Building Africa: From Tobi Akerele’s Lenses— Olowora Fawaz

To him, everything is a means to an end—of building an Africa where everyone has access to equal rights, a quality education, basic infrastructures and most importantly, equal opportunities.

One would think that this is merely a dream that is driven by the vehicle of a wishful thinking, but as you would soon find out, like I did, that is not the case.

Akerele Tobi is a young individual leading the vanguard of real estate innovation and development in Nigeria. Through GIDI Real Estate Investment Limited, he is furthering the mandate of building Africa through an innovative and affordable housing solution that will reduce the housing deficit in the continent by a significant percentage.

“How does this build Africa?” One may wish to ask.

Simply put, housing is one of the fundamental needs of mankind, whose problems (mainly shortage) are notable in Africa. Without a shelter, man is vulnerable, and downtrodden.

According to (CGTN, 2023), the overall housing shortage in the continent is estimated to be around 56 million, with over 45 million units in the affordable housing market.

Resolving a significant percentage of this is as good as resolving the housing crisis that befalls the continent, needless to mention the innovation that the solution would be driven by.

It is important to note the human empathy, African understanding, and consumer service that he infuses into the process and operation through which #BuildingAfrica is pursued. This is, perhaps, why GIDI is distinct from her competitors for value and in approach.

For him and for everyone in the company, to build Africa is a lifelong journey which will continue so long as the company continues to exist.

It is doing so with respect to the peculiar needs of every community the company serves at every point, in time.

It is doing so by fostering unity and progress, a culture of diligence, a sense of service, and commitment.

Does it end with real estate development?
No.

Real estate is one of the many avenues through which all of us, through him, will lend our hands to the progress of the continent and her people.

The door is, however, opened for all who wishes to join the train, as we call on every Africa to join our crusade to build a better Africa.

Author: Olowora Fawaz
Olowora Fawaz is the Media and Content Manager  of Gidi Real Estate Investment Limited.