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As we embrace September, FINEBRICKS Properties and Investment Limited invites you to embark on a soulful real estate journey. Discover our exclusive listings, including 4a Scintilla Close, Chevron Alternative Drive, Lekki, Lagos.

At FINEBRICKS, we believe in authenticity and class. Your property journey is not just an investment; it’s a dream come true. Let’s make this month a step closer to your aspirations.

FINEBRICKS Properties and Investment Limited
Address: 4a Scintilla Close, Chevron Alternative Drive, Lekki, Lagos.

The Nigerian real estate sector is a critical driving force behind the nation’s economic growth. Contributing significantly to the real estate market and it has grown significantly in 2022 and contributed over NGN7 trillion while real estate contributed N3. 1 trillion to the GDP in the period under review.

An analysis of the NBS report shows that the annual growth rate of the real estate sector was 10.75 percent in 2022, with a total contribution of 5.64 percent to the country’s GDP, job creation, and revenue generation, this multifaceted industry serves as a wealth-generating powerhouse.

While facing challenges like a housing deficit and infrastructure gaps, the sector presents opportunities for affordable housing initiatives, increased infrastructure investment, and digital transformation. Finebricks Properties and Investment limited, by engaging in responsible and sustainable real estate practices, can positively impact the Nigerian economy by fostering growth, creating jobs, and contributing to housing and infrastructure development.

By seizing these opportunities and addressing challenges, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its real estate sector, propelling the economy to new heights.

Finebricks properties and investment limited, a premium real estate development company that offers luxury and comfort at an affordable price.

Our fast selling properties:

IVANNA COURT ESTATE – (ONGOING OFF PLAN) (Thomas Estate, Ajah Lagos)
SHERWOOD COURT ESTATE (Sangotedo, Ajah Lagos)
ILE OLA PHASE 3 (Ketu Omu Road, Epe Lagos)
OMOLUABI ESTATE (Ketu Ejirin Road, Epe Lagos)

For more enquiries, you can find us on Instagram, Facebook, twitter, threads…
@Finebricksproperties

To address the increasing housing deficit in Lagos State and in line with our byline ‘making the desirable accessible’, Finebricks Properties and Investments Limited recently concluded the allocation ceremony for one of its new ‘site and service’ apartments; Ile Ola Phase 3.

Ile Ola Phase 3 is in Ketu, Epe with major landmarks like Sinoma SeaPort, Grace Polythenic, Government College, Ile Ola 1 & 2, Omoluabi Estate, Lagos State Food Systems & Security Hub, amongst others.

During the event, Mr. Deji Adeoye, the CEO of the company, emphasized the significance of the event. “We promised perimeter fencing, well-connected roads, and immediate allocation, and today we have delivered,” he stated. He further stressed that ‘all our properties at Finebricks are registered, free from every encumbrance and with the necessary documentation, ensuring our clients are safeguarded from any legal disputes or land-related disputes. As a forward thinking organization, all our estates are built with the ‘Go-Green Initiative’ in mind.

The real estate expert reiterated the importance of owning a property in Epe. “If you don’t currently own a property in Epe, it’s time to acquire one. And if you already have one, consider expanding your portfolio,” he advised.

Radiating joy following the presentation of their property documents, one of the new landowners, “I am absolutely thrilled! If I had more funds, I would invest in more properties. From the moment I made the payment until today when I received my allocation, Finebricks has kept every single promise. I am particularly pleased with the location I have been allocated.” Another satisfied client confirmed that their expectations had been surpassed stating that “Investing here is truly a great decision. I am ecstatic to see that my hard-earned money is yielding substantial value.”

FineBricks Properties is an avant-garde real estate company located in Lekki Lagos driven by core values like: professionalism, integrity, trust, excellence, and responsibility. It has other products like Ivana Court (Thomas Estate, Ajah), SherWood Court (Sangotedo), Omoluabi Estate (Ketu Epe) & Ile Ola 1 & 2 (Ketu, Epe).

You don’t have to love your boss but you need to be able to work well with them.      One of the main reasons employees leave thier job is because of their boss.

A troubled relationship with your boss can negatively affect your morale, your productivity your happiness and of course, your career.

A positive relationship can improve your morale, productivity and happiness which could lead to more career success in form of promotions, raises higher self esteem.

Here’s how to strengthen your relationship with your boss:

1. Put yourself in your boss’s shoes.

Figure out the challenges that your boss will encounter that day and be prepared to offer solutions. Anticipate the questions that your supervisor may ask about your work or a project and have thoughtful answers or next steps to take. Thinking ahead can really show that you’re an invaluable team member.

2. Show value.

You were hired for a reason, so make sure that you’re adding real value to the organization and/or position. Bosses wants employees to be willing to speak up about the realities and challenges in the business that needs to be addressed. Be the person that speaks facts and reasonable suggestions that produce results. This builds your boss’s confidence in you.

3. Keep your supervisor informed.

No one likes surprises, so if you are experiencing challenges in your work, communicate them. Don’t hide behind obstacles or mistakes, keep your supervisor informed along the way. Whether things are going well or not, you’re building mutual trust and integrity if you keep your supervisor In the know.

4. Under-promise and over-deliver.

Put your best foot forward to exceed your boss’s expectations. For example, if you’re working on an assignment, be sure to provide a realistic timeliness for when you’ll get the work done and surprise your boss by completing it earlier than expected. This will show that you are proactive and that you can manage your workload.

5. Know when and how to communicate with your boss.

Does your supervisor like one sentence emails or prefer a detailed account of what’s going on? Do the want to receive an outline of where the project stands or do you need to provide all of the details? Learn how your supervisor likes to communicate and receive communication and mimic this style.

6. Ask for feedback.

Don’t be afraid to ask your boss for feedback, don’t assume that your work isn’t valued because your manager is juggling multiple deliverables. Too many people shy away from speaking up for fear of the unknown. Ideally your manager should already be providing feedback but this is your career so don’t be afraid to take the driver’s seat.

7. Be authentic.

Don’t be the person that is perceived to be kissing up to the boss. Be authentic in your approach, Stay above office politics and gossip. Your behaviour reflects on your manager, so avoid snarky commentary and when in doubt, be circumspect.

At the end of the day, its all about building trust within the relationship between you and your supervisor. Employees need their supervisors to be a mentor, cheerleader, go to person and advocate all in one and so it is important to instill trust so that this can happen. The relationship you want with your boss is possible to build, and is within your control. It’s all about your vision, your plan and your progress.

It seems that the one thing that we cannot produce with technology is time. Each of us is allotted the same 24 hours per day, and the only way to increase our productivity is to prove we have a better sense in regard to time management.

Once you take away 6 – 8 hours of sleep, eating, and personal time, that leaves approximately 16 hours to change the world or at least your little corner of it.

There have been books written on the subject of time management, talks given, seminars created and still, it is an elusive topic that continues to thwart all but the most dedicated. Time management tips that give tools for working smarter are worth their weight in gold when it comes to being efficient and productive.

Here we are presenting ten time-management tips to relieve stress and give you more of the valued commodity of time.

1. Set clear goals

Clearly defining your goals gives you a sense of direction and purpose. Break down your goals into smaller, actionable tasks. This helps you prioritize and allocate your time effectively, focusing on what truly matters.

2. Prioritize tasks

Not all tasks are equally important or urgent. Use techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks into four quadrants: important and urgent, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. This helps you identify priorities and allocate your time accordingly.

3. Create a schedule

Planning your day in advance by creating a schedule or to-do list helps you stay organized and focused. Allocate specific time slots for each task, considering your energy levels and peak productivity periods. Be realistic with your time estimates to avoid overcommitting.

4. Avoid multitasking

While it may seem like multitasking allows you to accomplish more in less time, it actually hampers productivity. Instead, focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention. This improves concentration, reduces errors, and enhances the quality of your work.

5. Minimize distraction

Identify the common distractions in your environment and take steps to minimize them. Turn off notifications on your phone or put it in silent mode, close unnecessary tabs on your computer, and find a quiet workspace if possible. Consider using productivity apps or browser extensions to block distracting websites or set time limits on their usage.

6. Delegate tasks

If you have the opportunity, delegate tasks that can be handled by others. Delegation not only frees up your time but also allows you to leverage the skills and expertise of others. Clearly communicate your expectations, provide necessary resources, and follow up to ensure the task is complete satisfactorily.

7. Take regular breaks

Working nonstop without breaks can lead to diminishing returns and burnout. Instead, schedule short breaks throughout your day. Use this time to relax, recharge, and stretch. Taking breaks helps you maintain focus, renew your energy, and sustain productivity over a more extended period.

8. Practice the 80/20 rule

The Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 rule, suggests that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Identify the tasks and activities that yield the most significant impact or contribute the most to your goals. Focus your time and energy on these high-value activities to maximize your productivity.

9. Learn to say no

Saying yes to every request or opportunity can spread you too thin and lead to overwhelm. Learn to say no to tasks or commitments that do not align with your priorities or that you simply do not have the bandwidth for. Prioritize your time for the tasks that matter most and learn to delegate or decline nonessential requests.

10. Take care of yourself

Your physical and mental well-being significantly impact your productivity. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and maintain a balanced diet. Take breaks for relaxation and engage in activities you enjoy. When you prioritize self-care, you enhance your overall energy levels, focus, and productivity.

Remember that time management is a personal journey, and it’s essential to adapt these tips to suit your unique work style and preferences. Experiment with different techniques, assess what works best for you, and make adjustments as needed.

We can all agree that team meetings are crucial for building strong relationships and improving communication between managers and team members. These meetings provide an excellent opportunity for constructive feedback and criticism which can be extremely beneficial for employees looking to enhance their skills. In addition, regular one-on-one meetings help managers address potential issues before they become more significant problems.
In these meetings, goals should be set and expectations communicated to ensure clarity so that team members can track progress toward goals and receive the necessary support. By prioritizing one-on-one meetings, teams can build a culture of trust and open communication, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
However, there are chances that we make common mistakes that ends up making the meetings unproductive. These mistakes, if not eliminated, can demoralize employees. To help curtail this, here are 8 common mistakes to avoid during team meetings.

1. Underestimating the significance of having a clear meeting agenda.
One major determinant of the success of any meeting is the team’s readiness for it, a meeting without an agenda can quickly become disorganized and unproductive. Before the meeting, create a detailed agenda outlining the topics to be discussed, the goals, and the time frame. Doing this before the meeting will not only guide the conversation but also give your direct reports a sense of belonging, making them come prepared for the session.

2. Allowing continuous distractions during the meeting.
Distraction are show spoilers, meetings can be derailed by distractions such as phones ringing, allowing side conversations and interruption. Encourage attendees to stay focused by setting ground rules for the meeting such as turning off phones and refraining from side conversations.

3. Getting off the subject.
It is very easy for meetings to deviate from the agenda, but it is very essential to stay on track to ensure that all the important points are discussed. If a discussion begin to veer off-topic, gently direct the conversation back to the agenda item.

4. Not assigning/following up on action tasks.
Meetings are pointless if there are no clear action items or follow-up tasks. It is important to set clear expectations and deadlines for action tasks during the meeting. Then, schedule a follow-up meeting or check in to discuss the progress made on action items. Effective follow-up can lead to improved communication, increased productivity, and stronger relationships within the team. By avoiding this mistake and implementing effective follow-up strategies, you can ensure that your one-on-one meetings are productive and beneficial for everyone involved.

5. Not providing an opportunity for feedback.
Feedback is crucial for improving future meetings. Creating a safe space for open communication and encouraging feedback from both sides is also crucial for the success of a team meeting. It’s important to avoid making assumptions or jumping to conclusions without fully understanding the context of the situation. Empathy and support are essential to building trust and fostering productive conversations with your team members.

6. Not being consistent with the frequency of the meeting.
The most common mistake to avoid is not being consistent with the frequency of meetings. Consistency is key when it comes to scheduling these meetings, as missed opportunities for feedback and improvement can occur if they are not prioritized. Having a set schedule and sticking to it shows that you value your team’s time and prioritize their development. By doing so, you’ll be able to identify areas where your team members may need additional support or resources leading to improved performances and overall success.

7. Talking more than you listen.
Another common mistake talking more than you listen. Active listening a critical component of effective communication during one-on-one meetings. To ensure that you actively listen during a meeting, try asking open-ended questions, allowing everyone to speak without interruption. It will help foster a productive dialogue and build rapport and trust with your team members.

8. Not ending on a positive note.
The way a meeting ends is just as important as how it begins. End the meeting on a positive note by thanking attendees for their time and contributions, and highlighting any successes or achievements

Team meetings are a great tool to improve team performance and foster better communication. However, it’s essential to avoid these common mistakes that can hurt your team’s morale and productivity. Always remember that these meetings are for the benefit of both parties and should be approached with empathy, respect, and accountability. By avoiding these eight one-on-one meeting mistakes, you’ll create a safe space that encourages open dialogue, transparency, and growth.

Brief History of Nigeria till date.

Nigeria officially referred to as the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a federal state in West Africa. It borders Cameroon and Chad to the East, Benin to the west, and Niger to the north. It also has a coast in the south that lies on the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean. Nigeria is made up of 36 cities and the Federal Capital Territory, where Abuja, the capital city is situated.

There are more than 250 ethnic groups, including Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo. Languages: English (official), Hausa. Religions: Christianity (Protestant, other Christians, Roman Catholic), Islam, traditional beliefs. Currency: naira.

Nigeria was visited in the 15th century by Europeans, then it became a center for the trade in enslaved people, in 1851, the British bombarded Lagos while intervening in the Lagos Sovereignty power struggle, deposed Oba Kosoko who favored slave trade, and in his place appointed Oba Akitoye.

In 1856, Britain chartered the Royal Niger Company and in 1900 the company’s region came under the leadership of the British government which then consolidated its control over the area of present-day Nigeria. On January 8, 1897, British journalist Flora Shaw, who later married Baron Frederick Lugard, a British colonial administrator named the country Nigeria; it was taken from the Niger River running through the country.

Nigeria was then made a British protectorate on 1 January 1901, and the southern and northern protectorate was officially merged as the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria in 1914. Towards the mid-20th century, a big wave of sovereignty was sweeping across the African continent and Nigeria attained its independence on 1 October 1960.

On October 1, 1960, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, founder of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC), was appointed as prime minister (head of government) of the Federation of Nigeria.  Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe, leader of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons, was appointed as Governor-General (representative of Queen Elizabeth II, the Nigerian head of state) on November 16, 1960.  The Federal Republic of Nigeria was established on October 1, 1963, with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as prime minister (head of government) and Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe as president (head of state).

Ethnic strife soon led to military coups, and military groups ruled the country from 1966 to 1979 and from 1983 to 1999. The civil war between the federal government and the former Eastern region, Biafra (1967–1970), ended in Biafra’s surrender after the death by starvation of perhaps a million Biafrans. In 1991 the capital was moved from Lagos to Abuja.

The military rule however continued in Nigeria 9 more years after the civil war. Another election was eventually held in 1979 and this opened the door to the second republic. Shehu Shagari was president and Alex Ekweme was the Vice President. However, the government was accused of corruption and the military took over again in 1983. The military government was headed by Muhammadu Buhari. He however did not last long as he was ousted out of office via another Military coup. Badamasi Babangida however took over this time around and he was military president till 1993 when he “stepped aside” after nullifying the fairest and freest election in Nigeria’s history; the 1993 election that MKO Abiola won.

Ernest Shonekan occupied the office for a few months until he was forced out of office by Sanni Abacha. Sanni Abacha was military president till he died in 1998. He was replaced by another military man, Abdulsalam Abubakar, who handed over power to a civilian president, Olusegun Obasanjo. Olusegun Obasanjo remained president for 8 years and he left office in 2007 after handing over to Late Umaru Musa Yar’adua. Unfortunately, Yar’adua only lasted for about a year in office, and his former Vice, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan took over office as President. He was in office till 2015 when he was voted out of office by President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC, serving till date.

Nigeria has come a long way as a democratic nation, with a population of over 200 million people, from the days of British colonization to the first years of indigenous rule, through military takeovers, onto democratic rule. Yes, Nigerians have survived many high and low moments with hopes of a better tomorrow. We are a much larger and stronger country today than we were in 1960. There are numerous advantages as well as disadvantages. Some things haven’t changed, but we believe the economy has moved more rapidly than it did at independence. That is not to say that there are no difficulties. Things are improving because some things that were not available in the past are now available, and these things have improved our standard of living.

In all of this development that has happened in Nigeria, one of the sectors that have seen significant growth is the housing and the real estate sector, although the housing sector is currently still lagging compared to other African nations. In Nigeria, several governments since independence have seen housing as a major priority and for that reason, it has adopted several policies in the past to try to eradicate the housing problems that exist in the country.

The Third Nigeria’s National Development Plan (1975-80) was drawn up for Nigeria in early 1960. In the plan, the government accepted the provision of housing for the public as part of its social responsibilities and adopted several measures to reduce the housing challenges facing the nation. One of these plans includes constructing two hundred thousand (200,000) housing units and allocate to individuals. This gave rise to the National Low-Cost Housing Scheme (NLCS) which was launched in 1980 for this purpose.

One of the most popular projects of the NLCHS is the one that was carried out by the former governor of Lagos State, Lateef Jakande administration. The estate was officially commissioned on December 29, 1983. At the time it was constructed, it was the largest in West Africa. The Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) built the houses and it was placed under the mortgage as many low-income earners could not afford to pay for their flats. The administration built 16 housing estates during the Second Republic and the landmark achievement remains unmatched by no other state governor to date.

In  1990  the federal government constructed  72 prototypes three bedroom bungalows in  Satellite  Town,  Lagos to provide affordable housing units for the low-income earners but unfortunately, The houses when built were not affordable to the targeted group and by 1985  all uncompleted housing projects and unoccupied completed ones of the federal government were handed over to the state governments for completion and allocation.

In 1991, the Federal Government decided to stop direct participation in the sub-sector by coming up with the New National Housing Scheme (NHS) which was to play the role of providing the enabling environment to enhance private sector participation. The housing policy has it that the federal government will through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria  (FMBN) lend funds to the newly created Private Sector Mortgage Institutions (PMIs) who will, in turn, lend to individuals at subsidized rates, this is the development that gave birth to the rise of private real estates in the country.

In 2002  effort was made by Olusegun  Obasanjo’s administration to provide affordable housing for low-income earners. Part of the reforms that were made was the 2002 National Housing Policy, the creation of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), and the Building Materials Producers Association of Nigeria (BUMPAN). With the reforms, improvement was made but the supply of housing still fell far below demand, and nothing significant was achieved in terms of providing affordable housing for low-income earners. Houses that were provided cost between N2.5m ($15,151.52) and N5m ($30,303.03) and were only affordable to workers on grade level 10 and above.

In 2000 the government establishes the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and proposes a housing reform. The 2002-2004 policy focus was on the private sector to serve as the main catalyst for housing delivery in Nigeria while the government concentrates on the provision of basic infrastructures for the new housing development. Issues in the Land Use Act were equally given attention for review as well as the financial structure such as the FMBN and provision of incentives to developers inform of tax holidays for five years. The present policy recognizes the private sector as the main solution to the housing deficit in the country while the government opts to function as an enabler and facilitator in housing delivery.

As of now, Nigeria currently has a N17 million housing deficit, and access to affordable housing has largely, remained an unfulfilled dream to the vast majority, most

especially, the middle and the lower classes of society and that’s Finebricks Properties and Investment Ltd’s paramount goal, to bridge the housing gap and provide quality housing for all and sundry.

In conclusion, it is believed that the private sector i.e the real estate sector is the country saving grace as regards housing, and this can’t be achieved without the help of the government.

Some of the ways the government can help the real estate sector are;

• The private sector should be provided with incentives, loans, and subsidies to boost the drive in housing development and delivery.
• Provide adequate incentives and an enabling environment for greater private sector (formal and informal) participation in the provision of housing.
• The regulatory role of the government in the housing sector should also be strengthened.
• There could be appropriate tax incentives and pioneer status in designated localities for real estate developers.
• Make land for housing development easily accessible and affordable.
• Develop and promote the use of certified locally produced building materials as a means of reducing construction costs.