To excel in real estate, you must be smart and patient, says LuckyBay Homes CEO

Doing business in Nigeria is considered by many as an extreme thing to do, due to the several challenges that have persisted over the years.

Nigerian youths are some of the fearless, courageous and daring set of people on earth. They surmount  obstacles in almost every endeavour. Entertainment, sport, innovation and science and technology are the common grounds where their talents have shone through.

But one rare gem conquering the real estate industry in the country is Lucky Ikechukwu Ujomu, founder of LuckyBay Homes and LuckyBay Estate and Properties Limited, both located in Lagos State. The companies came to being after years of learning the ropes in the business.

Ujomu, an indigene of Ibusa, Oshimilia Local government Area of Delta State, is the fifth child in a family of 12, and, is married with two children. From his days of little beginnings as a real estate broker in 2009, to starting his first project in 2013, he has certainly come a long way, with determination and passion to succeed.

“I was born the fifth child of a family of 12, and I am married with two children. My wife is from Benin, Edo State. I started as a real estate Broker in 2009 and I was able to save enough money to start my first project in 2013 but it was very tough because there was no support, as it took me 5fiveyears to complete my first project which were two 5-bedroom fully detached duplex.

“I sold it between 2017/2018 and that was my major break through. So far, with the help of God, Luckybay Homes has grown into what it is today as one of the best real estate development company in Nigeria specializing in building affordable luxury houses. One of the major lessons for all business owners is; you must be smart and you must have patience”, the 46-year-old said in an interview.

The LuckyBay Homes CEO is well known by competitors in the business, as well as observers, unlike the Chief Executive Officer himself, who runs a low-key profile. Speaking further on his journey as a realtor, he explained that growing up, he envisaged working in the oil and gas or in the real estate business.

“Growing up, I’d nursed an ambition to work in either oil and gas or the property business. I am driven by my passion for the real estate business,” stated the LuckyBay Homes founder.

Most times, successful businessmen and women were inspired by their mentors. But it is not the same with this real estate entrepreneur, who disclosed that his desire to become a success in life is his ultimate motivation.

Despite efforts from the state government to criminalise land grabbing, the high-flying entrepreneur and LuckyBay Homes owner stressed that the ugly practice and funding were the two major issues he faced when he started out in business.

“There has never been a down moment for me other than the usual issue of raising funds which is one of the major problems we have in real estate in Nigeria,” stated Ujomu

Speaking further, he said, “The major challenges I encountered were mostly dearth of funds and troubles from unscrupulous land grabbers, but I was able to overcome these early hurdles with determination and by God’s grace”.

The LuckyBay Homes CEO revealed that though the company is currently undertaking several building projects in Lagos, it is planning to expand to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and Asaba.

“We’re still a growing company, but we have plans to extend to Abuja and Asaba,” he added.