A few years ago, a young Nigerian dreamt of providing affordable luxury homes to many Nigerians. Today, despite challenging economic times, that dream has flourished, turning numerous Nigerians not only into landowners but also satisfied homeowners.
The story of Ayobami Akindipe, born in Lagos 27 years ago, is one of resilience, determination, and grit. His journey is marked by numerous challenges, yet he consistently turned these challenges into opportunities. Ayobami had to drop out of school because he couldn’t afford it, and both before and after this setback, he took on various jobs to survive while striving for something greater. At just eight years old, Ayobami Akindipe demonstrated remarkable creativity and skill in arts and crafts. A neighbor, recognizing his talent, gifted him a digital camera, which became a tool for his budding entrepreneurial spirit. With that camera in hand, he began taking pictures of people on the street, and earning small amounts of money in return. This early venture into photography laid the foundation for his determination and work ethic, traits that would later shape his success in the business world.
By the age of 13, Ayobami Akindipe was already working as a bricklayer, embracing the tough labor to brace himself for the challenges ahead. At 15, he expanded his hustle by selling poundo yam flour across markets, followed by selling drinks on the streets. At 18, Ayobami returned to his passion for photography and simultaneously ventured into filmmaking after earning a certification. His journey didn’t stop there—throughout his life, he diversified his skills, working as a graphic designer, website designer, business consultant, and even selling airtime, data, and GNLD products. From hawking yam flour to navigating various business ventures, Ayobami’s resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles have defined his path to success.
Ayobami’s early years reflect the experiences of a young man determined to survive and pursue something meaningful. His entry into real estate came as a vision from God after years of trying different paths. Starting his business was incredibly tough, particularly in raising capital. However, through sheer determination and persistence, he managed to break through these barriers and has continued to rise, regardless of the obstacles in his way.
Across Lagos and parts of Abuja, Ayobami has made his mark with credible real estate developments that have not only beautified city skylines but also provided tranquility and satisfaction for investors.
In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ayobami established Ace Real Estate Development Limited. Over the past four years, Ace Real Estate has evolved from primarily selling land to offering comprehensive real estate services, including housing development, construction, and advisory and management services.
Today, Ayobami’s Ace Real Estate is on the verge of delivering three luxurious housing developments across Lagos: Number 31, 78 Residence, and Two3Four Residence, along with a massive project in Orange Island. These developments, located in upscale areas such as Lekki Phase 1, Ikate, and Victoria Garden City, demonstrate Ayobami’s commitment to providing premium real estate solutions.
Ace Real Estate’s early successes, including the delivery of Ace City, Vision City, Crystal City, Prime City, Domaine City, Bethel Island, Commercial Village and more reflect Ayobami’s focus on integrity and client satisfaction.
Ayobami’s vision transcends selling land and homes; it embraces the future of real estate itself. His futuristic ambitions include building smart cities and green environments, using the finest technology and innovations in Nigeria and across Africa. One such project is Vision City, a 200-acre eco-friendly estate designed to pioneer sustainability. His company, Ace Real Estate is working towards creating not just homes, but entire ecosystems that promote sustainable living and advanced technological integration.
Ayobami also launched Ace Academy in 2022, a platform aimed at training youths in the entrepreneurial opportunities within the real estate sector. In just two years, the academy has trained over 20,000 Nigerians for free, empowering them with the skills to either become entrepreneurs or establish alternative income streams.
In recognition of his tremendous achievements in real estate, Ayobami recently received the Young Real Estate Person of the Year at the REDA 2024 by ThinkMint Nigeria, Young Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Young Entrepreneurs International Summit in Lagos. His earlier accolades include the ECOWAS Youth Council Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity, the Icon of Societal Transformation award by the National Association of University Students, and the Golden Role Model Award by the Nigeria Youth Advocacy for Good Governance Initiative, among others.
At just 27 years old, Ayobami Akindipe serves on the board of 5 major companies in Africa, he has created 122 direct jobs and over 2,000 indirect jobs, and continues to drive innovation in Nigeria’s real estate sector. His story is one of perseverance, ambition, and relentless pursuit of excellence. With his eyes set on building smart, green cities in Africa’s most prime locations, Ayobami Akindipe is shaping a future where luxury, sustainability, and innovation coexist harmoniously.
