One attractive, yet challenging business sector in Nigeria is the commercial real estate market that has made great strides during the past decade. Factors that have facilitated these include urbanization, increased population, and of course, economic development. They have created demands for all kinds of commercial properties, including office space, retail, industrial, and mixed-use developments. It was therefore, both an exciting and mentally engaging opportunity when yours truly had a revealing interaction with him.
Apart from getting to know about his educational and professional backgrounds, he provided insights into
what real estate means to him, the inspiration, challenges and how he overcame them. Furthermore, he shed light into the issues of high costs of land and buildings materials, what their local production entails and the significant role the government should be playing in all of these and more. Hereby stated, are his insightful positions on all that really matter, right from the horse’s mouth.
“My name is Godwin Akinkunmi, a real estate investment consultant and sales professional with a passion for helping people build wealth through real estate. I hold a background in Accounting, which has equipped me with strong financial and analytical skills that guide my approach to property investment and sales.
Professionally, I’ve spent the past two years in the real estate industry, working with UVEST Realty, a reputable real estate development and investment company. At UVEST, I actively contribute to sales and marketing strategies, connecting clients to high-value investment opportunities and helping them make informed real estate decisions that secure their future.
“In addition, I co-found Block15 Realty, a prop-tech real estate startup created to bridge the gap between investors, developers, buyers, and agents — providing a modern marketplace where transparency, accessibility, and collaboration drive real estate growth.
“To me, real estate represents opportunity and legacy. It’s not just about buying or selling properties — it’s about helping people make informed decisions that secure their future. Real estate is one of the few investments that combines stability, growth, and tangible value. Beyond business, I see it as a tool for empowerment — a means for individuals to build wealth, create generational value, and contribute to national development.
“I officially ventured into real estate in 2022, starting in Lagos, Nigeria, one of the most dynamic property markets in Africa. Over time, I’ve expanded my reach, working across different emerging investment locations around Lagos, Ogun State, and Ibadan focusing on connecting clients with properties that have long-term growth potential.”
On his initial challenges and how he overcame them, he explained that: “Like many new entrants into the industry, one of my biggest initial challenges was identifying my target audience — understanding who to sell to, what they really needed, and how to effectively communicate value. I also faced the usual doubts, rejections, and tough market realities that test every new realtor. I overcame these challenges through consistency, learning, and mentorship. I invested time in understanding the psychology of sales, improving my communication, and building genuine relationships rather than chasing quick deals. Over time, I built a system and reputation that now attract serious buyers and investors.”
Further to this, the complaints by the general public is on the high cost of land and buildings, especially in Lagos, Nigeria. How do we juxtapose this with economic hardship? To him: “The high cost of land and housing in Lagos is largely a result of rapid urbanization, infrastructural concentration, and limited available land. However, I believe affordability is relative — there are still many emerging locations around Lagos and Ogun where people can start small and grow. The key is education. Many people overlook high-value opportunities because they only focus on already-developed areas. My approach is to show clients where the future is quietly unfolding and help them take advantage before prices rise.” And as for
the significant roles the government should be playing in the real estate industry, he insists that:
“The government plays a crucial role in shaping a sustainable real estate environment. Some of the key areas include:
•Infrastructure development — roads, power, and transportation systems that open up new investment corridors.
•Regulatory clarity — simplifying land titling processes and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks.
•Public-private partnerships — collaborating with developers to provide affordable housing schemes.
•Mortgage support — improving access to funding so more people can own homes rather than rent for decades.
Of significance is his view on the local production of building materials in the country.
“Local production is a game-changer. If Nigeria can strengthen local manufacturing of building materials, it would drastically reduce construction costs, boost job creation, and enhance affordability in the housing sector. Import dependence makes prices unstable and projects more expensive. Supporting local industries will not only make housing more affordable but also grow our economy internally.
So, what are the unique attributes that he and his company have brought into the real estate spectrum? On this he states that:
“At U-VEST Realty, we focus on transparency, education, value-based selling, and speed. We are known for our speed in all that we do — from development to allocation — ensuring that clients experience efficiency and reliability at every stage of their investment journey.
“Personally, I’ve built my reputation on authentic communication and relationship-driven sales, ensuring every client understands what they’re buying and feels confident in their decisions. That’s the foundation of trust that sustains long-term business success.”
With regards to his heroes, he explained that: “I’ve drawn inspiration from several people, but one person who has had a profound impact on me is Dr. Philip Babalola, the CEO of Uvest Realty. He has been a major influence on both my personal development and my professional growth in real estate.Through his leadership, I’ve learned the true essence of patience, credibility, and consistency in sales. Beyond business, he’s helped me understand that success in real estate isn’t just about selling properties — it’s about building relationships, delivering impact, and positioning yourself with excellence. His mentorship has shaped how I think, communicate, and present myself as a professional in the industry.”
Going forward, he boldly stated that: “I want to change the narrative that real estate is only for the rich or experienced. Real estate is for everyone, regardless of income level — it just takes the right strategy, mindset, and guidance. I’m passionate about educating young people to start early, understand emerging locations, and see real estate as a vehicle for financial freedom. Another key narrative is transparency — ensuring clients understand the value behind every transaction and fostering a culture of trust across the industry.”
All said, the federal government must come to terms with the harsh reality of economic policies that do not provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
