By Olufemi Ajasa

Dr Stephen Akintayo’s nomination for Vanguard’s Real Estate Icon of the Year is anchored on a career defined by scale, global reach, intellectual depth and measurable impact in real estate development and investment education.

As Chairman of Gtext Holdings, Dr Akintayo leads a fast-growing multinational group with residential and commercial real estate interests across West Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. Through Gtext Homes and allied subsidiaries, he oversees more than 20 multi-million-dollar projects, with a growing footprint in North America, including ongoing developments in Southeast Texas.

These achievements firmly establish him as a globally relevant real estate leader of Nigerian origin.

What further distinguishes Dr Akintayo is the strong academic and professional foundation underpinning his success. He is a graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, where he earned a degree in Microbiology, demonstrating early scientific and analytical training.

He is also a member of the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (ISMN) and an alumnus of Harvard University’s Executive Education programmes, where he studied Essential Management Skills for Emerging Leaders and Real Estate Investment.

In recognition of his contributions to real estate development and leadership, Dr Akintayo has been awarded multiple honorary doctorates, including a Doctor of Science (D.Sc) in Real Estate Development and Corporate Leadership by the European American University, as well as a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership and Management from Myles Leadership University, Cotonou. He is also a professionally trained coach certified by the Coaching Academy in the United Kingdom. This blend of formal education, executive training and professional certification reinforces the intellectual rigour behind his business achievements.

Beyond property development, Dr Akintayo has made significant contributions to investment education and wealth creation. Widely recognised as Africa’s most influential investment coach and a member of the Forbes Business Council, he is a recipient of the Forbes Best of Africa Leading Investment Coach and Real Estate Global Award.

Through the Stephen Akintayo Foundation, he has articulated a long-term vision to raise over one million first-time millionaires by 2050, with a focus on Africa and the African diaspora.

This vision is executed through the Stephen Akintayo Online Wealth University, which has trained thousands across continents in real estate brokerage and investment, entrepreneurship, digital commerce and wealth creation, broadening access to structured investment knowledge.

From humble beginnings in Borno State, where he was raised in severe poverty, Dr Akintayo’s journey reflects resilience, discipline and purpose-driven leadership. His background continues to inform a philosophy centred on inclusion, empowerment and sustainable value creation.

A prolific global thought leader, he has authored over 45 books, including the internationally circulated Billionaire Habits and Billionaire Codes series, while maintaining a strong media presence across television, radio, podcasts and digital platforms with audiences spanning Africa, Europe, the Middle East and North America.

Through platforms such as the Global Property Festival, Global Wealth Festival and the Business Growth Conference series, Dr Akintayo has also positioned Nigeria within global real estate and investment conversations, convening leading international business figures and facilitating cross-border collaboration.

Taken together, Dr Stephen Akintayo’s professional milestones, academic depth and global influence make him eminently worthy as Vanguard’s Real Estate Icon of the Year, reflecting a standard of excellence that transcends borders and disciplines.