Balancing Risk, Reward, and Global Growth in Real Estate
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): A Further Inquiry
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2025/09/09
Part 4 of 4
Akin Opatola, President of FIABCI-Nigeria and founder of Olawale Jordan Company, explores the evolving landscape of Nigerian and African real estate. Opatola shares his professional journey from banking to real estate, his global perspective shaped by visiting over 40 cities, and the critical role FIABCI plays in cross-border networking, sustainability, and professional collaboration. Opatola emphasizes tailored risk assessment, transparency, and client-specific strategies. His vision for FIABCI-Nigeria focuses on quality membership, government collaboration, and continental expansion. By leveraging networking, knowledge-sharing, and youth development, FIABCI fosters cross-border growth, trust, and opportunity, positioning Africa as an emerging hub for innovative, globally connected real estate development.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: Now, any investment involves risk—or, more accurately, risk assessment—alongside a view toward potential reward. People are often more attracted by the promise of opportunity than deterred by risk, but any realistic strategy must weigh both. So, in your advisory role, how do you guide clients through this tension between reward and risk, especially considering individual and cultural differences in risk tolerance?
Akin Opatola: That’s a vital question. When I wear my advisory hat, especially when working with clients, my first step is to evaluate their risk profile.
I’m the kind of advisor who says, “This project might not be for you.” For instance, if someone has a low-risk tolerance, I won’t recommend a project delivered in two years, especially if the developer has a limited track record or there’s a risk of delay or deviation from specifications.
On the other hand, if a client appears relatively young, has longer investment horizons, and demonstrates higher risk tolerance, I might say, “You may want to consider this opportunity—but think it over carefully.” I lay everything on the table. I do not oversell or sugarcoat.
There’s a saying: low risk equals low reward, and high risk can bring high reward—but I let the client make that decision, fully informed.
My goal is to establish a relationship built on transparency and long-term trust. Clients should be able to look back and say, “Akin was clear, honest, and guided me based on my needs.”
This approach comes from my time in banking, which you saw in my profile. I spent several years in that industry, particularly in asset management. We were trained not to push the same financial products to every client there.
Just as no two fingerprints are identical, no two clients are similar. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.
So, when advising on a property investment or development deal, I walk through all the risks and challenges. But I also point out the upside. If the developer has a solid track record, has shared financials, and is open to verification, that builds confidence.
I encourage clients to perform due diligence and bring in their professionals—especially lawyers—to review documents and ensure everything is in order.
Ultimately, my role is to present a balanced, data-informed view and help clients make sound, strategic decisions based on who they are, not just the potential return.
After evaluating all aspects of the investment, I ensure that clients can make an informed decision. Once that’s done, I guide them through the real estate process confidently and transparently.
Jacobsen: What is your vision for the future of FIABCI-Nigeria and, more broadly, for the African property market in terms of its influence?
Opatola: My vision for FIABCI-Nigeria begins with membership growth—not just growth in numbers. I mean attracting quality professionals. The more qualified members we bring in, the higher the chances—through the law of averages—that we’ll see increased community collaboration, networking, and deal-making.
Secondly, I envision FIABCI-Nigeria becoming more active in public-sector engagement. We should not operate in silos. We need to collaborate with government bodies, not just as observers but as trusted advisors. Our members should be the first point of contact regarding urban planning, housing policy, land reform, infrastructure development, and feasibility studies.
The government should be saying to us, “Here’s a project we’re considering. What do FIABCI professionals think? Can we build a consultative team or think tank with you?” This level of professional integration into policy-making is common in many other countries where FIABCI operates, and I would love to see that replicated here.
For the broader African property market, I’m passionate about AfRES—the African Real Estate Society. It allows me to connect with other countries on the continent, share ideas, and identify new opportunities.
We need to grow FIABCI’s footprint not only in Anglophone countries but also in Francophone regions. There’s still resistance in some parts of the continent, but there are promising opportunities in North Africa—Morocco, Egypt, andAlgeria. These are dynamic markets that would benefit from FIABCI engagement.
I am a real estate entrepreneur. I’m always looking for opportunities to bring to my clients and investors. I’m confident that in the not-too-distant future, we will see new FIABCI chapters opening across Africa, especially as international leadership cycles through new presidents who may prioritize expansion in this region.
Jacobsen: How does FIABCI distinguish itself from other real estate bodies or federations?
Opatola: FIABCI is unique, and I say that sincerely. Its strength is the deliberate emphasis on networking, cross-border collaboration, and shared knowledge. After every international event, members who could not attend still benefit. We share presentations, photos, and materials through our FIABCI member app within two or three weeks.
This ensures the entire global community stays informed, even if they’re not physically present. That level of accessibility and global inclusion is what sets FIABCI apart.
That level of access is incredible. For example, if I cannot attend the Global Leadership Summit in Panama this December, whether due to time or budget constraints, I don’t feel left out.
Three weeks after the event, I can go to the FIABCI app and download PowerPoint presentations, supporting documents, and event summaries and still benefit from everything that was shared. That’s a massive differentiator compared to many other associations. That sets the organization apart in terms of accessibility and inclusion.
And secondly, FIABCI is fun! It’s not all serious business. There are social events in the evenings—from gala dinners to regional celebrations. And beyond that, there’s a strong and intentional focus on youth development.
We have the Young Professionals Members Club, which is open to members aged 35 and below worldwide. The club has its own webinars, networking sessions, and leadership structure. The young members even have representation at the board level.
They elect their leaders, present papers, and contribute to board discussions. So, by the time they transition out of the under-35 group, they’re already well-acquainted with FIABCI’s governance structure and prepared to run for broader leadership roles. I really admire that element—it ensures succession and generational continuity.
When I say FIABCI is fun, I mean events like the Young Members’ Party, the Metropolitan Holders’ Event, the Prix d’Excellence Awards, and the Networking Luncheons. These aren’t just ceremonial—they’re strategically designed to facilitate connection, collaboration, and friendship. I love that dynamic.
I also enjoy the international travel opportunities. Last year, I was fortunate to visit Budapest and Vienna—two countries I’d never been to before. What I appreciate about FIABCI is that events are not limited to the exact predictable locations like the U.S., London, or Germany. That variety keeps it engaging.
Austria will host the World Congress next year, and I’m really looking forward to spending more time there. Last time, I only managed a lunch trip to Vienna—a 2.5-hour train ride from Budapest. I took a few photos, had lunch, and came back. Next time, I plan to spend a full week exploring.
That’s the beauty of FIABCI—business, learning, networking, and cultural immersion all in one.
I’ll be in South Korea next December for the Global Leadership Summit, and I’m super excited about that. One thing I love about FIABCI is how intentional we are with pre-and post-conference activities.
Last year, when I went to Singapore for the World Congress, I only visited and returned. However, many of my colleagues took advantage of the pre-and post-conference arrangements. They visited Malaysia, Indonesia, and other nearby countries.
That’s because the chapter presidents in those regions extended invitations: “If we’re hosting 100 or 150 FIABCI members in our part of the world, and you’d like to explore our city or country, we’ll organize a short tour—two or three days. You can learn about local real estate opportunities, network with us, and enjoy the sights before or after the main Congress.” It was a fantastic experience for those who participated.
Now, with the World Congress coming to Lagos, I’m getting similar questions from international colleagues:
“Akin, we’ve never been to Africa. Can we add a few more countries to our trip?”
Some ask about visiting Ghana or seeing a safari in Kenya or Tanzania. Because flights and hotels are costly, many want to make the most of their visit with a pre-or post-conference itinerary.
FIABCI is fun—we are one big family. We do business together, support one another, and exchange knowledge generously.
I’m constantly networking. If I meet someone new, I ask, “Do you know this person from your country? Can you introduce me?” Or, “I came across a book by someone in your region—can you help me reach out for a webinar or interview?” That spirit of openness is one of FIABCI’s greatest strengths.
Jacobsen: Thank you. I have no more questions, Akin. I really appreciate your time, insight, and generosity in sharing your expertise. It was a pleasure meeting you.
Opatola: It was my pleasure, Scott. It was a lovely conversation. Thank you for this opportunity and for all the work you do.
Jacobsen: Excellent.
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