GUARDIAN NIGERIA Top 50 cEO
He is an enterprising Nigerian whose resilience and passion for excellence have seen him create value-adding solutions irrespective of challenges come his way. For him, every challenge is an opportunity to innovate. His meteoric rise to success results from his high level of professionalism in completing tasks on time without compromising quality, which speaks volumes of his growing desire to inspire the world.
Mr Ugo Obi is the founder and CEO of Tilden Development Limited, a dynamic development company dedicated to optimizing investments in the real estate sector through groundbreaking residential, hospitality, and commercial projects.
Ugo Obi holds a degree in Economics from the University of Hertfordshire, England, and furthered his education with a Master of Science degree in International Business from Aston Business School in Birmingham, England.
Prior to establishing Tilden, Ugo kick-started his career as an integral member of the pioneering portfolio managerial team at Purple Capital Partners Limited, now known as Purple. Purple, a specialized investment firm focusing on Financial Services and Real Estate, witnessed Ugo’s essential contributions to the successful execution of various commercial and residential real estate ventures valued at over 45 million USD.
Since its establishment, Tilden has actively engaged in every facet of the project life cycle, including post-sale services. As the CEO, he is pivotal in overseeing diverse investment portfolios within the company.
Characterized by simplicity, hard work, and dedication, Obi stands out as a seasoned entrepreneur with a profound understanding of the business landscape. Committed to continuous evolution, he has cultivated a track record of delivering positive results while upholding the highest professional standards. With extensive experience in the real estate and private equity investment sectors, he has also pursued a range of local and international courses in portfolio management, enhancing his analytical prowess in the field.
In response to his recognition by The Guardian as one of “Nigeria’s Fifty Most Inspiring and Definitive Top CEOs in 2023”, Ugo Obi spoke on his passion for excellence, innovation, and Tilden Development Limited’s use of cutting-edge technology to ensure customer satisfaction and quality in the Nigerian real estate industry. Excerpts;
WHAT informed the establishment of Tilden Development Limited as a real estate player, and what values set your company apart in the industry?
Tilden Development Limited was established with a vision to be the foremost Real Estate Company harnessing opportunities through cutting-edge technology and innovative developments while meeting clients’ expectations. Our founding principles were based on meeting the expanding need for high-quality, well-designed houses while also constructively contributing to the surrounding communities. The core values that distinguish our company in the industry is that we D.A.RE to be Dependable, Accountable, Resilience, and committed to Excellence. These values not only guide our daily operations but also position us as a trustworthy and socially responsible operator in the competitive real estate business.
What are the major challenges currently faced in the industry, and what would you suggest as the way forward?
Currently, the major challenges faced in the industry include regulatory uncertainties, fluctuating market conditions, and infrastructure deficits. To overcome these challenges, we advocate for increased collaboration between the public and private sectors to streamline regulations, enhance infrastructure development, and promote sustainable urban planning. Additionally, embracing technology-driven solutions and maintaining a flexible approach to market dynamics are crucial for navigating the complexities of the real estate industry.
What are the important lessons that have brought you this far in your career?
The journey in my real estate career has been shaped by invaluable lessons that have propelled Tilden Development Limited forward. One crucial lesson is the unwavering commitment to integrity and transparency in all our dealings. Building trust with our clients and stakeholders has been instrumental in establishing Tilden as a reliable player in the competitive real estate sector. Additionally, embracing innovation and adaptability has allowed us to navigate market dynamics successfully.
What strategies have you adopted over the years that have helped in expanding your portfolio at Tilden Development Limited?
Over the years. Tilden Development Limited has implemented a strategic approach to portfolio expansion, combining a keen market understanding with a commitment to PropTech innovation and customer satisfaction. Our success lies in identifying emerging trends and untapped opportunities within the dynamic real estate sector in Lagos, Nigeria. Through these strategies and collaboration with our partners, Tilden Development Limited continues to build a robust and resilient portfolio, which includes The Beacon-a 5-storey smart office complex in the heart of Lekki, Lagos, The Regent Avenue a closed community comprising of various apartments in the suburb of Lekki, Lagos to mention a few, that stands out in the competitive real estate industry.
