By Akanimo Sampson
There are torrents of encomium currently being poured on the Founder/CEO of Eximia Realty Company Ltd, Hakeem Ogunniran, by gurus of the real estate sector of Nigeria’s economy for his new book, The Laws and Practice of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).
Eximia is one of Nigeria’s fast rising real estate firm being promoted by Ogunniran who is also Chairman of the Board of Lagos Building Investment Company Plc.
In a statement, the author says he is delighted for being highly commended by real estate stakeholders for his book project.
According to him, ‘’we are gratified by the endorsements of the book by the CEO of Nigerian Stock Exchange, Oscar Onyema; Emeka Ngige (SAN), Chairman, Council For Legal Education; Professor Timothy Nubi, Director Centre for Housing, University of Lagos; Ify Umunakwe-Okeke, CEO, Lexon Capital; Adeniji Adele, President, FIABCI International, Eric Guichard, CEO, Homestrings Diaspora Fund, U.K.; and, Kfir Rushin, CEO, APIS, South Africa.”
He has also announced March 31, 2021 as the date for the public presentation of the book which will feature a webinar where five renowned real estate experts from U.S.A, South Africa and Nigeria will speak substantially on “Real Estate: Innovative Financing Solutions Post COVID-19”.
To chair the book launch is Prince Yemi Adefulu, MFR. Other expected dignitaries include President of Nigerian Bar Association, Olu Akpata; Lagos State Commissioner of Finance, Dr Rabiu Olowo; Pro-chancellor of the Ekiti State University, Professor Bamitale Omole, Rev Tunde Lemo, Chairman Titan Trust Bank, and many others.
The REIT book is a comprehensive guide on real estate financing and investment. It elucidates the legal framework of the real estate investment trusts and practice-related issues, thereby serving as a useful resource for lawyers, professional advisers, capital market operators, students and researchers on securitisation and asset-backed securities.
In her review of the book, CEO of Lexon Capital, Ify Umunakwe-Okeke, said the book is a “thoroughly insightful book which analyses the concept, strategy and execution required when creating and launching a complex investment vehicle in a developing financial market.”
“The author masterfully connects the dots, linking accessibility to investment instruments by all classes of investors, the viability of the instruments and the regulatory and tax requirements for these instruments to the success of the financial markets and the real estate sector”, she added.
Prof. Timothy Gbenga Nubi also remarked that the “book deals with the evolution, challenges and prospects of REITs in Nigeria. It is a guide to Real Estate Developers who are in dire need of appropriate and affordable fund for their projects especially at a time of a global recession when investors are compelled to look inward to fund their project.
NBA President, Olu Akpata, says ‘’this is such an important area of focus for this economy…and for lawyers who get it.”
The author is however, celebrated as a visionary, entrepreneurial and highly qualified senior executive with broad knowledge and experience in strategy formulation and implementation, customer development/ management, logistics and supply chain management, negotiation and contract administration, project management, wholesale distribution, marketing, merchandising, change management, managing strategic alliances and general corporate administration.
Industry watchers say he is result-driven, with a motivational management style, an excellent track record, proven ability of building and retaining highly motivated teams, maximising productivity and achieving accelerated growth.
Elated Ogunniran has expressed his gratitude to everyone who reviewed and endorsed the book.
