In a volatile economy, real estate provides a safe hedge and store of value against inflation. In addition, the opportunities to negotiate great deals are more rampant than in a stable economy.  Real estate is an integral part of our personal, professional lives, the economy and is the secret to long term wealth creation. Women can no longer afford to shy away from investing in real estate.  There is a growing trend in women climbing and staying on the property ladder. This saying could not  be more true as over 70  female professionals and entrepreneurs convened at the Wheatbaker hotel on Thursday, 12th of  May, 2016 for the inaugural edition of “The Finer Wealth Series”

 L-R: Subu Giwa-Amu, CEO of Brookstone Investment and Properties Limited; Nimi Akinkugbe, CEO Bestman Games Limited; Udo Maryanne Okonjo, CEO/Vice Chair, Fine and Country West Africa; Ibukun Awosika, Chairman First Bank of Nigeria Limited; Abosede Osho, MD Land of Promise Limited; and Idowu Thompson, Group Head, Private Banking, First Bank of Nigeria Limited at the First Bank Private Banking, Fine & Country Finer Wealth Series  recently

This initiative of  Fine and Country International WA which was supported by First Bank of  Nigeria Private Banking was aimed at connecting and building  a community of women to build their confidence for real investments through informative sessions in order to create wealth and impact lives and the nation as a whole.

The key note address was presented by the chairman of First Bank of  Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika who educated the guests on the anatomy and mindset of wealth creation through real estate investments. She unearthed the value of real estate investment by sharing her personal experiences in accelerating the real estate ladder through quality investments. She stressed the need for women to embrace delayed gratifications and lifestyle adjustments by focusing less on satisfying immediate wants and developing a mindset of long-term wealth building. Real estate investment according to her is not about the individual personal preference but about the value the investment brings. You can invest anywhere in real estate and do not have to like the location of your investment as long as it yields high value.

Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Chairman First Bank of Nigeria Limited giving the keynote address at the Finer Wealth Series

The CEO of Fine and Country, Mrs. Udo Okonjo shared on the importance, value and benefits of investing in real estate and how the involvement of women can greatly impact the economy positively in the long run.

Mrs Udo Okonjo discussing the theme of the event “Climbing and staying on the real estate ladder”

Some of the issues that currently affect real estate investors according to her include poor access to finance, limiting government policies/ regulations, and high cost of land. Some of the proposed investment strategies include;

• Buying land and hold for capital appreciation
• Buying wholesale and selling retail
• Upgrading old buildings and sell for a premium
• Developing new building for rent or sale
• Investing in bank repossessed properties

The Finer Wealth Series was also sponsored by Giant Beverages, Glitters, and Blue Mahogany.

The Finer Wealth Series is an ongoing series with the next edition holding in Abuja later in the year.

Udo Okonjo, Ibukun Awosika and Fmr. deputy Governor of Lagos State, Princess Sarah Sosan

Aishah Ahmad of Diamond Bank, Nimi Akinkugbe of Bestman Games, Uche Pedro of Bella Naija, Osayi Alile, Fadeke Adepetun

Subu Giwa-Amu, Toyin Bakare, Fadeke Adepetun

First bank of Nigeria Private Banking team

Toyin Bakare, Taiye Aluko, Ivana Akaraiwe and Bose Osho

Toyin Bakare, Udo Okonjo and Bukky George of Health Plus

Fine and Country team