Prof. Osim Okemmuo, Founder of Atmosphere For Favour Landport Global Estates Ltd, has emphasized the critical role that private sector participation plays in the development of Nigeria’s housing sector. According to Okemmuo, the country’s mortgage system holds immense potential to address the persistent housing shortage, boost housing development, and drive economic growth—provided the system is properly managed and integrated with private sector input.
Okemmuo, who also serves as the National Developer of the World Agritourism Nigeria, made these remarks on Friday in Awka during an event where his company distributed parcels of land to registered realtors. This initiative saw hundreds of realtors become instant landowners, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to promoting the mortgage system and addressing the challenges within Nigeria’s housing sector.
The land distribution, Okemmuo explained, is a strategic move to help tackle the widespread difficulties of acquiring land and registering titles, which often hinder access to mortgages. He expressed his belief that by promoting land ownership, individuals would be empowered to become homeowners, which in turn could help alleviate some of the obstacles plaguing the mortgage system.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony, Okemmuo noted that this was just the first phase of the company’s initiative, with future batches of realtors also set to receive land parcels in other regions, including Delta State and beyond. He reiterated his commitment to continue providing land as part of the company’s broader effort to drive housing development and create wealth.
“We are giving out these lands as part of our efforts to ease the process of acquiring land and registering land titles. These are major barriers to the mortgage system in Nigeria,” Okemmuo stated. “The legal framework for mortgage financing in the country often leads to delays and disputes, making it difficult to leverage mortgages for housing development. Our goal is to take some of these burdens off relevant agencies and help people secure their own homes.”
Okemmuo’s commitment to the cause was demonstrated through his earlier promise to gift land to all registered realtors, a move that initially raised eyebrows due to skepticism surrounding the feasibility of such an initiative. He recalled how some had dismissed the gesture as a scam, given the high stakes associated with land ownership in Nigeria, where conflicts over land can lead to violence.
“Land should be a blessing, not a curse,” Okemmuo remarked. “It is the foundation of everything we use, eat, and produce. Today, we have fulfilled our promise to our realtors, and we are proud to see them receive land in Awka, Anambra State.”
The company’s activities, he explained, go beyond mere land distribution. He emphasized that AFF Landport Global Estates Ltd is a conglomerate with limitless opportunities for individuals from all walks of life to explore. He also highlighted the firm’s dedication to empowering youths and offering alternatives to illicit activities like internet fraud, kidnapping, and money rituals, which have become rampant in the country.
“We are offering people a chance to discover themselves, access our products and services, and build wealth the legitimate way. The company’s branches in various states and African countries, along with its network of senators, are part of our strategy to create empowerment opportunities for Nigerians,” Okemmuo added.
He urged those in leadership positions, especially the financially successful, to focus on creating practical opportunities that could positively impact people’s lives. “Life is meant to be enjoyed, and that can only happen when we stop being selfish and start creating opportunities for others,” he said.
In line with this vision, Okemmuo announced that the land distribution initiative will be an ongoing policy at AFF Landport Global Estates. Any realtor who registers with the company, regardless of when they sign up, will be entitled to receive land as part of their package.
“Today, we have made good on our promise by distributing land in one of our prime property sites, Awesome City Mgbakwu, which lies within the Awka Capital Territory. This is just the beginning,” he stated.
One of the beneficiaries, Tony Ibekwe, expressed his gratitude, describing the land distribution as a dream come true. “What was once a promise has now become a reality. Today, hundreds of realtors who never imagined owning land in Awka are now celebrating their new properties in Awesome City Mgbakwu. My family and I received three plots of land, and we are overjoyed.”
Okemmuo’s vision for AFF Landport Global Estates Ltd reflects a broader goal to harness the power of the private sector in addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit, creating wealth, and promoting sustainable development in the country’s real estate sector. With continued efforts to enhance the mortgage system and encourage land ownership, the company is positioned to play a pivotal role in transforming the housing landscape.