Babajide Folarin Ademujimi, is a Nigerian-British entrepreneur who has built a reputation for reliability and integrity. He spoke to Demola Akinbola on how his new project is reshaping the real estate landscape in the Lekki-Aja axis.
What motivated you to do real estate?
My motivation stemmed from the desire to improve the quality of available homes in Lagos. In my earlier years, I lived at Ikoyi, Epetedo, Ajegunle, Shogunle, and Ikeja before I left for England. I have lived in the UK for almost 40 years and travelled across all continents. I’d love to replicate some of the good things I’ve seen in the building industry abroad in the properties I develop here in Lagos, Nigeria.
I moved into my house at Cooperative Villas, Badore, Ajah in 2012. Rtd General Tunde Reis conceived Cooperative Villas. It’s the best residential estate in Lagos as far as I’m concerned. The quality of life we enjoy within the Estate is what inspired me to develop my residential estate – Sussex Gardens @ Alaro, off the Lekki – Epe Expressway. Building and living in an estate is more of a lifestyle decision, and not just about Bricks and Mortar. Sussex Gardens @ Alaro is for the discerning person and family that values Peace, Serenity, Security, and an appreciation of Renewable energy options, as well as a pollution-free environment.
For how long have you been involved, and what are the projects you have done?
I have been involved in property development since 1997 when I bought a big derelict property close to Bounds Green Tube Station in Bounds Green, London N11. It was renovated and converted into flats and sold in 2002. I bought, renovated, and sold several flats in London between 1999 and 2015. I built a Twin Duplex at Cooperative Villas in 2008 and built some bungalows on an Acre @ Itele, Ogun State in 2012. Sussex Garden Apartments (a block of 14 x 2-bed en suite flats) at Badore, Aja was developed in 2020. No Generator is allowed at Sussex Gardens Apartments. All the Tenants have bought into my idea of Solar Powered Inverters and now live in a Clean and Peaceful environment.
My current project is the Sussex Gardens @ Alaro, off the Lekki – Epe Expressway. It is a 20-acre residential estate designed for Diasporans and other people who value the Peace, tranquility, and pollution-free/green credentials that I cherish. I’ve lived in a West Sussex Village in the UK for the past twenty years. This has shaped my life and living to a large extent.
Tell us more about your latest project
My latest project is the Sussex Gardens Estate @ Alaro, off the Lekki -Epe Expressway near Epe. The estate is within the Eyin Osa Resettlement scheme and comes with a Global C of O. Sussex Gardens @ Alaro is next to Alaro City – the largest residential, industrial, commercial, and entertainment hub in Lagos. Alaro City is bigger than Victoria Island and comparable to Stratford City in East London. Sussex Gardens is within the proximity of the Dangote Refinery, Lekki Seaport, Lekki Free Trade Zone, Pan Atlantic University, Epe Fish Market, and the proposed Lekki Airport.
Infrastructure Layout
Sussex Gardens is aimed at Diasporans and others who value a quiet and comfortable life away from the hustle and bustle of City life. The estate is made up of about 120 plots of 300 & 500 Sq metres. It comes with a Global C of O while the Governor’s Consent is being processed. Paved Interlock roads, drainage system, solar street light, 24-hour security, Green/Parks, renewable energy options, Community Hall, Gym, and Shops are some of the Infrastructural facilities planned for the estate.
Given the epileptic electric power situation and the ever increasing cost of fuel , Sussex Gardens @ Alaro will be heavily reliant on Solar powered Inverter systems and not Generators for power . To this end , we have partnered with two UK based firms to provide Solar Powered solutions to residents of the Estate with flexible payment terms and maintenance agreement. Generators will not be allowed on the Estate. This will help reduce the level of noise pollution and carbon emissions thereby improving the quality of life for residents of the Estate.
Payment Plan
Sussex Gardens @ Alaro allows you to be a Stakeholder in the “New Lagos “. Epe Alaro is the New Lagos. A three to 18-month payment plan is available to all subscribers who cannot afford outright payment.
How secure is this project in terms of legal coverage?
Sussex Gardens @ Alaro is a safe and secure investment. As I said earlier, the estate comes with a Global Certificate of Occupancy. I am currently processing the Governor’s Consent for the Estate. In terms of Land Title, you cannot get anything better than a property with C of O or Governor’s Consent.
What else do you do aside from real estate?
My day job is Residential Mental Health. That’s what I have done since 1992. I operate Care Homes for mental health clients in the UK.
For more information on the Sussex Gardens @ Alaro project, contact Mr Ademujimi via folarinademujimi@hotmail.com or +44 7958 085 616.
