By Josephine Agbonkhese

An accomplished entrepreneur, real estate expert, and talent manager with a passion for creating opportunities and building sustainable ventures, Abiodun Alabi is the CEO/Founder of Toff Homes Limited and Toff G Entertainment— two organisations committed to excellence.

In this interview with Vanguard, he speaks of his journey into the world of real estates and talent management, shares challenges faced by young Nigerian entrepreneurs, as well as the effects of certain government policies on real estate practice in Nigeria. Enjoy!

Let is into your childhood…

I was born and raised in Ibadan, Oyo State, into a family where the values of hard work, integrity, and dedication were deeply rooted. My parents, both civil servants, instilled in me a strong sense of discipline and the importance of education from an early age.

Growing up in Ibadan provided me with a rich cultural background and a supportive environment that nurtured my ambitions.

I completed my primary, secondary, and tertiary education all within Ibadan, which not only grounded me academically but also strengthened my connection to the community. This solid foundation played a significant role in shaping my entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence, which continue to drive my journey today.

How did you venture into real estate?

They say we are often influenced by our environment, and for me, that couldn’t be more true. Living in Lagos, a city known for its rapid development, dynamic real estate market, and constant demand for housing, played a significant role in shaping my interest in real estate. Every corner of Lagos tells a story of growth, opportunity, and the undeniable value of land and property.

I was intrigued by how real estate not only builds wealth but also creates lasting legacies. Witnessing the challenges people face in finding affordable yet quality housing inspired me to be part of the solution. That drive led me to establish Toff Homes Limited, where my focus has been on bridging the gap between luxury and affordability, while helping people make smarter investment choices. Lagos didn’t just influence my journey—it became the catalyst that turned my passion into purpose.

…and how did you float your own company?

My entrepreneurial journey began in 2007 when I ventured into business, driven by a passion for creating value and building something of my own. In the early days, it was all about learning, taking risks, and understanding the dynamics of running a business. By 2014, I officially incorporated my company, marking a major milestone in my journey.

At that time, we focused on manufacturing paints—a venture that taught me the importance of quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction. Navigating the competitive landscape of the paint industry honed my business acumen and strengthened my leadership skills. However, as I evolved, so did my vision. I saw bigger opportunities in real estate, a sector that not only shapes communities but also builds legacies.

In 2021, I established Toff Homes Limited, channeling my years of entrepreneurial experience into creating affordable luxury homes and smart investment opportunities. Every step of the journey, from manufacturing paints to developing properties, has been a building block toward the legacy I continue to build today.

My journey has been fueled by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and empowering others, and I continue to explore new opportunities that align with my vision for growth and impact. This commitment to excellence is also seen through Toff G Entertainment, where I manage talents and foster creative growth within the entertainment industry.

Can you share recent projects you’re most proud of and why?

I’m proud of all our projects at Toff Homes because each one reflects our commitment to providing value, promoting smart investments, and contributing to community growth. Every estate we develop is designed with a clear purpose—to offer our clients affordable luxury while ensuring their investments grow over time.

However, one project that stands out is Toff Green Estate in Epe. It has been widely accepted by our clients, and for good reason. We introduced an innovative farming initiative within the estate, allowing subscribers not only to watch their land appreciate in value but also to generate income through agricultural activities. By cultivating crops like cassava, tomatoes, and plantain, investors enjoy dual benefits—land appreciation and a steady return from farming.

Beyond individual gains, this project also addresses a larger societal issue: food scarcity. By integrating agriculture into real estate, we’re contributing to the fight against food shortages in the country, making Toff Green Estate both a smart investment and a socially impactful project. It’s this blend of profitability and purpose that makes it truly special.

What have been your biggest challenges in terms of government policies?

One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced in terms of government policies is the process of perfecting land titles in Lagos State. Compared to other states, securing titles like the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Governor’s Consent in Lagos is often more complex, time-consuming, and costly. The bureaucratic hurdles and layers of approvals can delay project timelines and sometimes create uncertainties for both developers and investors.

Despite these challenges, we remain committed to transparency and due diligence, ensuring that all our properties have the right documentation to give our clients peace of mind.

What would you recommend for a more sustainable business environment?

To create a more sustainable business environment, there should be a focus on simplifying bureaucratic processes, especially in land title registration and permit approvals, to boost investor confidence. Public-private partnerships can help improve infrastructure, while clear, consistent policies will support business growth. Embracing technology, like digital land registries and e-approval systems, can further enhance efficiency, reduce delays, and promote transparency.

At what point did talent management become an interest and why?

Talent management became an interest for me when I realised the incredible influence it had in connecting me with a wider audience and creating a positive impact, especially among the youth. It has given me a level of popularity I never anticipated. today, I have over 100k followers on my social media platforms, with a majority being young people who see me as a mentor and role model.

I take this responsibility seriously by offering free guidance to those close to me, helping them navigate their paths, whether in entertainment, business, or personal growth. I create an open space where they feel welcomed and supported, knowing the right mentorship can be life-changing.

Interestingly, this visibility has also contributed to the growth of my business. Many of these young people not only see me as a leader but also actively support my ventures.

For me, talent management isn’t just about building careers; it’s about building lives, inspiring dreams, and creating a community where everyone can grow and thrive. That’s what makes it so fulfilling.

What has been your experience managing young talents?

Managing young talents has been a rewarding yet challenging journey. It hasn’t been easy, especially considering that at the starting point, myself and the talents stayed together, which meant I was deeply involved in their daily lives. This closeness came with its own set of challenges—settling conflicts, managing expectations, and sometimes dealing with demands that were far beyond what I could imagine. In such moments, I had to patiently explain why certain things couldn’t be achieved at that point, helping them understand the bigger picture.

Talent management isn’t just about making a profit; for me, it’s a calling. It requires patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to see others grow and succeed. While it has its tough moments, it’s also been an amazing experience filled with lessons, growth, and countless success stories. Each challenge has added to my journey, making me a better leader and mentor.

Any challenge?

One major challenge in talent management has been dealing with expectations—many young talents come in with big dreams and often expect instant success. Managing these expectations while helping them understand the importance of patience, hard work, and growth can be tough.

Another challenge is conflict resolution. When you’re closely involved in their lives, disagreements are inevitable, and navigating these conflicts requires emotional intelligence and fairness. There have also been moments when some talents made unrealistic demands, and I had to carefully explain why certain things couldn’t be achieved at that time.

Despite these challenges, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. Talent management isn’t just about guiding careers; it’s about shaping lives, and while it comes with its hurdles, the impact and growth make it all worth it.

How successful have some of your talents been so far and can you give names?

My talents have been doing really well, and I’m genuinely proud of their growth and achievements. Interestingly, not all of them are directly under my management some are under my mentorship, and I still play an active role in guiding their careers and personal development.

Whether under management or mentorship, many of them have made significant progress in their respective fields, and seeing them thrive is incredibly fulfilling. For me, it’s not just about managing talents but also about impacting lives and helping them unlock their full potential. So far, they’re doing well, and I’m excited to see how far they’ll go.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken as an entrepreneur?

One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken as an entrepreneur was transitioning from my initial business in paint manufacturing to fully venturing into real estate. Leaving behind a familiar industry to dive into a highly competitive and capital-intensive sector like real estate required a lot of courage and faith.

Another significant risk was launching Toff Homes during a time when the real estate market was unpredictable. I invested substantial resources, time, and energy, knowing that the stakes were high. But I believed in the vision of providing affordable luxury homes and creating smart investment opportunities.

These risks came with challenges, but they also opened doors to incredible growth and success. For me, entrepreneurship is about stepping out of your comfort zone, trusting the process, and being willing to take bold moves to achieve something greater.

What’s your definition of success?

For me, success goes beyond financial gains or personal achievements. It’s about creating lasting impact, empowering others, and building something that adds value to people’s lives. Success is seeing the people I mentor thrive, watching my clients make smart investments that secure their future, and knowing that my work contributes positively to society.

It’s also about personal growth—overcoming challenges, staying true to my values, and continuously evolving. Ultimately, success is leaving a legacy that inspires others, while finding fulfillment in the journey, not just the destination.

What’s the next big move for Toff Homes & Toff G Entertainment?

The next big move for Toff Homes is the introduction of Eyitayo City, a world-class water park and resort in Ibadan. This project is designed to create a unique recreational space that blends fun, relaxation, and nature, offering families, tourists, and locals an unforgettable experience. Eyitayo City isn’t just about leisure—it’s about boosting tourism, creating job opportunities, and contributing to the economic growth of Ibadan. We’re also calling for strategic partnerships to bring this vision to life, providing investors and collaborators the chance to be part of something truly impactful.

For Toff G Entertainment, we remain committed to talent development and are always open to offering top-notch management services. Whether it’s guiding new talents or helping established ones scale higher, we’re ready to take on new opportunities and help creatives reach their full potential.

What sets you apart from others both as a real estate entrepreneur and talent manager?

What sets me apart as a real estate entrepreneur with Toff Homes is our commitment to affordable luxury, offering interest-free payment plans, transparent processes, and smart investment opportunities like integrating farming into estates for added value.

As a talent manager with Toff G Entertainment, transparency is key. We focus on fair deals, open communication, and creating a supportive environment where talents can thrive and trust the process.

In both fields, it’s all about value, integrity, and long-term impact.