Chief Executive Officer of Ayhomes, Saheed Ayodeji Omogboye, in this interview, bares his mind on why Nigerians need to invest more in real estate.
Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Ayodeji. Your journey from humble beginnings to becoming the CEO of AyHomes Investment Limited is truly extraordinary. Could you tell us a little about your early life?
Certainly. I was born and raised in Ore, within the Odigbo Local Government area of Ondo State. My early life was quite different from the fast-paced environment of real estate markets. After completing my primary and secondary education in Ore and tertiary education in Abeokuta, I started my career in 2006 as a school teacher earning 6,000 Naira per month.
And then you moved to Ikeja in 2009, correct?
Yes, that’s correct. I worked as a waiter, receptionist, and bartender, earning 8,000 Naira per month. It was a challenging time in my life, but it taught me the value of hard work and persistence.
It seems like that period shaped your resilience in overcoming obstacles.
Absolutely. The path wasn’t always easy, but I believe that’s what gave me the strength to face any obstacle. I learned that every job, every experience, has its unique value. It’s all about how we choose to perceive it.
In 2014, you set out on your own. Could you tell us more about that?
Yes, I started a Business Center and Cyber café in Lagos. This was my initial step into the world of entrepreneurship. But eventually, the call of the real estate industry was too strong to resist, and I became a realtor in 2017.
That led to the founding of AyHomes Investment Limited in 2018, right?
Yes, my passion and dedication led me there. The firm has since grown exponentially, boasting over 35 estates across Lagos, Abuja, and Ogun state.
Under your leadership, AyHomes has shaped Nigeria’s real estate landscape.
I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved. It’s been an incredible journey, and I couldn’t have done it without the hard work and dedication of our team. We’ve built more than estates; we’ve built a community of dreamers.
Despite your success, you’ve continued to pursue growth, even obtaining certifications from the School of Estate and the EDC.
Indeed. My journey isn’t just about transforming landscapes; it’s about changing lives and creating opportunities.
With AyHomes, we continue to contribute to Nigeria’s real estate industry, supporting thousands of jobs, and providing affordable housing solutions. What fuels my passion is the joy of seeing dreams come true, both mine and those of our clients.
For me, that is the true measure of success.