In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of Nigerian real estate, few names shine as brightly as Osilama E. Osilama, affectionately known as “The Lion of Real Estate.” With over two decades of visionary leadership, Osilama has redefined the real estate industry through innovation, ethics, and community-driven development. His journey from modest beginnings to becoming a trailblazer in property development and investment is one of determination, resilience, and unwavering faith.
Early Life and Education
Osilama E. Osilama’s life journey began in the quiet and industrious community of Udochi, South Unemeh, Nigeria, where he was born on May 25, 1972. As a child of the prominent Mallam Momoh Osilama Shaibu, a renowned ex-soldier, businessman, and politician, Osilama’s upbringing was steeped in the rich history and culture of the Ekwue dynasty of South Unemeh in Edo State.
A trained Estate Surveyor, Osilama attended Army Children School and later Command Day Secondary School, where he laid the foundation for his future accomplishments. His academic journey, which began with a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Estate Management and Valuation from Nasarawa State Polytechnic, prepared him for the complexities of the real estate industry.
Osilama’s commitment to continuous learning is evident in his pursuit of advanced qualifications, including an International Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management from the Metropolitan School of Business and Management, UK, and an ongoing MBA in International Business Administration at Guglielmo Marconi University, Italy. These academic achievements laid the foundation for his strategic thinking and his capacity to lead large-scale real estate projects. “My passion for learning is what has guided my ability to adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving real estate industry,” Osilama explains.
Widely recognized for his profound expertise and commitment to ethical practices, he has transformed Nuel Osilama Global Investment Limited into one of Nigeria’s most reputable real estate companies. Osilama’s impact extends beyond real estate; he is an acclaimed author, thought leader, mentor, and a public figure dedicated to inspiring and empowering the next generation of professionals.
Osilama’s career spans multiple facets of real estate development, estate management, and valuation, with a footprint extending across Nigeria’s major cities, including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Benin, and Kano. His international reach also speaks to his growing influence in global markets. “We have made sure we are making money and paying staff,” he remarks, reflecting on how his company navigated the challenges of an ever-evolving economic landscape. His approach to business has always been grounded in strategic decisions and sustainable growth, ensuring that his operations remain resilient even amid tough economic times.
The Journey to Entrepreneurship
Osilama credits his father for igniting his entrepreneurial spirit. “My father was a military retiree who kept complaining about the time he wasted in the Army. After retiring, he returned to business, and by this time, I had joined him in his engineering firm. He was making a lot of money,” he recalls. “He was a very good man, who had the capacity to give and kept saying only business can avail you the resources to give like him. I made up my mind at the early age of 15 that I was going to create solutions to societal problems through setting up a business. However, this did not come easily.”
As the founder and CEO of Nuel Osilama Global Investment Limited, Osilama has grown his company into a dominant force in African real estate. Under his leadership, Nuel Osilama Global has expanded its operations in key Nigerian cities and internationally. The company is known for its diverse portfolio, which spans luxury, affordable housing, and commercial properties. Osilama’s unwavering commitment to quality is reflected in his projects, which include state-of-the-art estates in Abuja’s Kukuwaba and Wassa areas, as well as developments in Lagos, Benin, Port Harcourt, and beyond. “We offer options for every pocket, from luxury properties to affordable housing solutions, including flexible payment options for those saving toward ownership,” he emphasizes.
His commitment to identifying opportunities and creating solutions has been instrumental in overcoming the challenges of Nigeria’s often unfriendly business environment. “The business landscape in Nigeria where I started from has never been friendly because of several bottlenecks due to conflicting government agencies and their policies. But by being resilient, I have stayed focused,” he says.
Osilama stays ahead of the curve by adapting his strategies to market realities. “I am able to stay ahead of others by simply doing quarterly appraisals and making necessary adjustments to align with market realities as practicable as possible,” he adds.
Osilama’s leadership has been transformative for the Nigerian real estate landscape, as he has pioneered property development strategies that cater to diverse income groups. He has championed both affordable housing and luxury estates, fueling economic growth by transforming underdeveloped areas into thriving communities. His commitment to high environmental standards is evident in the sustainable construction practices that define Nuel Osilama Global Investment Limited’s projects, reshaping urban planning across the country. As a visionary in the real estate sector, Osilama has continually pushed for the integration of eco-friendly initiatives, ensuring that his developments set the benchmark for sustainability in Nigeria.
Osilama is also deeply committed to leadership and mentorship. A fellow of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CPIMN) and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Abuja branch, Osilama has worked tirelessly to elevate the standards of the real estate sector. His dedication to developing the next generation of leaders is also evident in his work as the Vice President of North Central for the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN). He also regularly engages with young professionals and entrepreneurs, offering guidance and inspiration, cultivating a new generation of real estate experts and business leaders.
A deeply committed social entrepreneur, Osilama has used his platform and success to empower the youth, provide scholarships, and support community initiatives. “I want to leave a legacy that extends beyond business success—one that empowers others to achieve greatness,” he shares. Osilama’s youth empowerment initiatives have profoundly impacted over 200,000 Nigerian youths, particularly through job creation and sustainable livelihoods. His initiatives in agriculture, renewable energy, and affordable housing address Nigeria’s unemployment challenges, empowering young Nigerians and fostering national economic growth through training and access to farming technologies. Osilama’s programs encourage young Nigerians to grow high-demand crops, like cassava, rice, and maize, contributing to national food security and rural economic development.
Osilama’s contributions go beyond real estate and agriculture. He has revolutionized the agricultural sector by establishing a transformative palm oil farm, which has empowered over 80,000 people and provided sustainable employment across multiple states. This initiative boosts Nigeria’s rural economies, enhances food security, and contributes significantly to national development. In addition to his work in agriculture, Osilama has pioneered the “Generation Next” initiative, an event dedicated to nurturing young leaders across various fields, creating a pipeline for Nigeria’s future innovators, policymakers, and community leaders. His unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation reflects his vision for a self-sustaining and thriving Nigeria.
His leadership philosophy centers on “leading by example,” ensuring that his actions always align with his company’s core values of integrity, excellence, and innovation. “I believe in the power of information and in making that knowledge accessible to all who are willing to learn,” he says. As a published author of over 30 books, Osilama has offered valuable insights not only on real estate but also on topics ranging from Christian literature to leadership and business. “I mentor on so many platforms and have written over 30 books,” he says, emphasizing his dedication to empowering others with knowledge and guidance. His works have been used as essential resources for aspiring professionals, students, and practitioners, providing them with the tools and guidance needed to excel in their respective fields.
Osilama’s career is marked by numerous success stories. “We have had several success stories in real estate, including several estates to our credit, like Comfort Royal Estate 1 Apo-Duse in Abuja, Freedom Estate by Alaro City in Lagos, Freedom Estate at Ketu Epe in Lagos, and Osilama Gardens Estate phases 1 to 3 in Abuja. Our new Comfort Royal Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda, is another milestone,” he shares. “But the most interesting part of my success stories is the professional books I have written and the number of real estate millionaires and billionaires I have trained as protégés.”
Osilama’s leadership and contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Pan-African Servant Leadership Award from the African Students’ Union Parliament in 2015 for his role in national transformation. He was also awarded the “Award of Excellence” by the Faculty of Management Sciences at the University of Benin in 2018, recognizing his contributions to the real estate industry. His outstanding leadership was also recognized in 2020, when he was listed as one of the Outstanding 50 Real Estate CEOs in Nigeria as part of the country’s 60th anniversary celebrations. More recently, Osilama was honored with the Abraham Lincoln Award for Excellence and the Achiever Par Excellence Award by the National Association of Northern Nigerian Students (NANS) in 2021.
Osilama’s leadership extends to his involvement in various professional organizations. He is a fellow of the Certified Institute of Auctioneers of Nigeria (CIAN) and a pioneer member of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria. He has also served on the Institute’s Governing Council, earning reappointment for a second term due to his exemplary service. Osilama’s commitment to the development of Nigeria’s real estate sector and his wider contributions to community empowerment make him an exceptional leader, deserving of recognition for his efforts in shaping the future of the nation.
Osilama is the Founding CEO of Nuel Osilama Properties Ltd, United Kingdom, Chairman/CEO of Nuel Osilama Global Investment Limited (a subsidiary of Nuel Osilama Group), CEO of Sogreat Nigeria Ltd, CEO of Sogreat Energy, Oil & Gas Ltd, and CEO of Nuel Osilama Technologies, owners of Getshelters.com and Distressstore.com. He is also the Principal Partner at Osilama Osilama Consulting. Furthermore, he is the Founder and Executive Director of the African Conversation for Global Peace, an NGO dedicated to spreading kindness, community development, and continental engagement, particularly focused on reshaping the mindset of African youths for global competitiveness.
Additionally, Osilama serves as the Head of Faculty at the Nuel Osilama Leadership Development Academy, where he mentors young leaders to foster innovative thinking and create a self-sustaining future for Africa. His work and leadership across multiple sectors, including real estate, energy, technology, and social empowerment, demonstrate his commitment to making a lasting impact both in Nigeria and globally.
Lessons from Challenges
Like many entrepreneurs, Osilama has faced significant setbacks, including one that profoundly shaped his business approach. “One of my worst experiences in business is that I was careless by signing a contract sales agreement without engaging a lawyer, and it sent me back by 10 years. It was an estate investment that was worth over $3.5 million in 2009, and we were in court for so many years,” he shares. “The lessons learned are that I will never sign a document again except my lawyer has read it in detail and has given my go-ahead to sign it.”
A well-rounded leader, Osilama’s business ventures, social initiatives, and commitment to mentorship continue to shape the future of Nigeria’s economy. His influence on real estate, agriculture, and youth empowerment remains far-reaching, and his legacy as a transformative leader is firmly established. “Leadership is about creating an environment where others can thrive, and I strive to do that every day,” he says, underscoring his philosophy that guides not only his business decisions but also his work to empower and uplift others.
Through his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those around him, Osilama E. Osilama has proven to be a beacon of hope for many in Nigeria. His efforts to foster national development through real estate, agriculture, education, and empowerment initiatives position him as one of Nigeria’s foremost leaders in the 21st century.