From classroom to real estate- Alabi’s recipe for Nigeria’s housing crisis
By Eberechi Obinagwam
Ojetayo Oluwatobi Alabi, a 2021 graduate in Art and Social Studies from the University of Abuja, began his career as a teacher with a clear vision: to own a real estate company.
Undeterred by his unsuccessful application for a Tony Elumelu Foundation grant (he did not advance to the final stage), Alabi started helping people secure accommodation while continuing his teaching job.
“After school, I would go around developing areas, research land acquisition, and assist people in finding accommodation,” he told TheNiche in an interview.
READ ALSO:
His original plan was to use the grant to build a mini-estate offering comfortable housing. “I always see the stress people go through in getting accommodation. So, I wanted to make it easier and more comfortable for people around me by building a mini-estate,” he explained.
Eventually, Alabi left teaching to join a real estate firm, where he gained deeper industry knowledge.
In 2024, that company shifted its focus to agribusiness, prompting him to relocate to Lagos. There, in 2025, he launched his own venture: Smartex Telecommunications and Global Services, which specialises in property sales, leasing, and land deals.
What began amid significant struggles has grown into a business that now oversees properties, signs contracts, and executes projects.
Capital challenges
Alabi identified capital as a major hurdle from the outset. His strategy: reinvest every kobo earned back into the business. He is currently working on acquiring a larger plot to develop a mini-estate.
Market penetration
Criticism and intense competition remain key obstacles. “You hear clients say another brand is more trusted for sealing deals, and there are many consultancy firms competing with you,” he said, adding; “But I don’t dwell on the negative. I focus on the positive side as much as possible to build and navigate from that energy.”
Lessons from experience
Alabi has encountered insincerity from clients and landlords. He recalled one incident: after helping a client secure an apartment, the client paid the landlord directly without remitting his commission. “After much pressure, the client paid only N10,000 instead of 10% of N600,000,” Alabi said.
He added: “I refused to be discouraged and kept working. The good part is that afterwards, people started reaching out, connecting me to groups and potential clients who wanted me to handle their projects.”
Breakthrough moments
Positive feedback and referrals have sustained his momentum. A major boost came when a concerned individual offered him free office space. In his words; “I used to walk under the sun, return stressed, without an office. I didn’t know a man was observing until he called one day, asked if I had an office, and offered his space for free. “That day, I was speechless. I told myself if I could receive this favour, my hard work was speaking, and I wouldn’t give up.”
Current challenges
The harsh economy is impacting the business, as clients find it harder to buy properties or invest compared to previous years, Alabi said.
On japa
Alabi rejects the idea of emigrating as a solution to Nigeria’s problems. “There is hope in Nigeria. I believe what I’m doing now will work out well by the grace of God, and I’ll be able to employ people, helping reduce unemployment,” he said.
He emphasises mindset: “Even if the economy is terrible, we can introduce creative ideas. Creativity means everything. I don’t believe in Japa—it can’t solve the problem because of high taxes abroad. I’d rather invest the money for japa to reinvest it in my business here.”
About Alabi
Born in Oyo State, Alabi is the CEO of Smartex Telecommunications and Global Services, a firm offering property sales, leasing, and land services at opposite Salaludeen School Adamo, Ikorodu Lagos and can be reached tobiojetayo@gmail.com
He recently earned certification as a realtor from Lagos Business School. He holds a degree in Art and Social Studies from the University of Abuja.
