Realtors working with govt vision, master plan vital for urbanization — Makinde’s aide

The special adviser to the Oyo state governor on housing and urban development, Hon Akinsete Olakunle, has harped on the need for developers and investors to work in accordance with the state government’s plan for urbanization to achieve the desired setting that would be appealing to the present administration.

Akinsete’s office collaborated with the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Oyo state chapter, to organise the state’s first real estate developers association conference which took place on the 4th of December 2024 at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, the state capital.     

The governor’s aide described partnership and collaboration as a synergy between the private sector and the public sector, especially when it comes to delivering affordable housing units and development in Oyo state.

He said, “The magnanimity of his excellency, the Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, has brought so much infrastructure to the state. Where you now see people moving into Oyo State from other states like Ogun, Ondo, Lagos and others. Even from the diaspora back home to settle and do business, thereby contributing to the administration’s progress. For me, I think this is the right time for investors and developers to make use of this magnanimity and tap from what is coming out. This is the reason for bringing everybody together in the real estate sector so we can have a communiqué and come out with ideas that can help us chart a new course for the future of real estate in Oyo State. 

“For me, I would advocate they work in concurrence with the government vision and master plan, because it is important that whatever you do as an investor or developer, you need the government’s backing.  And the government also needs to show support for them too. This will bring about a bridge of convenience in accordance with the blueprint on ground to create a unique environmental setting and ambience of international standard.

Also at the event to enlighten the participants who are mostly iInvestors, suppliers and developers was Mrs Toyin Ehindero Benson, zonal chairman of the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML), a department in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

She explained the meaning of SCUML, what the unit does and how it operates in Nigeria on issues concerning cases of financial corruption. 

She called on members to embrace the reforms of REDAN’s chairman, Dr Muibi Kenhinde Hammed and key into it 100% by detailing and submitting their business dealings with clients so it can help them operate seamlessly and sort difficult business transactions.

In her words, “Most investors and developers due to the fact of not having the tendency of doing a background check on their client’s financial dealings and also in a bid to make money, end up being caught up a financial fraud which can put a dent on the business image because you have ended up collecting money from clients whose source of income flow is questionable.   

“I advise that REDAN members adhere to the rules and regulations of the agency and also join hands with the SCUML’s team. We are ready to work with your association so as to achieve more success in fighting corruption in the country. The vital role SCUML plays in controlling monitoring funds to know the real source cannot be undermined.”

From the close-up view, the publicity secretary and member of the planning committee, Mr Olu Falodun, on behalf of the planning committee, expressed his satisfaction with the programme.

He said, “My take on this conference, I would say it was a landmark achievement for us. It has marked a turnaround for us in the real estate industry in Oyo State. With the kind of people who turn out for this event for me, it marks a sense of commitment from all the parties involved; the developers, stakeholders and policymakers to the growth of this collaboration. For me as a developer, I have learnt some new things within and outside our sector. So now it shows we are ready to solve the critical challenges we face in the sector. 

“It’s been a success. More so,  I would say with this initiative that is being discussed today, I would like us to be part of the solutions to the challenges by playing our own part. We find where we need to act and improve. And contribute our quota in making an advancement in the real estate sector. It is also a call for us to stay updated on emerging trends and regulations coming out from the government part of the collaboration and the real estate experts.”

Speaking on his expectations from stakeholders,  Falodun said, “My expectations from them on this conference is for them to build on the momentum of this conference for all of us to work together to create a sustainable and innovative real estate landscape in Oyo state and also, I beckon on the government and regulatory bodies to translate discussions we had today into actionable policies that can benefit everyone concerned.  

“For all of us as stakeholders, investors and developers, we should all capitalize on the opportunities that are well highlighted in order for us to drive forth our investment in Oyo State for a smarter masterpiece.”

He further used the opportunity to appreciate the sponsor of the event, Hon Akinsete Olakunle, who was on the ground all through to the top government functionaries, including the Oyo state deputy governor, Barr Adebayo Lawal;  chairman of Oyo State Housing Corporation, Mr Demola Omotosho; among others.

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