In a bid to empower aspiring real estate professionals, Dukiya, a leading real estate development company, recently organised an intensive six-day training programme for prospective realtors.

The training, held at the prestigious Protea Kuramo Waters Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, provided participants with comprehensive insights into the intricacies of the housing business.

The initiative, spearheaded by Dukiya’s co-founders, Lukman Shobowale and Bayo Lawal, aimed to equip trainees with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in Nigeria’s competitive real estate sector.

Addressing the trainees on the first day, the co-founder, Lukman Shobowale, emphasised the importance of understanding market dynamics.

Shobowale explained that real estate is more than just buying and selling properties, but also about creating value, understanding your clients’ needs, and positioning yourself as a reliable expert.

Shobowale further shared personal anecdotes from his early days in the business, inspiring attendees with stories of resilience and adaptability.

In his reaction, co-founder Bayo Lawal, focused on the significance of ethics and trust in real estate.

“The foundation of this business is built on trust. Your clients must believe in your ability to deliver. Always prioritize transparency and integrity; it’s what sets you apart in a crowded market,” he said.

Shobowale also highlighted the evolving trends in the housing market, urging trainees to leverage technology and data-driven strategies to stay ahead.

The training sessions were interactive, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Participants engaged in role-playing scenarios, market analysis exercises, and panel discussions with seasoned realtors.

Topics ranged from property valuation and negotiation techniques to legal frameworks and effective marketing strategies.

One of the trainees, Mercy Ekebafe, expressed her excitement about the program, saying, “I’ve learned so much in just a few days. The sessions are insightful, and the facilitators are genuinely invested in our growth. This experience is reshaping my perspective on the housing business.”

Another participant, Kelvin Akugba, appreciated the emphasis on networking, noting that the connections he made are invaluable.

“It’s not just about the lessons but also the relationships that will drive my career forward,” he added.

On the final day, the co-founders hosted a panel discussion which took place at the Protea Kuramo Waters Hotel, addressing questions from the trainees and sharing additional tips for success.

The closing ceremony was a celebratory affair, with certificates awarded to all participants, Awards of excellence were presented to Dukiya staff and sales community members.

The awardees were Oyindamola Salami who won a Lexus ES350 for being the highest-selling realtor of 2024; Victor Pelumi, Arinola Dosumu, Orire Shuaib, Adebiyi Victor, Mariana Oyinkansola, and Aremu Abdulrasheed received N250,000 each for their dedication as active realtors on the Dukiya Army Sales Community.

Shobowale said the awards were given to celebrate the impact of the staff of Dukiya over the year and urged them to do more.