‘I WANT TO TAKE NEW LEAF GLOBAL’ – Augustine Higoh, CEO, Newleaf Properties

Mr Augustine Higoh, CEO, Newleaf Properties Nigeria Limited

Founding an organization is no small work. It is a combination of determination, grit and resilience. In this post, the Founder and CEO of Newleaf Properties Nigeria Limited takes us on a journey through his motivation for establishing New Leaf Properties and the virtues that have kept him going through the sometimes difficult entrepreneurial journey. I bet you there will be key points to take home from this interview.

Read on!

Good day sir, may we meet you please?

My name is Mr. Augustine Higoh Sunday. I am a husband, father, realtor and the Chief Executive Officer of New Leaf Properties, one of the top real estate firms located in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

 

When did you receive the vision/idea for New Leaf Properties?

My passion for real estate has been nearly lifelong and I have had the opportunity to work with some top real estate firms in Abuja, Nigeria. The idea for New Leaf Properties came during the Covid19 pandemic when the country was on lockdown. I was home with my wife and we were discussing on the types of businesses we could invest in or embark on. My wife said she wanted a boutique and I told her to dream bigger dreams. This is not to say running a boutique is not ambitious enough, but I felt we should set higher goals. Jokingly, I told her I wanted to go into real estate. My wife laughed it off as a big joke, because we did not have the type of money to start a real estate business then.

What’s the inspiration behind this organization and what are your aspirations for future?

Back when I was still in Abuja, apart from working with real estate companies, I was also into the installation of carports which took me to different upscale houses within the Abuja metropolis. Anyone who has been to Abuja knows how beautiful and affluent the houses in Abuja can be. Visiting those houses made such an impression on me that I determined that one day, I too would have a firm that would build such types of houses.

I aspire to build one of the biggest, if not the biggest, real estate business. My goal is to take Newleaf Properties Nigeria Limited, global, and I work hard at this goal each day, along with my dedicated team.

What are some of the challenges you faced while setting up the organization?

Ah, our biggest challenge was with funds! For our first real estate project, Amoore Estate at Olomore, Abeokuta, I paid for the land three different times! It was really frustrating. At a point, my wife was complaining that all the money in the house was going into project. There were quite a number of times that we couldn’t afford to buy necessary household items. LOL! It was a really ‘fantastic’ experience.

In ten years’ time what do you see Newleaf Properties Nigeria limited becoming?

Hmmn… Ten years’ time looks so far away, but then again, it’ll be here in no time. In 10 years, I hope to advance in my role as CEO, as much as possible. I love this industry and think it is the right choice for me long term. I want to build NewLeaf Properties Nigeria Limited into a truly collaborative environment where every employee can thrive. I see my ideas making a bigger positive impact on the company, and I will use my communication and leadership skills to make this happen.

What are some exciting housing projects we should be looking forward to getting from the organization?

Seeing is believing, as they say.  Just look forward to amazing projects from Newleaf Properties. We are building structures that will blow minds, but we also want housing to be something a lot of people can afford. So for now, let’s keep crossed fingers.

Model of Amoore Estate currently under construction

What advice do you have for those who would want to venture into real estate consultancy?

In my opinion, the most important thing is to be consistent, determined and focused.  Don’t be swayed. Let your focus be on where you want the company to be and not the present circumstances. Though it may seem hard in the beginning but with hard work, prayer, and consistency, you will get there.

Any final thoughts?

Whatever you do in life always believe in yourself, put in effort, and be determined. Most importantly, always put God first, because all things are possible with God. Thank you.