Afriland Properties Plc, a major player in Nigeria’s real estate investment, development, and management sector, has appointed Azubike Emodi as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
This leadership transition marks a significant moment for the company as it looks to expand its footprint and drive innovation in the real estate sector.
Emodi steps into the role following the departure of Uzo Oshogwe, the founding MD/CEO, who has moved on to lead Transcorp Hotels Plc. With over 20 years of experience spanning finance, real estate development, and strategic planning, Emodi brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will be instrumental in shaping Afriland Properties’ future. His appointment has been met with optimism, as industry watchers anticipate a new phase of growth and expansion under his leadership.
Afriland Properties’ Board Chairman, Emmanuel Nnorom, expressed confidence in Emodi’s ability to lead the company into its next chapter. He described him as a visionary leader with a deep understanding of finance and real estate, someone capable of building on the strong foundation laid by his predecessor while steering the company toward greater success.
Reacting to his appointment, Emodi conveyed his enthusiasm for the role, emphasizing his commitment to driving sustainable growth and delivering top-tier real estate solutions. He acknowledged Afriland’s impressive legacy in the real estate sector and stated his ambition to enhance the company’s impact by focusing on innovation, quality, and value creation for stakeholders.
His qualifications speak volumes about his dedication to excellence. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Banking & Finance from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), earned in 2003. As a student, he was actively engaged in leadership and entrepreneurship groups, showcasing early signs of his strategic mindset. He further strengthened his academic credentials by obtaining an MBA in Management from UNN in 2008, followed by a Master of Science degree in Banking and Finance from the same institution between 2010 and 2014.
In addition to his academic achievements, Emodi is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB), a recognition he earned in October 2023. His professional certifications include an Associate Certification from the Chartered Institute of Banking (ACIB), which he obtained in 2012. These qualifications solidify his reputation as a well-rounded financial expert with deep insights into banking, investment, and economic development.
His professional journey is a testament to his ability to drive growth and transformation. He spent nearly a decade at Zenith Bank Plc, where he built a reputation for excellence in relationship management and banking operations. His ability to attract new clients and manage key accounts earned him the Zonal Management Award for outstanding performance. Later, he took on a leadership role within the bank’s operations, managing the Fund Transfer Desk and leading the Zonal Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) clearing team to win a CBN Zonal award for punctuality and efficiency in 2007 and 2008.
In 2016, he took a bold step into the world of microfinance, becoming the Managing Director of VFD Microfinance Bank. During his five-year tenure, he spearheaded initiatives that positioned the bank for long-term growth and expansion. He later transitioned to asset management, serving as the Managing Director of Anchoria Asset Management from May 2021 to November 2023. His most recent role before joining Afriland Properties was as Managing Director at HEREL Global, where he applied his financial expertise to real estate investment and development.
Now, as the new head of Afriland Properties, Emodi is expected to bring a strategic approach to real estate development, leveraging his vast experience in finance and management. Industry analysts predict that his leadership will focus on optimizing investments, expanding the company’s real estate portfolio, and implementing innovative solutions that will keep Afriland at the forefront of Nigeria’s property sector.
As he embarks on this new challenge, the real estate industry will be watching closely to see how he steers Afriland Properties toward greater heights, shaping the future of urban development in Nigeria.
