By Matilda Ikediobi

Chief Executive Officer of 1159 Realty, Comfort Olugbami, has raised concerns about climate change in the building industry, saying it is affecting construction and how occupants live.

Olugbami urged developers to design buildings that were resilient, efficient and environmentally responsible, saying the distinction between dry season and rainy season in a place like Nigeria was becoming less predictable.

The realtor, in a chat with Vanguard, said there was a need to think creatively about how sustainability could coexist with affordability and strong investment returns.

According to her, by integrating solar energy, intelligent design and efficient materials long term operational costs could be reduced while still delivering attractive yields to investors.

She said: “Personally, I believe it is important to continue advocating for sustainable construction across Nigeria and Africa because the industry will inevitably move in that direction. Our latest project Cisca Villa in Agbowo Ibadan represents a major milestone. It is the first green residential development in Oyo State and includes features such as rooftop gardens and solar powered energy systems.

“Projects like this demonstrate that sustainability and modern design can coexist while still delivering value for residents and investors.”

On technology, she said: “It sits at the centre of how we are building the future of the company. We have an in-house technology department made up of young professionals who are constantly developing tools that improve both the client experience and internal efficiency. One of our key platforms is the 1159 web application where clients can make payments and monitor the performance of their real estate portfolios through a personalized dashboard.

“In an industry where trust can sometimes be fragile, we have always been intentional about building a brand that people can rely on. A brand that delivers on its promises and protects investor confidence.”

On real estate in Africa, she said: “Africa remains one of the most promising real estate markets in the world due to rapid urbanization, population growth, and the increasing demand for quality housing.

With the right due diligence, the right partners, and a long term perspective, the opportunities on this continent are extraordinary. In many ways Africa represents one of the most profitable real estate frontiers globally.”

On her target, she said: “If we can deliver homes and investment opportunities to people who previously believed real estate was out of reach, especially those who have been discouraged by failed developments or broken promises, then we are truly changing lives.

“If we can deliver five hundred apartments that shift people’s financial and housing narratives then that is a meaningful measure of success. I started investing in real estate at the age of 16, it was my first exposure to investing for wealth and it became my love, cause i saw it work magic.”

On the organisation’s 5th year anniversary, she said: “The reality today is remarkably close to the vision we had when we started. In the very first draft of our business plan, we projected that by 2025 we would deliver our first smart residence, and I am proud to say we achieved exactly that. That moment validated the discipline of setting bold goals and executing them with focus.

“Of course, there were ambitions we could not execute within the initial timeline, such as expanding into other African markets. But entrepreneurship is not always about rigid timelines. It is about sustained momentum and staying committed to the bigger vision. What has remained constant is the scale of our ambition. I have always been a big dreamer and many of the goals we set in 2021 have already materialised.”