A former SSA on Foreign Direct Investment to the former Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, Simon Okeke Jr, at the 20th Umu Igbo Unite (UIU) National Convention delivered an insightful speech that resonated with many Nigerians in the diaspora. Okeke shared his entrepreneurial journey and introduced his vision for the future of real estate in Nigeria.
Okeke Jr, a notable Nigerian-American entrepreneur and real estate developer said, “Our aim is to provide affordable luxury housing with flexible payment and mortgage plans similar to those in the United States. We have partnered with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and civil service society organisations to make homeownership more accessible.”
Okeke, the founder and CEO of LoadzPro, a tech startup supported by JP Morgan and Techstars, and chairman and CEO of Simon Mortgage Group, spoke about his experiences in the tech and real estate sectors. He highlighted the launch of Dreamland Luxury Estates, a venture aimed at developing 24/7 solar-powered estates and smart homes in Abuja, Lagos, Enugu and Anambra State.
Okeke also discussed opportunities for Nigerians to own homes in the US through foreign national mortgage programmes. “These programmes require minimal down payments, making it easier for Nigerians to own homes in the US,” he said.
During his address, Okeke announced the launch of Dreamland Luxury Estates’ new website, which will facilitate global access to homes and luxury apartments in Nigeria. “We are committed to ensuring the same level of safety and security standards as those in the US,” he noted.
In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavours, Okeke has a background in consulting for Fortune 500 companies such as Deloitte, Adecco, Google, and Red Hat (an IBM subsidiary). Educated at Georgetown University with a Master’s in Management, Okeke is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and investment opportunities in Nigeria. “Empowering individuals and communities to build sustainable wealth is at the core of my mission,” he stated. Okeke has also contributed as a Special Advisor to a UN Ambassador.
Stakeholders at the event noted that Okeke’s leadership and vision have positioned him as a significant figure in both local and international business and political landscapes. His speech at the UIU national convention inspired many within the Nigerian diaspora community.