City People Real Estate Awards was held amidst pomp, glitz and glamour. City People hosted the gathering of the topmost players in the real estate sector. It was the 5th edition of the City People Real Estate Awards and despite the fact that the day was already earmarked for the Eid-il-Fitri celebration by the Muslim fateful, the event didn’t lack anything in terms of crowd, entertainment, fashion and style, brands promotion and sportsmanship display among various outstanding players in the industry. City People’s BRANDS & PRODUCTS reporter, DAMILARE SALAMI was present at the event and in this report, he has compiled different hot gists from the show for your reading pleasure, enjoy.
TIME SQUARE EVENT CENTRE PLAYED HOST
The 5th edition of the City People Real Estate Awards was brought back to the mainland after a stint on the Island and the venue, Time Square Event Centre was able to adequately match the pressure of hosting an event of that magnitude. Starting with security, to parking space, convenience and aesthetics, this year’s venue had all in abundance and the success of the event can as well be tied to getting a suitable venue.
EXHIBITION GALORE
Starting from the entrance, one would not need to be told that there’s a real estate event taking place at the venue simply because of the array of banners displayed by different real estate firms. Marketers abound on the ground talking to different people about the different products and packages. Kings Intercontinental Homes & Properties Adron Homes, RevolutionPlus Properties, LSDPC, EUC Homes, Godmade Group (GMG), Riteland, Coveland, Iconic Towers powered by Cruxstone, LSDPC & PLAY arch were among the most visible companies on the stand.
AWESOME BAND IN CLASSIC PRE-SHOW DISPLAY
Abbey and the Awesome band is popular for his energetic performance in Juju and other Nigerian tunes. He took the real estate award guests by surprise when he started the show by singing a fusion of R&B, Jazz and Soul. The beautiful tunes from this band welcomed guests to the beautifully decorated auditorium. Initially, many people who didn’t check their invites well would have thought that they were in the wrong place as the band serenaded them like it was a poolside dinner party. From African Jazz to western Soul and R&B, the Awesome Band kept giving it to the audience as the room was gathering momentum and getting ready for another night of explosive entertainment from the stable of City People Magazine.
MC PLUTO ON THE MIC
Popular Naija compere, MC PLUTO was definitely the right man to anchor the show. He is not just another comedian, he is an elite with a deep understanding of his audience. His charisma built so much confidence in the crowd and the cheers and responses he had after every step on stage only proved how enjoyable his acts were. He ran the show from beginning to end without any hiccups and left the audience wanting more of his rib-cracking jokes. No doubt, anyone present at the show and can afford his bills will not look elsewhere for a compere in their next events.
DJ MOP ON STANDBY
Although the Awesome band filled the airspace with irresistible tunes, popular Lagos celebrity disc jockey, DJ MOP was on the standby to supply danceable songs at intervals. This he did without any pressure. He complemented MC PLUTO so well that it looked as if they have been working together for decades. AgbeniAdeshina, popularly known as DJ MOP was in a familiar terrain having run a few shows for City People in the past. He, however, didn’t take the opportunity with levity as he performed wonders on the wheel of steel.
NATIONAL ANTHEM SIGNALS OFFICIAL OPENING
Having established himself as the official compere of the night, MC PLUTO invited the Awesome Band to lead the audience in the national anthem to officially commence the show. A sonorous female voice from the awesome band and a team of instrumentalists took the lead while the audience followed suit as the night of exclusive entertainment and maximum fun began.
SK’S OPENING SPEECH REVEALS A LOT
It may look traditional for City People Publisher, DrSeyeKehinde to take opening speech in any of the organisation’s major event but this time around, he did with some more clarity by telling the guests how reporting the real estate sector became an integral part of City People and how it relates with the company’s vision and mission statement of mirroring the lifestyle of celebrities.
“About six years ago we noticed the intense activities of the real estate sector as many new players emerged in the industry. Some major players emerged on the scene which saw so many new developments come to the fore. That was when City People moved in to start covering real estate because housing forms part of our focus at City People. We mirror the lifestyle of celebrities and how they live. And what you see today is the result of the intense work we have put in. it took a lot of energy-sapping activities to get the industry to accept us,” he concluded.
ABBEYAWESOME THRILLS WITH ENERGETIC DANCE STEPS
The event started with Abbey Awesome, the leader of the Awesome Band taking the centre stage. He entertained the guests for about ten minutes before the business of the day began properly. The talking point of his solo upstage performance was his dance steps. Abbey Awesome twisted his waist just like the famous Shakira’s belly dancer. Aside from his dancing skill, the Awesome Band who are famous for their ability to sing all genres of music did just that in other to ensure maximum satisfaction. The feedback the band got each time they stepped down from their performances was always massive. The guests indeed had fun listening to the Awesome Band.
FIRST SET OF AWARD WINNERS
MC PLUTO wasted no time as he announced the presentation of plaques to winners. SK was on the standby to handover awards to winners. The first presentation had a lot of highpoints and some of the winners that emerged at this stage include the following; LSDPC, Lagos State Lands Bureau, Olori Aderonke EmmanuelKing, Builder Kunle Awobudu, Nigerian Institute of Building, PWAN PLUS, etc.
LSDPC FULLY REPRESENTED
Members of staff of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, LSDPC, a body responsible for the development of housing in the state was among the top awardees in this year’s edition of the City People Real Estate Awards. They were fully represented by a team that was led by MrOlusola Martins, the corporation’s Deputy General Manager. Other representatives are EngrOgunbo, MrsFunkeAtere, MrKunle Samuel, MsYewande Cole, Ms Sylvia Ebere and MsKafilat.
LAGOS STATE LAND BUREAU ALSO CAME
There can never be the development of the real estate sector without giving kudos to the body that was responsible for land approvals in the state. This and many other reasons made City Peoplehonour the Lagos State Land Bureau with a special recognition award for its unwavering supports to the players in the industry. The Lands Bureau team in their acceptance speech explained how they have been able to allow fair and healthy competition in the industry by giving a level playing ground to all the players in the sector. MrsAdenikeShobowalewho came in the company ofMrAkande Emmanuel, C.A Aribisala, YetundeOlusegun, AlaitanAdetokunbo, AdenijiAbilade, Dele Oyewunmi and Mr Samuel Ayetutu represented the bureau.
ADRON HOMES SHINES
The sparks the entire management and staff of Adron Homes and Properties at this year’s edition of City People Real Estate Awards was extraordinary. Starting from the dressing of Aare AdetolaEmmanuelKing, a notable fashionista and his wife’s dazzling green colour attire and gele, the couple undoubtedly stood out among several other realtors present on the night. Aside their dressing, the Adron family came fully prepared, little wonder they bagged three different awards, an unprecedented feat. The Executive Director, OloriAderonkeEmmanuelKing who was described as the brainbox and main motivation of his husband bagged the most enterprising woman of the year award. The company was honoured as the most dynamic Real Estate company of the year due to the unique way it carries out its activities across the country and the fact that it has gone ahead of its contemporaries to gain more grounds in cities where many dared. The boss himself, Aare AdetolaEmmanuelKing was named the most creative CEO of the year. The results were there to speak about how deserving this award is for him. Dr Aare Aderola EmmanuelKing, GMD, OloriAderonkeEmmanuelKing ED, led a team that also had Mrs FolaAbiloye, Olumide Adebambo, OlasunboOguntoye, Shola Orunmuyiwa, Aminat Musah, Balogun S. Olabisi, Yinka Gbeminiyi, Azuru Ihuoma, Michael Oladipo, AyodejiOjo-Omoniyi, Stella Olukoga and Folashade Oloruntoba, to the event.
YANKEE HOMES BOSS CAME WITH ENTIRE FAMILY
Mr David Ezeodo is a visionary leader and the CEO of Yankee Homes and gardens. He was one of the winners of the 2019 City People Real Estate Awards. He stormed the event centre in style with members of his nuclear and extended family. What a joy it was to behold him being celebrated by the people that truly love him. During his acceptance speech, Mr. Ezeodo called on all realtors to work together in ensuring that the Eko Atlantic City dream is achieved. He said he is ready to put in his very best to ensure that this long-time dream of his is accomplished. Other members of the Ezeodo dynasty present are ChiomaEzeodo, David Ezeodo, AdaugoEzeodo, ChidinmaEzeodo, Jessica Ezeodo, David Ike Ezeodo, NgoziEzeodo, ChineyeEzeodo, ChukwudiEzeodo and JidennaEzeodo.
LUCKY GARDEN’S FEAT RECOGNISED
The Lucky Garden owned and managed by Chief Ishmael EmekaUdeka has developed over 1000 housing units in Lagos. Little wonder many of his clients refer to his as the Lagos master developer. This achievement is very rare in a state where there are numerous developers competing for a relatively small market when compared to the numbers of developers in the sector. The Lucky Garden’s hard work cannot be overlooked and that was why the company was qualified to bag the prestigious City People Real Estate Awards this year. Barrister Udeh, DrChuksOkosi and Blaise Obidegwu joined Lucky Garden’s boss on the podium.
NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF BUILDINGS PRESIDENT CALLS FOR PROFESSIONALISM
The president of Nigerian Institute of Building, MrKunleAwobudu knew that the platform was right for him to attend as he addresses the menace that recently struck the country and he did by talking to the concerned people on the night. During his acceptance speech after bagging his award, Builder Awobuduaddressed the issue of collapsed buildings that kept claiming scores of lives across the country. He encouraged all contractors and real estate firms to ensure they consult professional builders rather than cutting costs by engaging quacks who pose a huge threat to the wellbeing of the entire populace. His VP, Builder Mrs. Modupe Ogunbaiyo also bagged an award on the night. They were joined on the podium by Kayode Awobudu, Eriadura Awobudu, Osindero Olusola Fowobami Awobudu.
INNOVATIONS TAKING OVER REAL ESTATE SECTOR
The advent of science and tech is gradually finding its root in the Nigerian real estate business. This was well proven at the 2019 City People Real Estate Awards after Kings Intercontinental Homes & Properties Communications personnel, Ms Nora announced how the company and other firms can do away with the problems and threats of agents in marketing their products and packages. The app according to Kings International coy, is called KOK, a mobile and web app that will be available on Google play store by December. It is intended to provide full information about property acquisition, easy and convenient payment options and plans, and also proposes collaboration with all interested realtors.
Builders Awobudu and Ogunaiya Present Next Set of Awards
Builders KunleAwobudu and Modupe Ogunaiya who are at the helms of affairs of the Nigerian Institute of Building had the honour of presenting the next set of award plaques to their winners. Both of them had been named winners earlier on, so they understood the excitement displayed by the awardees each time they came upstage for their plaques.
KAB constructions was the first to bag theirs from this duo. KAB constructions came with a full house indeed. The MD CEO Hon. Alex Bankole Kehinde came in the company of other staff members, friends and family. Adefesobi Kikelomo, Queen Ogidan, Anjorin Mojisola, Safie Aimola, Ozoigbo Chidimma, OkaforNneamaka, Rida Ahmed, Oweh Betty, Stella Ozor, Edna Chukwu, ChikaodiliEzeaku, Becky Ibang, Oj Amah, Awelewa Elizabeth, Victoria Akpan, Akpose Elizabeth and Pelumi Folarin are some of the well-wishers at the event.
Mr Femi Ayonuola, CEO Femi Oyanuola Ltd was among those who got their plaques from these eminent personalities. Others are Kings International Homes, owned by Aare AdelekeAdebesin, EUC Homes got the best run real estate company of the year. Others are Ms. Ayobami Kareem Lawal, Cruxstone Development & Real Estate Ltd, Dr Kennedy Okonkwo and wife, Mrs. Ichechi Okonkwo, who both run NECOM Homs. Dr Kennedy made Forbes magazine cover a few months back for his outstanding performances in the real estate sector.
REVOLUTIONPLUS PROPERTIES BAGS DOUBLE HONOUR
It was a year of double honour for RevolutionPlus Properties as MD CEO, DrBamideleOnalaja bagged the real estate personality of the year while his firm was named the most reputable real estate company of the year. He is indeed loved in the industry and this was proven by the large crowd that came on stage with him to celebrate both awards.
MRS FUNKE KEHINDE’SDAZZLING ATTIRE
She deservedly bagged the female realtor of the year award. MrsFunkeKehinde became the talk of the evening not only because of the award but for stunning outfits. She wore a dazzling, fully stoned black gown with matching shoe and gown. Many would have thought that she was dressed for a fashion show with the way she captivated the guests. Some women were even seen taking pictures of her outfits. She definitely stole the show.
MC PLUTO, ABBEY AWESOME DANCE COMPETITION
It was not just about good music, food and award plaque presentations alone, there was humour also and one of such was a dance competition between the compere, MC PLUTO and the ever-energetic entertainer, Abbey Awesome. The challenge came from MC PLUTO and Abbey Awesome didn’t take it lightly. Give it to both men, the dug it better than many ladies would but of course, I need not tell you who the better dancer would be among the two.
SK PRESENTS LAST SET OF AWARDS
The end of a thing they say is better than the beginning. This indeed is the story of the 2019 edition of City People Real Estate Awards as the publisher, DrSeyeKehinde mounted the podium to present the last set of awards. Despite the fact that it was already running late, many realtors and their guests were not in a hurry to leave. That was how prestigious this award has become in the industry. Without further delays, PWAN Premium and PWAN Prime which are affiliates of Premium Homes & Havens managed by Dr Frederick Opajie were the first to bag their award. DPkay Homes & Properties also got a big award and its managed by Prince Dele Akinola. Most outstanding realtor of the year Mrs Bolanle Ogidan, stunned in her expensive dinner gown. Prince KazeemEletuOdibo, the face of Osapa London got a recognition award for his corporate social responsibility projects in the Lekki axis of Lagos. CovelandLimitedwas named the real estate revelation of the year while MrsBamidele Elizabeth’s outfit was named the best female luxury development company of the year. Other winners are NUOL Estate Ltd, MrDeboAdejano aka sack your landlord, Brick Home Integrated Ltd. Chairman PWAN Group and wife, Dr Augustine and Mrs Jane Onwumere were named most outstanding couple of the year. Dr Michael Okonkwo aka double MD, Chariot Group were also honoured. DrOloladeAbuta was named most female player while the CEO, Gracious Group Northwest Quadrant Development Company who was represented by Dr Mrs Ololade Abuta closed the day after receiving her plaque.
ROLL CALL
Engr Ogunbo, Mrs Funke Atere, Mr Kunle Samuel, Ms Yewande Cole, Ms Sylvia Ebere and Ms Kafilat. Builders Kunle Awobudu, Modupe Ogunaiya, Kayode Awobudu, Eriadura Awobudu, Osindero Olusola Fowobami Awobudu. Adefesobi Kikelomo, Queen Ogidan, Anjorin Mojisola, Safie Aimola, Ozoigbo Chidimma, Okafor Nneamaka, Rida Ahmed, Oweh Betty, Stella Ozor, Edna Chukwu, Chikaodili Ezeaku, Becky Ibang, Oj Amah, Awelewa Elizabeth, Victoria Akpan, Akpose Elizabeth and Pelumi Folarin. Mr Femi Ayonuola. Abel Egbarin
Mr David Ezeodo, Chioma Ezeodo, David Ezeodo, AdaugoEzeodo, Chidinma Ezeodo, Jessica Ezeodo, David Ike Ezeodo, Ngozi Ezeodo, Chineye Ezeodo, Chukwudi Ezeodo and Jidenna Ezeodo.
Dr. Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, GMD, Olori Aderonke EmmanuelKing ED, led a team that also had Mrs FolaAbiloye, Olumide Adebambo, OlasunboOguntoye, Shola Orunmuyiwa, Aminat Musah, Balogun S. Olabisi, Yinka Gbeminiyi, Azuru Ihuoma, Michael Oladipo, Ayodeji Ojo-Omoniyi, Stella Olukoga and Folashade Oloruntoba, Mrs Adenike Shobowale, Mr Akande Emmanuel, C.A Aribisala, Yetunde Olusegun, Alaitan Adetokunbo, Adeniji Abilade, Dele Oyewunmi and Mr Samuel Ayetutu, Mrs Bolanle Ogidan.
DAMILARE SALAMI 08155134252
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