Mshel Homes Limited: Contributing to Nigeria’s Economy Under Arc. Dr. Barka Umaru Mshelia

In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigeria’s corporate world, certain leaders stand out for their vision, integrity, and impactful contributions. Among them is Arc. Dr. Barka Umaru Mshelia, the Group Managing Director of Mshel Homes Limited. His leadership is instrumental in driving the success and growth of Mshel Group, a real estate company headquartered in Abuja.

Mshel Homes operates on a foundation of strong core values: Impeccable customer satisfaction, Honesty and Integrity, and Professionalism and Expertise. These values guide the company’s operations and its approach to the market.

Navigating market changes, particularly amidst evolving government policies, requires a strategic approach rooted in adaptability and informed decision-making. Arc. Dr. Mshelia’s leadership has guided Mshel Homes to enhance its market research capabilities to stay ahead of policy shifts, such as changes in interest rates, stamp duty revisions, or updates in building regulations.

The company also works closely with legal and compliance experts to ensure projects meet new regulatory standards, especially within the Federal Capital Territory. Diversifying the portfolio across different segments—residential and commercial—helps mitigate risk and tap into emerging opportunities. Building trust and delivering value, even during policy-driven market fluctuation, is achieved by remaining transparent with clients and responsive to their concerns.

Mshel Group’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth are multifaceted and significant. The company plays a vital role in job creation, both directly through construction, sales, and facility management, and indirectly through its supply chain of engineers, contractors, and service providers. They support government efforts to help close the housing deficit, particularly by promoting affordable housing solutions and working within public-private partnerships.

By developing residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties, Mshel Homes contributes to urban development and infrastructure improvement, which are critical to national economic progress. Furthermore, the company helps stimulate investment by offering safe, appreciating assets for both local and diaspora investors, thereby increasing capital inflow into the economy.

Arc. Dr. Mshelia believes that to address Nigeria’s economic challenges and fast-track development and wealth creation, the government should prioritize policy consistency, infrastructure investment, and access to financing.

Specifically for the real estate sector, he highlights that easing access to land, streamlining property registration, and enforcing existing housing policies like the National Housing Fund (NHF) can unlock large-scale housing development and job creation. Supporting mortgage institutions to make home ownership more accessible, particularly for the middle and low-income brackets, is also seen as crucial.

Under his leadership, Mshel Group has successfully extended its footprint across Nigeria, with established branches in Yola, Kano, and Lagos. Looking ahead, the Group remains strategically focused on international growth, with plans underway to establish branches in the United States of America and the United Kingdom, reinforcing a commitment to becoming a globally recognized real estate brand.

For Arc. Dr. Barka Umaru Mshelia, leadership is also about achieving work-life balance. He achieves this by delegating effectively and empowering his leadership team, allowing him to focus on strategic priorities. He manages his time intentionally, setting clear boundaries around work commitments and prioritising personal well-being through quality family time, rest, and reflection. Leveraging technology helps him stay efficient. For him, balance is about being purposeful with time, which ultimately enhances both his effectiveness as a leader and his overall well-being.

His advice to aspiring CEOs and leaders is to lead with vision, integrity, and resilience. He stresses focusing on long-term goals while remaining adaptable to change. Building and empowering a trustworthy team is key, recognising that true leadership is about guiding others to excel. He advises committing to continuous learning, making informed, customer-focused decisions, and always upholding values. Above all, he suggests balancing ambition with humility—listen, grow, and lead with character.

Arc. Dr. Barka Umaru Mshelia embodies the qualities of a notable leader in corporate Nigeria, driving business success while contributing significantly to the nation’s economic development and setting an example for future leaders.

SEYI ASAGUN: A CATALYST OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, A VISIONARY LEADER, PROMOTING MSMEs IN NIGERIA THROUGH LENDING AND ADVOCACY

One of the professionals who has distinguished himself not only as a financial expert, committed investor, an accomplished business administrator and innovative technocrat but also demonstrated a high degree of integrity in public and private transactions is Mr Seyi Asagun, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Entourage Integrated Trust Limited.

Over the years, Mr. Seyi Asagun has carved a niche for himself through strong support and financial lending to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria. Indeed, he is a strong advocate of inclusive lending practices and building better financial solutions for Nigeria’s MSMEs.

Mr. Asagun is a finance executive, microfinance strategist, innovative technocrat and outspoken advocate for inclusive lending in Nigeria. With over twenty (20) years of experience in financial services, Mr. Asagun has worked at the intersection of strategy, lending and small business development.

Established in July 2014, Entourage Integrated Trust Limited is a Nigerian financial services company specialising in Microfinance lending, leasing and investment solutions. The company operates in twenty-nine (29) states, strategically located across the country, with the corporate headquarters in Lagos.

In order to touch lives and impact businesses, the company’s core services include: Microfinance and lending: Providing financial support to individuals and businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to foster growth and development.

The company is also into Leasing Services, offering asset leasing options to clients, enabling them to acquire necessary equipment or assets without the burden of full upfront costs. In addition, the company is also involved in investment solutions, engaging in venture capital activities to support SMEs and growing businesses, contributing to economic development.

Mr Seyi Asagun, a seasoned financial lending expert and business technocrat, is a leading voice in Nigeria’s financial landscape, specialising in inclusive lending, SME growth and microfinance reform. He has led strategic financial initiatives that have impacted thousands of small businesses across the country.
Mr Seyi Asagun is passionate about building lending systems that actually support entrepreneurship, especially among the underserved groups.

He runs an online publication on Substack, The Seyi Asagun Brief, where he shares sharp, practical insight on fixing finance, leadership, and growing resilient in small businesses. He has been featured in many dailies and continues to appear in podcasts and industry events as a thought leader.

With the vision and mission statements “To provide high-quality financial services to individuals and SMEs” and with the mission “To build systems that make access to capital more equitable, practical and empowering for Nigeria’s underserved (MSMSEs)”. Based on this vision and mission, the company has put in place policies, professionals and ICT facilities to facilitate and ensure consistent, quick delivery services.

Indeed, Mr Seyi Asagun is a result-oriented professional and Chief Executive with the capability to translate vision into reality. It is imperative to state that Mr Seyi Asagun, the articulated lending expert, a strong supporter, and an advocate of MSMSEs’ growth in Nigeri,a is synonymous with value creation. He is not one of those who got to where they are by whom they know, but his journey to the apex of his professional career is a product of self-discipline, commitment, determination, hard work and sincerity.

As a man known for his ethical conduct, transparency, accountability and strong support for MSMEs in Nigeria, Mr Seyi has designed and led initiatives that support over one hundred and fifty thousand (150,000) small businesses and continues to contribute to financial policy conversations, working closely with stakeholders, regulators and community leaders.

Conclusively, it is pertinent to say that Mr Seyi Asagun, whose achievements and contributions to the development and growth of MSMEs in Nigeria speak louder than words is a man of integrity, a catalyst of economic development, a business administrator and a technocrat of international repute is one of the notable Corporate Leaders in Nigeria. In fact, his innovativeness, pragmatic and exemplary leadership qualities, mentorship, as well as his many insightful solutions to the plight of the MSME owners in Nigeria, continue to set him out among his contemporaries.

Alhassan A. Dantata Harping On Nigeria Project, Expanding Business Frontiers

ALHASSAN A. DANTATA is the Founder and Group Chairman/CEO of Dantata Group — a dynamic conglomerate with interest in real estate, manufacturing, agriculture, oil and gas, haulage and logistics and commodity distribution. He is a distinguished Nigerian businessman and serial entrepreneur, whose milk of human kindness has ceaselessly flown to the less privileged, empowering them to fend for themselves and happily contribute to the development of their communities.

Under his strategic leadership, the group has grown from its small beginning to encompass several thriving subsidiaries, including Dantata Town Developers Ltd (DTDL), Dantata Plastics Ltd (DPL), Dantata Agric and Farhan Oil Ltd.

Alhaji Dantata began his career in 1997 in his family-owned business, where he rose through the ranks to become the Executive Director.

In 2005, he boldly charted his entrepreneurial path, branched out from his family business to lay the foundation of what has become one of Nigeria’s most promising indigenous business empires.

With his first venture into business, establishing haulage and transport logistics, bringing in good returns, the young Dantata marched on and swiftly expanded into commodity trading, where he traded in sugar, flour, among others. These early successes enabled him to build the capital and confidence to diversify into manufacturing and real estate.

Launching Dantata Plastics Ltd (DPL) in 2005 and Dantata Town Developers Ltd (DTDL) in 2012, DTDL has, as of this date, completed and is actively developing over ten modern residential estates across the country. With this, the company has delivered over 8,000 housing units, which stands as a testament to the leader’s commitment to solving Nigeria’s housing deficit.

The insightful investors are not only providing affordable and quality houses, but also setting quality standards and coming up with community-centric designs, which have remained their company’s benchmark.

While the real estate company is flourishing, meeting the needs of Nigerians, Dantata Plastic Limited, with headquarters in Kano State, is also blossoming, expanding its already significant footprint to new areas of the country with a new, state-of-the-art factory established in Lagos.

Building on the success of its existing large-scale facility in Kano, the expansion to other areas, especially in Lagos, is targetted at strengthening the nation’s manufacturing sector, boosting the economy and enhancing the export of its commodities. The facility has positioned Dantata Plastics Ltd as a major leader in the plastic market in the country and across the West African sub-region.

Aside from running his own business, controlling a business empire, the Kano State-indigene merchant prince is one of the major shareholders of Dantata and Sawoe, a leading construction firm that is coming up with standard and alluring structures in different communities. His ventures in cement distribution, petroleum retail, and agriculture — including the recent launch of a mining company — demonstrate his knack for investing in highly impactful sectors and impacting lives.

The Dantata Group, across the board, employs approximately 2,000 direct and indirect staff, boosting job creation and economic empowerment in the country.
A firm believer in nation-building through enterprise, Dantata has been able to build a conglomerate that touches diverse sectors of the economy from a single holding, making him a trailblazer and putting him ahead of other business moguls.

With an Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Auditing; a Postgraduate Diploma in Community Development from Federal Collage of Education (FCE), Kano; and several executive education and business exposure acquired through extensive international travels, Alhassan A. Dantata ventured into business, combining his book knowleged with pragmatic business ethos to come up with a business conglomerate that has not only played major role in the stream of the economy providing services, but has also created new jobs for the teeming youths, aside and impacting lives.

The sagacious investor and proud believer in the Nigerian project holds in high esteem service to humanity, integrity, and compassion. In fact, his illustrious career with a grounded family life and prudence in all he does has placed him among the A-list businessmen in Nigeria. Known for his unassuming nature, he shuns extravagance, letting his achievements speak louder than flamboyance.

With his companies poised for further growth, Alhassan A. Dantata has continued to chart new frontiers. The expansion of Dantata Plastic Limited, ongoing real estate projects and his agricultural ventures signal a future of innovation and impact. As he builds on his legacy, he shines as a beacon of entrepreneurial genius and socially responsible for providing the push to motivate others; a virtue that proves that true success lies in uplifting others.

His commitment to societal good is channelled through his non-governmental organisation, which focuses on supporting the less privileged and fostering community development. His philanthropic efforts prioritise youth empowerment, education and economic inclusion.

Through this means, he has further contributed to the national economy and empowered the less privileged to fend for themselves and contribute their quota to their communities.

Widely travelled and mixed up with international businessmen and women, these have dilated his views on life and shaped his global perspective on business, humanity and his philanthropy with the purpose to impact society for the greater good.

Alhaji Dantata’s journey mirrors that of global business titans from his family lineage, including Abdulkadir Dantata, Aliko Dangote and Aminu Dantata, whose industrial legacies he emulates to carve a niche for himself. His ability to navigate complex markets, while staying true to his values— humility, kindness and a vast worldview — sets him apart as a leader of rare calibre.

Dantata’s understated approach to giving reflects his character: prudent, thoughtful and devoid of fanfare. Whether through skills training or community upliftment programmes, Alhassan Dantata’s initiatives have transformed countless lives, making him a beloved figure in Nigeria and beyond.
With a calm, kind and intelligent demeanour, his various philanthropic commitments, especially in youth empowerment and community development, have earned him numerous awards and honours.

Admired for his strategic mindset, economic foresight and humble leadership style, Alhaji Alhassan Dantata has brought a global perspective to business in the country, while maintaining a deep understanding of local market dynamics and socio-economic needs.

As Nigeria seeks to deepen its industrial base and unlock inclusive economic growth, leaders like Alhaji Dantata stand out as symbols of what is possible when vision, courage and commitment intersect.

CHIEF (DR) EBUKA ONUNKWO: AN ACCOMPLISHED ENTREPRENEUR, PHILANTHROPIST, IMPACTFUL INDUSTRIALIST, DELIVERING VALUE THROUGH HIGH QUALITY LUBRICANTS IN NIGERIA

For Nigeria to achieve the expected industrial growth in the comity of nations, entrepreneurs and committed investors like Chief (Dr) Ebuka Onunkwo, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Seahorse Lubricant Industries Limited, remain one of those that the country looks up to.

Over the years, Chief (Dr) Ebuka Onunkwo has distinguished himself not only as a reputable entrepreneur, an accomplished industrialist and a seasoned business administrator but has also demonstrated a high degree of integrity and philanthropic gestures in Nigeria.

He is an indigene of Umuabu, Ihembosi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Chief (Dr) Ebuka is a lover and supporter of education. He has a Diploma in French Language from the Republic of Benin. He attended an Economic Development course at Western New Mexico University, USA.

Infact, for his various support in educational sector, achievements in business and philanthropic gestures, he has been awarded four distinctive Honorary Doctorate Degrees from four different universities including The Cathedral University USA; St. Felicite University, Port Novo, Zoe Life Theological College, Philadelphia, USA and Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State.

Chief (Dr) Ebuka Onunkwo, a seasoned professional and technocrat, has managed many lubricant marketing companies for almost three decades in West African countries. He became an industrialist of repute when he established Seahorse Lubricant Industries Limited in 2017 with the approval of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR). As a man of quality with a strong determination to give the best to his customers, Dr. Ebuka set up the state-of-the-art blending plant in Ozubulu, Anambra State, Nigeria, to blend the best and high-quality lubricants in the country.

With the Vision and Mission statements of the company to become Africa’s leading independent manufacturer of high-quality lubricants” and with the mission to continually improve our product quality and services and add to the productivity of the country we operate in, protection of our environment and contribution to the society are in the forefronts of our practices.

Based on this vision, the company have put in place policies, professionals and state-of-the-art technology to ensure consistent production and marketing of high-quality and trusted lubricants, which include: Sea Horse Lubricant, Megarich Lubricant and Megacrown Energy Lubricant. Indeed, these high-quality and trusted lubricants have become the delight of customers and users of these products because of their unique benefits.

In addition, Seahorse Lubricant Industries Limited is an ISO 9001:2025 certified company. This certification affirms that the company adheres to the industry’s best practices, ensuring consistent product quality and services that meet customer expectations.

To further express the commitment of the company to quality products, Seahorse Lubricants are certified by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) as part of the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) put in place by SON to ensure that all locally manufactured products in the country conform to the relevant Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) before such products are presented for sales in the market or export.

Importantly, Chief (Dr) Ebuka Onunkwo is not only a distinguished and accomplished industrialist whose focus is on quality and adding value to his customers, but he is also a philanthropist who has touched lives and transformed many communities. For instance, since 2009 to date, Chief (Dr) Ebuka Onunkwo has been graciously paying the school fees, WAEC and NECO fees for all the students of Community Secondary School, Ihembosi.

Also, as a patron of the Anambra State University, Dr. Ebuka has donated a brand new 18-Seater bus to the University, gives prizes to the Best Graduating Engineering Student, Prizes to the Best Graduating Biochemistry student, and Prizes to the overall Best Graduating student of the University. In addition, he single-handedly tarred Okija Junction-Ihembosi Road, which is today known as Dr Ebuka Onunkwo Road.

In recognition and appreciation of his commitment to industrial development and enormous contributions to the educational and socio-economic development of Nigeria, Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo has been honoured by many organisations and institutions within and outside the country. These include: Good Leadership and Philanthropic Award by Association of Better Leaders International, Cotonou, Recipient of Planet Africa Award of Visionary Leadership in Canada, just to mention a few. In addition, Seahorse Brands, under the leadership of Chief (Dr) Ebuka Onunkwo, have won over 10 laurels within a short period of time.

Mike Duru Ejiogu: Beacon of Resilience, Innovation, and Commitment to Real Estate

High Chief Mike Duru Ejiogu, the traditional prime minister of Anárá Ancient Kingdom, Isiala Mbano Council of Imo State, is a man of many parts: A loving husband, caring father, compassionate leader, uncommon philanthropist, political emperor, boardroom strategist and respected community leader.

Highly focused, organised, peaceful and urbane, the Chief Executive Officer of CityGate Group of Companies, a fully digital and innovative real estate signature brand, stands as a beacon of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s real estate sector.

To give real service, the business maverick and serial entrepreneur believes you must add something that cannot be bought or measured with money, and that’s sincerity. This, no doubt, is what has made the Imo State-born entrepreneur a success.
With the highly impressive performance track record of this business conglomerate, he needs little or no introduction within the business circle.

From his humble beginning as an average trader to his current status as a real estate giant and one of the leading business brands in Nigeria’s seat of power- Abuja, Ejiogu’s business journey is a testament to his ability to adapt, push, innovate, and lead.

Ejiogu has made sincerity and integrity the guiding business principles of one of Nigeria’s most innovative real estate signature brands, Citygate Group of Companies. Little wonder the company is a high–performance–driven industry player.

As one of the key players in Nigeria’s real estate industry, Chairman of Citygate Homes, Chief Mike Ejiogu (Onowu Anara) has proven his mettle as a leader and doyen in the industry. He has led his company to navigate the complexities faced in doing business in a relative difficult economic clime like that of Nigeria; while delivering on the company’s mandate of sincerity, integrity and reliability – A huge testament to the strength of the leadership, and unwavering commitment of Citygate Homes to leave its clients and investors with a lasting experience in any business transactions or executed projects.

He said: “CityGate Homes is incorporated in Nigeria to carry out housing construction and general real estate services. With cutting-edge technology and an exceptional idea base, the company has successfully delivered housing projects that meet the needs of its clients. Our iconic architectural landmark estates in various locations within Abuja and Lagos deliver the best in real estate services and infrastructure in serene environments with a style that suits varying tastes, preferences and status, because we have a remarkable penchant for delivering luxury at its maximum peak.”

As a company with a multi-dimensional approach in delivering quality services, “our project ideas are forged along three economic considerations, namely: The Low-cost or mass housing project, The Mid-Range project and The Luxury Project.

“Our low-cost housing projects bring to bear our penchant for simplicity, which is the mother of all beauty. Under this category, we deliver affordable mass housing that are a complete drift from the conventional idea of mass housing, of course with infrastructures that stand the test of time.

“Our Mid-range housing projects offer a taste of class with meticulous attention to detail. This category brings a great reward to moderate-income earners; a sort of incentive for hard work.

“Luxury Project: CityGate Homes prides itself as the king of modern luxury. Its progressive and consistent high standard of delivering luxury apartments remains a feat to beat. From the array of fully detached duplexes to terraces and semi-detached duplexes with state-of-the-art infrastructures and facilities, it’s the fresh breath of class and panache all the way. Our luxury projects sited in strategic locations in the FCT are the exact definition of the word luxury.”

The estates are located at Kukwaba Phase 1, Kukwaba Phase 2, Kukwaba Phase 3, Kaura, Games village, Katampe Extension, Kafe Lifecamp, Dape Lifecamp, Guzape Phase 1, Guzape Phase 2, Guzape Phase 3, Asokoro, and Victoria Island, Lagos.

In the last 15 years or so, the High Chief has not only been patient but also consistent in building his business, making new friends, new contacts, developing capacity, and networking with other industrialists.

And through these concerted efforts, determination, and tenacity, his business conglomerate – Citygate Group- has recorded significant milestones and growth in the real estate sector of Nigeria’s economy, pioneering innovations that set new standards across the industry with sheer resilience amid challenging economic conditions in the country.

Chief Mike Ejiogu’s business strategy and survival instinct, especially in a country where real estate investors, key players, and critical stakeholders face challenges of access to finance, regulatory changes, high interest rates, complicated land administrative procedures, strict loan conditions, and lack of specialised real estate financing options; should serve as a case study to those aspiring to venture into this highly capital intensive and competitive sector.

A serial entrepreneur and doyen of real estate business, Ejiogu has not only survived the test of time in Nigeria’s ever-competitive real estate sector but has also thrived, evolving into one of Nigeria’s most trusted, dynamic, and forward-thinking industry players with ‘Reliability ‘as his watchword.

Judging by its consistent performance index in the last 10 years or so, the company has recorded significant milestones and strategic growth in the real estate sector of the Nigerian economy, pioneering innovations that set new standards across the industry with sheer resilience and tenacity amid challenging economic conditions in the country.

This icon of Nigeria’s real estate industry is an employer of labour, who has not only built men across different sectors but has also given seed capital running into millions to small business owners, productively engaged a lot of youths from his local government area, and improved the living conditions of many indigent families.

It is very important to note that Ejiogu his remarkable milestones in business, in leadership, in selfless community services, and in philanthropy form part of his enduring legacies as a compassionate leader and traditional prime minister of a strategic ancient kingdom like Anara.

Over the years, he has played a pivotal role, through Citygate Group, in shaping the Nigerian real estate sector, introducing a groundbreaking range of offers and setting a benchmark for excellence in housing and urban development master plans.

At the South East Media Summit and Awards organised by the Nigerian Horn Group of Newspapers in collaboration with the South East Media Practitioners, he was honoured with a prestigious award of the Most Innovative Real Estate Development Personality of the Year, which was held at the Rockview Hotel, Owerri, Imo State.

Presenting the award of Most Innovative Real Estate Development Personality of the Year to High Chief Mike Ejiogu, ably represented by Chief Ogbuehi Amadi, Bishop Athan Azubike commended the serial entrepreneur and real estate titan, Ejiogu, for his impressive performance and track record of excellence and effective service delivery in the real estate industry, while saluting his buoyant heart for community development and youth empowerment in his various business establishments across the country.

He is a member of many professional bodies, and also a recipient of many prestigious awards: Fellow, Institute of Advanced Entrepreneurship, Fellow, Chartered Institute of Commerce Nigeria, Patron, Young Entrepreneurs of Nigeria, Ambassador for Peace, Universal Peace Federation.

Ejiogu is the President, Catholic Men’s Organisation (CMO), FCT. The most recent is Best Husband Award at the Hollywood Media Summit in faraway United States of America.