In a country where inflation continues to weaken the naira and uncertainty clouds the business climate, two young Nigerians are rewriting the script of success. In the heart of Abuja, Abdulwasiu Adeyemo and Jubril Omotara—both under 30—are quietly building a real estate powerhouse with a clear mission: to make property ownership accessible, inclusive, and wealth-generating for young Africans.
Their venture, RepAfrica, is more than a real estate company. It is an idea born from persistence, self-belief, and the conviction that youth can compete in an industry long perceived as a preserve of the elite.
From the Lab to the Land: How Unlikely Beginnings Shaped Visionaries
Neither of RepAfrica’s founders studied anything remotely connected to real estate.
Adeyemo is a zoology graduate; Omotara studied chemistry. Yet, their academic paths became unlikely stepping stones toward entrepreneurship.
For Adeyemo, the spark came from necessity. After graduation, he faced the familiar crossroad that haunts many Nigerian science graduates—pursue a career in academia or reinvent oneself. “I realized I wanted more than a classroom could offer,” he recalled. His first encounter with real estate was through a small firm in Kwara State, where he worked as a sales representative.
At first, it was about survival. But soon, passion took over. “What drew me in was how much communication and strategy mattered,” he said. “Those came naturally to me. I realized I could grow here—not just make money, but build something lasting.”
That realization marked the beginning of a steady rise. From sales to administration, Adeyemo immersed himself in every part of the business, learning to manage clients, pitch investors, and close deals. Years later, he would channel those lessons into co-founding his own firm. “Alhamdulillah, now I have my own company,” he said with quiet pride.
From ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’ to Real-Life Assets
While Adeyemo’s entry was accidental, Omotara’s journey began with inspiration. As a teenager fresh out of secondary school, he stumbled upon Rich Dad, Poor Dad, the classic finance book by Robert Kiyosaki. “That book changed my mindset completely,” he said. “It showed me how real estate could generate income even while you sleep. And I told myself—I want that.”
The dream, however, took years to take form. While studying chemistry at university, Omotara met a mentor already active in the real estate space. “That meeting was the turning point. I started learning, assisting, selling—step by step,” he said.
He discovered that beyond wealth, real estate offered something deeper: freedom. “Now, I see RepAfrica as a vehicle not just for us to own assets, but to help others build sustainable wealth. It’s about multiplying opportunities.”
Building RepAfrica: A Vision Beyond Borders
RepAfrica officially launched in July 2025, but its roots trace back to a shared dream conceived a year earlier. Originally named Regal Emblem Properties, the company’s current name carries symbolic weight.
“The ‘Rep’ came from Regal Emblem Properties,” Adeyemo explained. “But ‘Africa’ was intentional—we wanted something that reflects continental ambition.”
Omotara added, “We’re not just thinking Nigeria. We’re thinking across borders—creating assets that can earn in multiple currencies. The African market has untapped potential, and that’s where we’re heading.”
For both founders, partnership has been central to their success. “Partnership is the new oil,” Adeyemo emphasized. “You can do far more together. Why own 100 percent of a small dream when you can own part of something huge?”
Challenges on the Climb
Starting a real estate company in Nigeria is not for the faint-hearted. Beyond capital, founders must navigate regulatory bottlenecks and unpredictable costs. Adeyemo noted that new FCT policies now demand extensive documentation before project approvals. “It’s definitely more capital-intensive than it used to be,” he said.
For Omotara, human management has been an equally formidable challenge. “You need patience, emotional intelligence, and resilience,” he explained. “Getting people to align with your vision takes real leadership.”
Despite these hurdles, creativity has been their currency. “We might not have the liquidity of the industry’s big players,” Adeyemo said, “but we have ideas—and ideas level the playing field.”
The Future of RepAfrica
Looking ahead, both founders envision RepAfrica as a pan-African player—a brand that not only sells properties but empowers people through real estate education and investment opportunities.
“In the next five years, we see RepAfrica expanding across the continent with commercial and residential assets that reflect Africa’s growth story,” Adeyemo said confidently.
Omotara echoed that optimism but added a human touch: “Our ultimate goal is impact—helping people find fulfillment and financial freedom through real estate.”
A New Generation of Builders
From zoology and chemistry to real estate and wealth creation, Adeyemo and Omotara’s story reflects a larger truth: Nigeria’s youth are redefining what’s possible. In a country where innovation often grows out of necessity, RepAfrica stands as proof that with clarity, courage, and collaboration, the next generation can turn any field—no matter how unlikely—into a frontier of opportunity.
Their story is still unfolding, but one thing is clear: RepAfrica is not just building properties—it’s building possibilities.
