The men and women redefining Real Estate in the Lekki–Ibeju-Lekki–Epe corridor.
Behind the estates, gated communities and luxury residences rising on the skyline of Lekki, Ibeju -Epe districts are entrepreneurs who saw possibilities long before many people believed the eastern corridor of Lagos could become one of Nigeria's most important growth zones.
Here are their stories.
1. SADE BALOGUN
The Woman Who Believed in Tomorrow
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| Sade Balogun — Chairman/CEO, Redbrick Homes International Limited & Amen City Limited |
Long before the Ibeju-Lekki corridor became synonymous with luxury estates, Sade Balogun saw something others struggled to see: a future where families would willingly choose the eastern corridor of Lagos as a premium place to live.
"Some developers follow the market. Sade Balogun helped create it"
Her philosophy was different. She was not simply selling plots of land; she was selling a future lifestyle and the confidence that a properly planned community could become a lasting home.
Through Redbrick Homes and the Amen brand, her developments introduced wide roads, underground infrastructure, landscaped streets, security, recreation and carefully planned environments.
The Amen family now includes Amen Estate Phases I, II and III, Tiara I and II, Amen Gardens, Amen Elite and Amen Platinum, collectively spanning more than 500 hectares and serving thousands of clients.
Her contribution to the New Lagos story is ultimately about confidence. She believed in the corridor before certainty arrived—and invested in that belief.
2. HRH. DR. ABDULGANIYU OLUSEGUN AWOKOYA YESUFU
The King Who Helped Unlock the Land
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| His Royal Highness, Dr. AbdulGaniyu Olusegun Awokoya Yesufu — Otufesojoye of Irete-Ijebu |
The story of the New Lagos cannot be told only through cranes and construction sites. Behind many successful developments are relationships, negotiations, indigenous knowledge and an understanding of land history.
Dr. Abdul Ganiyu Olusegun Awokoya Yesufu, the Otufesojoye of Irete-Ijebu, is presented in the Skyline Edition as one of the quiet figures who helped bridge indigenous communities and modern investors.
"The development of a city requires not only builders, but bridge-builders."
Before ascending the traditional throne, he served as Chairman and CEO of AL-GASALI GLOBAL LIMITED and AWOKOYA ENDURANCE LIMITED, developing deep knowledge of indigenous land ownership, community history and traditional institutions.
His influence extended into efforts to resolve land-related issues around the Lekki Free Trade Zone and to promote peaceful dialogue.
Today, his focus also includes transforming Irete-Ijebu while preserving its cultural heritage, including the Irete Owo-Ila Festival.
3. OTUNBA STEVE AJOSE
The Lion of Land Banking
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| Otunba Oluwadurotimi Stephen Ajose — Chairman/CEO, Stiff Homes Limited |
With more than two decades of experience in strategic land acquisition and community development, Otunba Steve Ajose has built Stiff Homes around a long-term understanding of the Lekki-Epe growth corridor.
At the centre of the company's story is Richland Gardens Estate in Shapati, Ibeju-Lekki, an integrated residential community supported by roads, security and infrastructure.
Stiff Homes has also expanded into completed housing through its T10 Series and smart-enabled residences in Ikate-Lekki.
His traditional title, Kiniun Onile O'dua—the Lion of Land Ownership, captures the image the magazine presents: a developer whose greatest strength is strategic land vision.
4. AARE ADETOLA EMMANUELKING
The People's Developer
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| Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing — Adron Homes & Properties |
What if owning land could become as achievable as buying a car?
That question sits at the heart of Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing's story.
Through Adron Homes & Properties, he helped popularise flexible payment plans and opened property ownership to a wider audience—including teachers, civil servants, entrepreneurs, artisans, professionals and Nigerians in the diaspora.
Adron's model was built around inclusion rather than exclusivity.
Its growing presence across Ibeju-Lekki, Epe and other emerging locations demonstrates EmmanuelKing's belief that successful developers must anticipate where cities are going—not simply build where cities already exist.
His legacy, according to the magazine, is therefore measured not only in estates but in opportunities created for thousands of Nigerians.
Blog takeaway: He did not simply develop property; he helped democratise the dream of ownership.
5. MATTHEW ASHIMOLOWO
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| Matthew Ashimolowo — Chairman, Makarios Luxury Properties |
Turning Ibeju-Lekki Into a Lifestyle Destination
Matthew Ashimolowo has approached real estate from a different angle: creating destinations rather than simply estates.
His vision is embodied in Makarios Luxury Place, a mixed-use development along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Aiyeteju, Ibeju-Lekki.
The development combines residential plots, luxury apartments, terraced homes, detached residences, commercial spaces and hospitality facilities.
Its centrepiece, Makarios Aquatic Park, adds another dimension—tourism, recreation and entertainment.
The wider development is planned to include a shopping mall, hotel, children's water park, gardens, conference facilities, towers and extensive public spaces.
With Makarios Champions' Place, his concept extends further into community living built around family, friendship, fun and football.
Blog takeaway: The future of New Lagos may not just be where people live—but where they live, work, relax and play.
6. GIDEON MFONABASI
Redefining Sustainable Living
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| Gideon MfonAbasi — JOFAME Integrated Limited |
For Gideon MfonAbasi, the future of real estate must bring technology, environmental responsibility and recreation together.
That philosophy is reflected in Royal Palm Villa, Ibeju-Lekki—a resort-inspired master-planned community featuring a proposed 9-hole golf course, theme park, artificial lake, clubhouse, swimming pools, sporting facilities, children's playgrounds and green spaces.
But the environmental component is perhaps even more significant.
Jofame's plans include central sewage treatment technology capable of converting biodegradable waste into biogas and nutrient-rich liquid fertiliser.
The development therefore attempts to combine lifestyle with environmental innovation.
7. DR. JAYNE OBIOMA ONWUMERE
How a Teacher Became a Wealth Creator
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| Dr. Jayne Obioma Onwumere — President & Co-Founder, PWAN Group |
Before becoming one of the recognisable women in Nigerian real estate, Jayne Obioma Onwumere was a teacher.
In 2012, she co-founded Property World Africa Network with her husband, Dr. Augustine Onwumere.
Their objective was ambitious: make property ownership more accessible while creating opportunities for ordinary Nigerians to participate in the real estate economy.
PWAN grew into a major property marketing network with affiliate companies and a substantial presence across the Ibeju-Lekki-Epe corridor.
Through initiatives such as Go Pro with Jayne, she has also trained and mentored thousands of real estate entrepreneurs, particularly women and young professionals.
Her influence therefore extends beyond property development into entrepreneurship and human-capital development.
8. . HON. DR. ABDULLAHI SAHEED MOSADOLUWA — SAHEED IBILE
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| Saheed Ibile — Founder/CEO, Harmony Garden & Estate Development Limited |
The Land Strategist
Few recent indigenous developers, according to the magazine, have committed as aggressively to the Ibeju-Lekki corridor as Saheed Ibile.
Through Harmony Garden, he has developed a network of estates including Lekki Aviation Town, GranVille Estate, Majestic Bay Estate, The Parliament Phases I & II, Harmony Casa, HarmonyVille and Oju Alaro GRA.
His background in aviation appears to have influenced his approach to planning, logistics and infrastructure.
Harmony Garden has also introduced the Ibile Traditional Mortgage System, providing structured payment plans designed to reduce barriers to property acquisition.
His strategy is clear: identify strategic locations, build communities and position them for the infrastructure-led growth of New Lagos.
9.DR. ERNEST ABHULIMEN
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| Dr. Ernest Abhulimen — CEO, Dayclar Group |
The Builder Taking Dayclar Beyond Land Sales
Ernest Abhulimen arrived in real estate from an unusual combination of engineering, construction and banking.
Before founding Dayclar Global Ventures in 2012, he spent nearly two decades in Nigeria's banking industry.
Today, Dayclar operates across real estate development, construction, project consultancy, facility management, architectural design and civil engineering.
Its flagship New Lagos project is Celebration Parkland Estate & Resort in Awoyaya, Ibeju-Lekki.
The development is planned as a serviced residential community with roads, fencing, electricity, green areas, recreational facilities and security, alongside completed residential units.
For Abhulimen, the ultimate measure of success is what is actually completed on the ground.
10. NOLA ADETOLA
Building the Next Generation of Communities
PHOTO SNIPPET: Nola Adetola — Founder & CEO, Veritasi Homes Plc
Nola Adetola represents a younger generation of developers entering the rapidly expanding Ibeju-Lekki-Epe corridor.
Under his leadership, Veritasi Homes has combined property investment, community development and sustainability.
Its projects include ITUNU Residential, ITUNU City, ITUNU Hills and Arámide, a solar-powered residential estate in Aiyetoro.
The company's presence reflects the increasing importance of professionally planned communities in areas that are rapidly moving from peripheral locations to major investment destinations.
The magazine positions Adetola among the developers whose impact on the New Lagos skyline is expected to become increasingly visible as these communities mature.
11. BAMIDELE ONALAJA
Popularising Property Investment in the New Lagos
PHOTO SNIPPET: Bamidele Onalaja — Founder & Chairman, RevolutionPlus Property Development Company
Few entrepreneurs have done as much to popularise investment opportunities along the Lekki-Epe corridor as Bamidele Onalaja.
Through RevolutionPlus, his portfolio includes Brooklyn Court, Dallas Court, Houston Park, Champions Court, Flourish Royal Garden, Royal Haven Garden, Royalty Garden, Flourish Residences, Flourish Land Eluju and The Grandeur, Abijo GRA, among others.
His career has also included leadership within the real estate industry, including serving as a former president of REDAN.
For Onalaja, property remains a long-term wealth-creation vehicle, while the company's projects continue to contribute to the expanding real estate landscape of New Lagos.
12. DR. AUGUSTINE OZIOMA ONWUMERE
Mr. Empowerment
PHOTO SNIPPET: Dr. Augustine Ozioma Onwumere — Co-Founder, PWAN Group
The story of Augustine Onwumere begins with adversity.
In 2012, following a period of financial hardship and unstable housing, he and his wife, Dr. Jayne Onwumere, transformed their experience into a business idea: make property ownership more accessible while creating opportunities for others.
That vision became PWAN.
Rather than relying solely on conventional property sales, PWAN combined real estate with entrepreneurship by creating a network of independent marketers and business owners.
The model helped popularise property sales in Ibeju-Lekki and gave many young Nigerians an opportunity to build careers within the real estate industry.
13. PATRICK AGBAZA
The Master Builder
PHOTO SNIPPET: Patrick Agbaza — Pazino Engineering & Construction Company
Pazino ECC began as an engineering and construction company.
Incorporated in 2011, the business established expertise in civil engineering, marine construction, dredging, land reclamation and project management before expanding into large-scale real estate development.
That engineering DNA remains central to Patrick Agbaza's philosophy.
Pazino's New Lagos portfolio includes Aglow Ville, Almonds & Vines Gardens, Coastal Haven, Master Villa, MapleWood Gardens, Gardenia Homes & Gardens and Hills Gardens.
For Agbaza, successful communities must begin with what lies beneath the surface: planning, infrastructure, construction standards and secure titles.
14. KAYODE OBEMBE
Expanding Affordable Property Ownership
PHOTO SNIPPET: Kayode Obembe — Founder & CEO, KO Properties Limited
Kayode Obembe entered the property business in 2006, initially operating as a property agency before evolving into real estate development and property management.
KO Properties has focused on strategic growth corridors, affordability, secure land titles and flexible payment options.
Its portfolio includes Victory Estate near the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Heavens Home in Bogije, Pine Estate in Epe and Portview Estate, positioned close to the Dangote Refinery and other major industrial projects.
The company's strategy follows the geographical direction of Lagos' expansion—from Sangotedo through Ibeju-Lekki to Epe.
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16. OLAWALE AYILARA
The Vision Behind LandWey
PHOTO SNIPPET: Olawale Ayilara — Founder & CEO, LandWey Investment Limited
Olawale Ayilara has pursued urban transformation through a combination of strategic land banking, residential development and community planning.
LandWey's flagship developments include Isimi Lagos, a wellness and lifestyle city in Epe, alongside UrbanPrime developments, The Alverton and Monte Carlo.
His approach reflects a growing demand for communities where people can live, work and invest within thoughtfully planned environments.
Through innovation and bold vision, Ayilara has positioned LandWey as one of the companies contributing to the future skyline of the New Lagos.
17. DR. OLUWATOSIN OLATUJOYE
The Zylus Power
PHOTO SNIPPET: Dr. Oluwatosin Olatujoye — CEO, Zylus Homes & Properties
The story of Oluwatosin Olatujoye mirrors the rise of the New Lagos itself.
After launching his real estate company in 2018, he built Zylus Group International and its property subsidiary around expanding access to ownership while targeting locations positioned to benefit from Lagos' eastward growth.
One of the company's flagship developments is Tiwa Garden City in Elerangbe, Ibeju-Lekki.
The project features a planned community, internal roads, drainage infrastructure and documented land ownership, while the wider Tiwa concept includes a commercial hub.
Zylus has also expanded its New Lagos footprint with Zylus Prime City in Elerangbe and Zylus Chrysland City in Ilara, Epe.
Blog takeaway: The power of a developer lies in seeing the future geography of a city before everyone else does.
18. DR. OLOLADE VALENTINA ABUTA
Building a Diversified Property Empire
PHOTO SNIPPET: Dr. Ololade Valentina Abuta — GMD & CEO, Gracias Global Homes & Property Ltd
Dr. Ololade Valentina Abuta has built Gracias Global Homes & Property into a diversified group with interests extending beyond real estate into construction, hospitality, logistics and energy.
Her influence also reaches into entrepreneurship and professional development through initiatives such as the Peak Global Network Masterclass.
In the Ibeju-Lekki-Epe corridor, Gracias Global's portfolio includes Gracias Morganite, Lotite Garden, Coral Lagoon Front, Coral City Iloti and Gracias Moonstone Residence.
Her approach reflects the growing demand for serviced communities within the rapidly developing eastern corridor of Lagos.
Blog takeaway: Modern developers increasingly operate as ecosystem builders rather than single-project companies.
19. HARRISON AGBOIFOH
The Accountant Who Turned Land Into a Structured Investment Business
PHOTO SNIPPET: Harrison Agboifoh — Landmark Corporate Realty
For Harrison Agboifoh, real estate is not simply about selling plots.
As a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, he brought financial discipline into property development.
When Landmark Corporate Realty was established in 2010, its objective was to acquire strategic land, secure credible titles and present investment opportunities supported by due diligence.
Its developments include Marbella Luxury & Smart Estate, Fairmont Green & Smart Estate, Beachfront Parks & Gardens Phases I & II and The Lagoonfront Estate in Epe.
The portfolio reflects a deliberate strategy of following the direction of Lagos' geographical expansion.
Blog takeaway: When land is treated as an investment rather than a commodity, documentation, timing and strategy become everything.
20. OMOGBOYE SAHEED AYODEJI
Building Opportunity Across the New Lagos Corridor
PHOTO SNIPPET: Omogboye Saheed Ayodeji — CEO, AY Homes Investment Limited
Saheed Ayodeji's journey into real estate did not begin in a corporate boardroom.
Born and raised in Ore, Ondo State, he worked as a teacher before taking jobs as a waiter, receptionist and bartender in Lagos. He entered entrepreneurship in 2014 and became a realtor in 2017 before founding AY Homes in 2018.
Today, the company has developed a broad portfolio across the Lekki-Epe corridor, including The Aviara Residence, Ayo Castle, Eagle City, Ayora Haven, Kambili Luxury Estate, Ideal City, Sentosa City 2, Aero City Estate, Lagoon Heights Estate, Kings' Heritage Garden, Peace Abode Estate and others.
Many of the projects are strategically positioned around major infrastructure such as the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery, Deep Sea Port and proposed airport.
The story is one of upward mobility, entrepreneurship and infrastructure-led real estate development.
THE SKYLINE IS A STORY
The 20 developers featured in the Skyline Edition represent different philosophies.
Some began with land banking. Others came through engineering, banking, marketing, entrepreneurship or community development.
Some focus on affordability. Others build luxury. Some are creating lifestyle destinations, while others are developing sustainable communities or expanding access to property ownership.
But together, their stories reveal something bigger.
The New Lagos is not being built by concrete alone. It is being built by vision.
From Lekki to Ibeju-Lekki and onward to Epe, a new urban geography is emerging—driven by infrastructure, investment, population growth and entrepreneurs willing to commit capital and imagination to places whose greatest value may still lie ahead.
That is why the skyline is more than buildings.
Every estate tells a story.
Every developer leaves a footprint.
And every visionary helps determine what the New Lagos will become.
LEKKI PEOPLE MAGAZINE
20 Visionary Developers Building the Skyline of the New Lagos
Source: LEKKI PEOPLE Magazine, August 2026, No. 66 — Skyline Edition.
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