By Samuel John
Real estate is a great investment. It’s a well-known fact that has been tested by time and proven true. It’s one of, if not the most, safest investments you can make. Many people built their fortunes through this industry, including the former US president Trump and his father. And the best thing about real estate investing is that it comes with fewer risks and a rather straightforward way to success. As long as you are able to obtain financing for the property and choose that same property well, you will be on your way to early retirement.
Let’s take you through on an inspiring career journey of a Nigerian real estate entrepreneur trying to build 500 thousand homes in Africa, How he balance work and his efforts to make a difference.
Andrew Lucky Elerewe was born in Ose, Ondo State, Nigeria. Growing up, he showed a knack for business and leadership, which would later shape his successful career in the real estate industry.
He attended Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, where he obtained his undergraduate degree. Recognizing the importance of continued education, he went on to pursue an MBA (Masters in Business Administration) at the University of Chichester in the United Kingdom. This further equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the business world.
He is a member of Project Management Institute , Chartered fellow of Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD) and Board Member, Gymnastic Federation of Nigeria.
Andrew Lucky Elerewe started his career with Inside-House Communications as a marketing Executive Assistant to the head of the department, and over the years, became the managing Director and CEO of Inside-House Communications, Abuja
In 2013, he joined Woods & Bricks, Abuja. as the Deputy Managing Director, elevated to Managing Director, and then Chief Executive Officer. The company is known for Real Estate Construction in Nigeria.
In 2015, He establishes Aiben Properties Limited and became the Chairman of the board and Managing Director of the firm, after some years he diversify the business into a conglomerates on Real Estate, Hospitality, Retail, Energy and it became Aiben Group. he was re-designated as the Executive Chairman of Aiben Properties Limited and continued as the Chairman of Aiben Group.
In 2018, He became the President, Minifootball Association of Nigeria (MAN) under his leadership he was able to get the association into World Minifootball Federation (WMF) and took Nigeria to it first competition at the Africa Minifootball Cup tournament that took place in Tripoli, Libya.
In 2019, Andrew Lucky Elerewe was elected chairman of Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) a professional body of real estate developers recognised by the Federal Government and saddled with the responsibility of providing affordable housing in the country. Until his emergence as REDAN chairman, he was the association’s publicity secretary but he stepped down from the role after the expiration of his tenure as chairman. He, however, contest the position of Vice President of REDAN and won.
In 2021, he built one of country most successful housing estates reducing housing deficit especially in South West region precisely in Lagos where he transform 40 hectares of swampy and inaccessible land into quality housing, and also commit $30 billion in three years for the housing project, Biltmore Garden City, in Lagos.
In 2022, He embarked on 500 thousand homes in Africa project, which will lead to over 5 million jobs by 2038.
Andrew Lucky Elerewe is married to Engr. Benedicta who is an aluminus of Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma where she studied Electrical engineering. She is also a member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineers in Nigeria, COREN, having passed the council’s exams.