This is the story of a big real estate player who is playing big in Abuja. It is the story of Akintayo Adaralegbe, who is popularly called T. Pumpy. That is also the name of his real estate company.
From a little company, he started about 10 years ago, he has built the company into the big brand that it is today with branches in 6 cities in 6 states in the South-West.
How did he achieve that? Recently, City People’s Publisher, SEYE KEHINDE, spoke with him about his success story. Below are excerpts of the interview.
Congratulations on your forthcoming birthday. How do you feel about turning 40?
It feels so amazing to turn 40. I feel so blessed to witness this age. I know it is not of my doing and I am conscious of the fact, so it is very humbling for me. This is the 40 so many people have talked about and looked forward to. I do not take it for granted at all!
How do you plan to celebrate it?
I will be celebrating alongside my father on July 15 in the presence of my loved ones, friends and well-wishers. I have some other activities planned as well to give back to society. It will be very grand!
A lot of your friends rallied around you by donating cows and other things. Tell us about it…
My friends have been unbelievable. I have received over 50 cows and still counting. What about monetary gifts? I can’t begin to mention. The outpour of love has been so immense that I have been rendered speechless so many times. The experience has been so humbling and makes me grateful. If anyone told me my friends and loved ones would go all out for me like this, I would have been shocked. However, I am experiencing it now and it’s unbelievable. I keep telling them to tell me when I do wrong and correct me when I go astray because I want to continue to enjoy this type of goodwill. I feel so blessed. I am so grateful and hope I can continually express my gratitude to everyone who has contributed in any way.
Tell us about T. Pumpy. Why did you call your company that name?
My friends coined the name T.Pumpy. The T is an abbreviation derived from ‘Tayo’ in my first name while the ‘Pumpy’ was a monicker for me always finding a way to make ends meet by creating ideas that generated income ( pumping money)
How did you get into Real Estate? What year?
I delved into Real Estate a decade ago. Then, I was selling recharge cards and someone made inquiries about renting an apartment. I did not take it seriously, but a friend that was present encouraged me to source for the apartment and earn a commission. After that incident, it occurred to me that one could make it big in Real Estate, so it marked a turning point for me.
How big is your real estate company? How many estates?
Currently, T.Pumpy Estates is in 5 cities in 5 states – Abuja, Ekiti, Ibadan, Ilorin and Abeokuta. There are 9 offices, and over 70 estates with a staff strength of 150 people (besides agents and sub-contractors) and still growing.
Where were you born? Where did you grow up? Which schools did you attend? What courses did you study?
I was born in Ilorin, but my family moved to my hometown in Iloro, Ekiti after a while. I attended St Mary African Primary School, Iloro Community High School and proceeded to Esa-Oke Osun State College of Technology.
What kind of a person is T. Pumpy?
(Laughs) How do I answer this? I strive to be a fair and emphatic person. I believe in putting people first and also leading by example. I think all of this is as a result of my upbringing and experiences growing up. I always see the good in people before any other thing and act on that.
How do you see the Real Estate business in Abuja?
Real Estate in Abuja is at an all-time growth. The prospects and possibilities are endless. I think this applies to Nigeria in general hence why T. Pumpy is expanding across states. Personally, I can’t wait till there is a T.Pumpy Estate in every state in Nigeria – of course, the challenges will be there, but it can be done and we will do it, God willing!
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