Celebrating Women in Construction: Ufuoma Ilesanmi’s Journey and Insights
The construction and real estate industries have long been dominated by men, but women like Ufuoma Ilesanmi are breaking barriers, redefining leadership, and shaping the future of the built environment. With over 14 years of experience in real estate development, Ufuoma has made significant strides in addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit while overcoming industry challenges. In celebration of Built by Her, we highlight her journey, achievements, and advice for women looking to enter the construction space.
A Distinguished Career in Real Estate and Construction
“I like to distinguish between real estate and construction,” Ufuoma explains. “Construction primarily focuses on taking a structure from foundation to completion, whereas real estate development involves overseeing the entire process—financial planning, strategizing, ideation, implementation, and coordinating all stakeholders, including architects and builders.”
Over the past decade, she has played a pivotal role in delivering over a thousand housing units, expanding her impact beyond Lagos into Abuja. Her work contributes directly to reducing Nigeria’s housing deficit, a challenge that continues to grow.
Milestones and Overcoming Challenges
Among her many achievements, delivering the Richmond Pearl Estate stands out. The project faced multiple obstacles, including the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation. “Despite these setbacks, we made a strategic decision not to increase prices for the majority of our clients, which I cannot say for other developers in the industry,” she says. Successfully navigating these challenges while prioritizing client affordability is a testament to her resilience and strategic thinking.
The Biggest Challenges in the Industry Today
Nigeria’s construction industry is constantly evolving, and Ufuoma highlights two major challenges:
Rising Construction Costs – “The continuous increase in the cost of construction materials, with prices rarely decreasing, is a major concern.”
Currency Devaluation – “The devaluation of the naira has significantly impacted the economy and the real estate sector. The past four years have been particularly tough for developers, making resilience more crucial than ever.”
Despite these challenges, she remains optimistic about the industry’s future and encourages developers to adapt and innovate.
Advice for Women Pursuing a Career in Construction
With relatively few women in construction, Ufuoma sees this as an opportunity rather than a limitation. “Women should enter the industry with confidence, not just to participate, but to lead and innovate,” she advises.
She encourages women to move beyond traditional real estate roles like sales and marketing, urging them to acquire land, develop properties, and oversee construction from start to finish. “Women bring a unique perspective, especially in design and architecture. With the right mentorship, continuous learning, and determination, women can excel and drive substantial change.”
Challenges in Sourcing Construction Materials
Material procurement remains one of the most frustrating aspects of construction. “On critical days, coordinating with multiple suppliers can be a logistical nightmare,” Ufuoma shares. Delays and inconsistencies from vendors disrupt schedules and escalate costs.
However, technology is changing the game. “Platforms like Cutstruct have significantly improved material procurement, streamlining supply chains, reducing stress, and enhancing efficiency. This is how technology-driven solutions are positively reshaping the industry.”
The Role of Mentorship in Her Journey
Despite the male-dominated nature of the industry, Ufuoma has drawn inspiration from successful women in other fields. “One woman I deeply admired worked at Shell. Her career path and accomplishments inspired me to project myself similarly.”
Within real estate, her most significant mentor has been Mr. Tayo Sonuga, the CEO of Haven Homes. “His guidance has profoundly shaped my career. Anyone who has had the privilege of learning from him is truly fortunate.”
Building the Future, One Project at a Time
Ufuoma Ilesanmi’s journey exemplifies perseverance, leadership, and innovation in real estate and construction. As we celebrate Built by Her, her story serves as an inspiration for women looking to make their mark in the industry.
Her message is clear: Women belong in construction, not just as participants but as pioneers. By breaking barriers and taking on leadership roles, they can shape the industry’s future, one building at a time.