Esso Properties Limited has proudly emerged as a beacon of excellence in the Nigerian real estate landscape, having been awarded the highly coveted title of Most Innovative Real Estate Company at the 2024 City People Real Estate Awards.
The award ceremony, held on November 24, 2024, celebrated leaders and changemakers across the industry, and Esso Properties stood out for its trailblazing contributions, especially its work on the visionary Awele Residential Estate, a development that is fast redefining the standards of luxury living in Nigeria.
For Esso Properties, this award is more than a recognition of a single project. It’s a validation of a philosophy that merges innovation with heritage, and modern functionality with cultural expression. Over the years, the company has gained a reputation for pushing the envelope, but Awele Residential Estate represents a bold leap forward in its mission to shape what it calls “a new era of culturally-rooted luxury real estate.”
Dr. Smith Ezenagu, Chairman of Esso Group and the visionary behind Esso Properties, received the award with heartfelt appreciation and pride. In his words, “This recognition is a testament to the hard work, vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence that drives our team.
Awele Residential Estate is not just a project, it’s a vision brought to life, one that marries the finest of Nigerian culture with sustainable, modern living. It proves that you don’t have to choose between cultural identity and world-class standards, you can have both.”
Nestled in the heart of Anambra State, Awele Residential Estate is more than a residential development: it’s a lifestyle ecosystem. Designed specifically for what Dr. Ezenagu describes as the “Odogwu class”, high-net-worth individuals who appreciate refinement but also place immense value on their cultural roots, the estate features a rich blend of innovation, sustainability, and elegance.
Among the development’s standout features are its solar-powered homes, rainwater harvesting systems, green roofs, and beautifully landscaped botanical gardens, all pointing toward a firm commitment to environmental responsibility. But perhaps what makes Awele truly unique is its deep cultural integration. From cultural museums and community theaters to public art installations that celebrate Igbo history, every corner of the estate tells a story, honoring the past while shaping the future.
“Our goal with Awele was to create a development that offers more than just luxury homes,” Dr. Ezenagu shared. “It’s about offering a thriving, intentional community, a place where people feel rooted, inspired, and proud of who they are. Awele is where tradition meets modern living, and we believe it sets a new standard for real estate in Nigeria.”
Beyond the infrastructure and amenities, what also sets Esso apart is its strong ethical framework and client-centered model. The company implemented a bank-backed escrow system to ensure financial transparency and buyer protection, an innovation that has earned them the trust of both local and diaspora investors seeking safety, quality, and peace of mind in their property investments.
“This award is not a destination, it’s a springboard,” Ezenagu affirmed. “We’re incredibly honored, but we’re even more energized to continue what we’ve started. Our vision is to democratize access to luxury real estate that is environmentally conscious, culturally relevant, and structurally sound.
We want more Nigerians, home and abroad to know that the East is rising, and we’re building it one innovation at a time.”
As the applause fades and the award is proudly displayed, one thing is clear: Esso Properties isn’t just building homes, it’s building history. And with Awele Residential Estate setting a new benchmark, the future of Nigerian real estate just got a lot more inspiring.
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