Real estate beyond buying, selling, but understanding clients’ needs — Dukiya co-founder, Shobowale | Prestige Real Estate News
The co-founder of Dukiya Real Estate, Mr. Lukman Shobowale, has urged budding real estate professionals to shift their focus beyond mere transactions, advocating for a more profound understanding of clients’ unique needs and aspirations.
Speaking at a staff training program organized by Dukiya at the prestigious Protea Kuramo Waters Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos State, Shobowale stressed the importance of empathy and client-centricity in the real estate industry.
Addressing the enthusiastic attendees, Shobowale highlighted that real estate is not just a business of buying and selling but an avenue to transform lives. “Real estate is the canvas upon which our clients paint their dreams,” he began, his voice resonating with conviction. “As professionals, our role is to provide the brushes, colors, and guidance they need to create their masterpiece.” He challenged the trainees to see themselves as facilitators of aspirations, not merely sales agents.
The training programme, which brought together Dukiya staff members from across Lagos, was designed to deepen their understanding of the real estate market while enhancing their interpersonal skills.
Shobowale noted that understanding the client’s motivations, fears, and long-term plans is pivotal to offering tailored solutions. “Every client is a story waiting to be told. Our job is to listen carefully, interpret their vision, and guide them to the property that embodies their desires,” he explained.
Shobowale also debunked the myth that success in real estate is all about closing deals. Instead, he argued that true success lies in the relationships built along the way. “It’s not about selling the most luxurious apartment or the biggest parcel of land,” he remarked. “It’s about ensuring the family finds a home where laughter echoes, the entrepreneur secures the office where innovation thrives, and the investor feels the security of their wealth multiplying.”
The training wasn’t merely theoretical; Shobowale encouraged attendees to actively engage with their clients by asking probing questions and observing subtle cues. He shared an anecdote about a past client who initially sought a commercial property but later purchased a residential one after careful consultation. “The client hadn’t realized their true need until we helped them articulate it,” he said. “This is the magic of understanding — it turns confusion into clarity.”
Participants left the session visibly inspired and equipped with new tools to approach their roles more effectively. Dukiya’s staff commended Shobowale’s leadership and visionary insights.
One participant, Mercy Ekebafe, remarked, “This session has completely changed my perspective on real estate. It’s not just about the property but the people behind the property.”
The closing ceremony was a celebratory affair, with certificates awarded to all participants, Awards of excellence were presented to Dukiya staff and sales community members. Some of the trainees, inspired by the program, vowed to apply their newfound knowledge to transform Nigeria’s housing landscape.
The awardees were Oyindamola Salami who won a Lexus ES350 for being the highest-selling realtor of 2024; Victor Pelumi, Arinola Dosumu, Orire Shuaib, Adebiyi Victor, Mariana Oyinkansola, and Aremu Abdulrasheed received ₦250k each for their dedication as active realtors on the Dukiya Army Sales Community.
Shobowale said the awards were given to celebrate the impact of the staff of Dukiya over the year and urged them to do more.