On Tuesday, 6th of December, 2022, stakeholders in the real estate business sector stormed Lagos for the 3rd edition of Lagos Real Estate Market Place Conference and Exhibition.
The Conference was a 2-day massive event, organised by the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory, LASRERA, an agency of the state government charged with the responsibility of providing an enabling environment and transparent Real Estate Sector which conforms with International best practices while safeguarding the interests of all Stakeholders.
In achieving this, the organisers brought-in resourceful personalities to have robust discussions on issues bothering the subject matter of the conference.
The conference was held at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. It created the avenue for discussion which was themed “A TOWN HALL MEETING ON: The Lagos Real Estate Emerging Markets-Mitigating the Potential Risks.
City People’s Reporter, JAMIU ABUBAKAR (08085185886) and Photojournalist, SUNDAY OYEMADE covered the conference. Below are the highlights from the event. Read and Enjoy!
MR. GOVERNOR’S ARRIVAL MARKED THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE CONFERENCE
The much-anticipated arrival of the governor Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu signalled the commencement of the conference. Governor Sanwo-Olu has been the chief host of the conference right from its outset. His administration’s commitment towards achieving a viable real estate sector in the state is unrivalled. The Governor who was represented by his able deputy, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat’s arrival was greeted by a standing ovation from the audience as ace MCs Gbenga Adeyinka and Mojibade Sosanya announced his entry. This was followed by the recitation of the national anthem after which the Special Adviser to the governor on housing, Mrs. Toke Bension-Awoyinka gave a warm welcome speech as the event began to unfold gradually.
GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU URGES REAL ESTATE PLAYERS ON ETHICAL PRACTICE
Representing the Governor and delivering the speech on his behalf was the deputy, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat. During the speech, he stated the essence of the programme which he said was to create a platform for the state government to interact with stakeholders as well network to address developmental issues affecting the real estate business in Lagos state. He went further to state the commitment of the government through the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) and other related agencies to ensure a well sanitized real estate sector.
Meanwhile, he charged stakeholders in the state’s real estate industry to always uphold ethical practices as they work to complement the government efforts in solving the housing deficit in the state.
Extracts from the Deputy Governor’s direct speech states:
“ The emerging trends and practices in this sector in recent times calls for strict vigilance on the part of all genuine practitioners and government in view 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 increase in population and real estate developer. As a government, we owe it a duty to safeguard the investment of people who may be unaware of some unprofessional practices in the market. The need to restore public confidence in this sector led in the first instance to the establishment of the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority. In order to protect citizens and investors from the potential risks of the emerging markets in our society. The agency has therefore designed the minimum operational standards and guidelines for practitioners to abide with. The guidelines provide a comprehensive checklist for the citizens to correctly identify the competitive list of all registered individuals and organizations. This will allow our citizens to avoid doing business with unregistered real estate practitioners in the system.”
THE PANEL SESSIONS WAS MIND-BLOWING
The 3rd Lagos Real Estate Market Place Conference and exhibition was carefully designed. 3 panel sessions were held to educate stakeholders in the housing sector on potential risks therein and how they can stay safe. Each session was highly instructive and an eye-opener as it addressed topical issues in the sector. 2 panel sessions were held on the first day of the conference. The first session was moderated by the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Housing, Mrs. Toke Bension-Awoyinka. She engaged the discussants on the topic; “Stemming the tides of building failure in Lagos State”. Giving great contribution to the discussion were the GM, Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory (LSMTL), Engr. Olufunsho Elulade; GM Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki; DG, Lagos State Safety Commission (LASG Safety), Mr. Lanre Mojola; Chairman, Panel of Inquiry into Ikoyi Building Collapse, Mr. Olutoyin Ayinde and MD/CEO Megamound Investment, Otunba Olumide Osunsina. The second panel was moderated by the founder of Pison Housing Company and President of Nigerian proptech Association, Dr. Roland Igbinoba. The topic discussed was centred on “Deploying Technology from Transparency and Growth of the Lagos Real Estate Market. Among the discussants are the Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Physical Planning, Dr. Olajide Babatunde; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Lands, Mr. Shuaheeb Olabode Agoro; Acting Surveyor General of Lagos State, Surveyor Ayo Adeshina; MD/CEO of Teqbridge Limited, Mr. Chiemeka Ngwu and MD/CEO of BuyLetLive, Mr. Ola Daramola. The 3rd panel session was held on the second day of the conference. The topic discussed was “Sustainable Energy Solutions in the Real Estate Sector-Role of Key Enablers”. This was largely discussed by quite a number of highly resourceful persons like the Chief Commercial Officer of MIXTA Africa, Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani; CEO, Infracredit, Chinua Azubike; MD, Nigeria Oolu Solar, USA and Africa, Doseke Akporiaye; DMD, UBA Group, Mr. Muyiwa Akinyemi; CEO, Extradite Consulting, Eyo Ekpo; CMO & Co-Founder of JustStandOut, Owen Inyang; MD/COO, Auxano Solar, Chuks Umezulora; Co-Founder /MD, ELALAN Construction Company, Adrea Geday and CEO, Viathan Engineering Limited, Habeeb Alebious. The audience had a worthwhile experience of the panel discussion with lots of lessons to take home.
MANY COMPANIES HAD WONDERFUL PRESENTATIONS
The organisers gave room for organizations that took part in sponsoring the event to showcase their brand during the conference. A long list of these organizations did wonderfully well in marketing their products to the audience with lovely presentations. These reputable organizations were Victoria Crest Homes, Address Homes, First World Community, Radiantlife Properties, Ilubirin, Elalan Construction Company, Gree Air Conditioner, PWAN Plus, Adron Homes, Female Lawyers in Real Estate Practice (FELIREP), Revolution Plus, and BuyLetLive.
HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER OF ENERGY SPEAKS
Worthy of note among remarkable activities marking this year’s conference was a speech delivered by the Honourable Commissioner for Energy in Lagos State, Engr. Olalere Odusote. The commissioner addressed real estate stakeholders and audience on the topic “Enabling the Lagos State Real Estate Industry through a Thriving Energy Market in Lagos”. He gave a number of ways in which it can be achieved.
2 TOP KINGS FROM THE ISLAND CAME THROUGH
Two notable and highly revered Lagos kings on the Island, His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi and His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iruland stormed the event. They both once served under the ministry of Housing and they are happy to be back home. At some point, Oniru mounted the stage to join other speakers who had earlier spoken to commend the organisers of the conference. He appreciated Mrs. Awoyinka for putting up the conference which is highly commendable. Speaking on behalf of the kings in Eti-Osa, he assured stakeholders of their support by providing robust lands for their projects. He however prayed for God to help the state government achieve more development feats.
AT THE MARKET PLACE AND EXHIBITION STANDS
This marked the second part and entirely another section of the conference. The market place and exhibition began immediately after the conference was concluded each day. Exhibitors were already on standby while they looked forward to customers patronising them or making enquiries. About 20 companies and organisations took part in this section. Each exhibitor had stands where they displayed their products or attractive banners to showcase their offering. Each day of the conference, exhibitors saw an appreciable number of visitations. For example, on the first day, the deputy Governor of Lagos State opened the floor of the market place and exhibition centres as he went around to see and assess what each of them offered. He therefore commended all the exhibitors for their immense contribution to the real estate sector. On the second day of the conference, the market place and exhibition centres received Oba Oniru and Oba Elegushi. The kings took their time to move round the centres of the market place and exhibition exercise.
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