The contribution of the real estate sector to growth and development came to the fore at the training held for civil servants in Lagos and Ogun states where facilitators rooted for how the real estate could be enhanced in the two states.
At the three-day programme sponsored by Palton Morgan, in partnership with the Lagos Business School (LBS)/Pan-Atlantic University campus, Lekki, Lagos, Deloitte Senior Executive, Ife Adedoyin, said: “Real estate is fundamentally linked to economic development. So, why don’t both states collaborate? Ogun has more land, while Lagos has more businesses and economic opportunities. So, Ogun builds more houses, and Lagos provides more viable economic opportunities. A certain cost is charged from a sustainable transport scheme,”
In presentation entitled: ‘Real estate development and reuse’, she added: “The public sector should incentivise land purchase and titling by giving some value-additions for every landed property bought and developed immediately”.
On why Palton Morgan Holdings sponsored the course, its Chairman, Femi Olubanwo, said it was aimed at enriching those who regulate the sector with knowledge and the power of synergies.
He added: “The two states are almost one state. However, we found out that they work in silos, but we saw the benefits of bringing them together. If this initiative goes as we hope, we will find Lagos and Ogun states working together on projects, planning, and development, which will benefit our society and sector in particular. And we, at Palton Morgan, are delighted to be at the vanguard of making that happen.”
Also at the programme, themed ‘Enhancing economic competitiveness’, a Non-Executive Director, Palton Morgan, Delphine Misan-Arenyeka, emphasised the importance of honing the skills of the top civil servants. “It will translate to their subordinates, and, ultimately, result in greater success in policy and regulations. We looked at the business of Palton Morgan and the value chain and felt that we can bridge the gap between our stakeholders in the public sector and us. We wanted to stimulate a synergy such that they will understand our language when we go to them for approvals and permits that will enhance development in the sector,’’ he added.
Group Chief Operating Officer, Palton Morgan, Nidal Turjman, said: “We have contributions covering the real estate value chain. It could be from property management, construction, logistics, investment advisory, sales and marketing, etc.
The participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided by Palton Morgan. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical and Urban Planning, Lagos State, Abiola Kosegbe, said: “Definitely, there is a lot to take home. The fact that you have been able to select people from the built environment to be here is saying that Palton Morgan is interested in developing the sector.”
Her counterpart at the Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Wasiu Akewusola, reiterated that the training was significant while the Director of ICT and Business Development, Ogun State Housing Corporation, Olufunmilayo Sorunke, said: “I have learnt to develop new business strategies”.
The Director, Administration and Personnel, Ogun State Property and Investment Company, Taiwo Ogunyoowo, praised Palton Morgan for the gesture. He said: “The partnership is impressive. Whoever is billed to be here and is not here has missed a lot.”
The facilitators comprised Dr. Nkemdilim Iheanachor, member of the Strategy Group, LBS; Dr. Dolapo Tukumi, Course organiser; Dr. Frank Ojadi, Member, Faculty of Operations Management, LBS; and Lead Facilitator & Manager, LBS, Oreva Atanya.
Others were John Uwajumogu, Partner, Ernst & Young Nigeria; George Agu; founder/CEO, ActiveEdge Technologies Limited.
Source : The Nation
