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We Build Fantastic Homes, Sell at Affordable Prices and Generally Care for Clients’ Needs – Ade Adebajo, CEO UT Homes

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By Eric Elezuo

The UT Group, in more ways than one has conquered the world of financial services with their their brand UT Financial Services, and testimonies abound. Today, the company, in its grand expansion drive, has diversified into what Nigerians need most – clean, solid affordable houses, and so the emergence of UT HOMES, which in the brief period it has existed has broken new grounds, provided an alternative that has marvelled clients and simplified the business of providing homes.

Sitting atop the enviable organisation is the workaholic and result oriented Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ade Adebajo, who revealed to The Boss the mouthering delicacies UT HOMES has brought to the table. Excerpts:

What is UT Financial services all about?

As the name implies, UT Financial Services is an organisation reputed for giving glorious financial services to the public, and its service is as regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria. We are regulated to perform the functions of loans giving, investments, capital raising and anything that concerns finance generally. Just mention it, and UT is basically equipped to handle it.

How long has UT Financial Services been in this great endeavour?

UT has been in existence for as long as 10 prolific years in Nigeria, and has been regulated by the CBN in those years.

In 10 years, what could you readily say are their achievements?

Mr. Ade Adebajo exchanging ideas with the Project Manager, Mr. Michael Olaiya

In the first place, the fact that we are still here and waxing strong indicates that we are doing something great in terms of functioning within the ambit of the law, giving enduring services to the public and helping to build and raise the GDP of Nigeria. It may interest you to know that about two months ago, the CBN revoked the licences of about 148 finance houses and micro finance companies involved in finance and loans but our professional standing stood us out, and we are still here.

Mr Adeabajo explaining a point

Again, in the market place, it has been noted even with the regulators that UT has grown. We have done very well. We have met all our obligations. We have had no complaints whatsover in those 10 years. We have been able to meet the demands of majority of our customers. We have brought in new products. We have also expanded our branches, all within a space of 10 years.

Apart from rendering financial services, what other expansion is associated with UT as a veritable group?

Having looked at the market, we noticed the shortage of housing among Nigerians, especially in Lagos and Ogun state, so we formed a sister company called UT HOMES. This company acquires properties and goes into Joint Venture with like minds (individuals or companies), built houses, rent them out and sell some of them at prices anyone can afford.

With Mr. Abraham Amkpa, the Chief Consultant

Still on UT HOMES, what can you say is its practical mission, vision and objective as the case may be?

At the moment, UT Homes is building nice and affordablre houses. We have targetted the segement of the market where people hardly go to – the low and medium income earners. In our consideration, we realised that somebody just have to cater for this set Nigerians, and we took it upon ourself to get them something also in the neighbourhood of luxury as well. Of course, there is still profit in it. So we build nice houses, gated communities and sell at moderate prices to those in that category. On top of that, if you are not able to pay, we offer you mortgage services and gove you the loan to buy it which is mutually beneficial. As you can see, UT is basically out to bridge the housing gap in the society.

You have spoken like you have the interest of your clients at heart and paramount?

A cross section of UT staff undergoing training

At UT, we have discovered that if your clients are not happy, the business will remain stunted – it wouldn’t grow so at the heart of everything, we put the interest of the clients above all else even at the expence of our profit. We the clients are happand vice versay, we make profit, and that is why we make every of our product affordable. At ut, it is always customers first. Our products are also tailor made. The client can come to us and discuss their terms as regards what they can afford. We are very flexible. We can make it suit your particular purpose. And that is why our concentration is on client satisfaction.

So far, what inroads have you made in this journey of satisfying customers and providing affordable housing at the same time?

So far, UT Homes is currently building a number of houses in Mowe – about 10 units in that particular location. It is a test run for that area, and people are already subscribing. And they like it. Honestly, they are fantastic buildings in a gated community. It is a place someone can acquire as a second home for relaxation at moderate price. At the same time, UT is in JV with another company in GRA, Ikeja to build about 18 – 20 units with swimming pool and other luxuries. These apartments will be rented out, also at affordable prices.

Mr. Adebajo explaining a vital point to a customer

Again, we are discussing with another company in the Aja area of Lagos for another set of apartments. We build, beat the cost down for the customer as it suits the environment.

What are the enabling environments as regards government policy, staff welfare and prolific builders that have propelled your firm to this height?

There are particularly no great challenge as God in the first place is involved in all our activities. The enabling environments are very positive. Lagos state for a start; it has been smooth sailing. In Ogun State, there was a bit of challenge and delay, but everything worked out in the end. The secret is have your paper work in good stead and there will be no problem. In terms of workforce, we have the best hand both in the field and in the office. Our builders are reputed and the equipment used are superb. Again, land is readily available as there are a lot of people who have seen our worth and what we can do and are willing to go into joint venture with us.

The symbol of UT Homes

Let’s put it succintly; why would I choose UT Homes among the plethora of home providers scattered everywhere?

The secret lies in this simple expression – we care. Let me surprise you – you can call us after you have bought and concluded transaction with us, in fact at anytime. UT Homes will sell to you a solid property made with the best of materials at the best of prices as well. We don’t just present ourselves to you as UT Homes; we present ourselves to you as your partner in growth, and monitor you every step of the way, resolving problems and challenges as they arise. It is that caring syndrome which most companies in the business don’t have. Over the the last 10 years, our client will testify that we actually do care.

Do we take it for granted that by ‘we care’, you mean you also offer after sales services?

Of course, we really do after sell services. More especially, once you are a UT customer, you have definitely become a family member and we go with you all the way. Take this scenario: a customer comes for loan from us, use it to start up his business and eventually pays up will still receive our assistance when they run into problems. There are more a handful of such cases. We don’t say because you have repaid our loan so we should leave you to stew in your own juice – no. We go with you all the way, and that is the meaning of we care. Once you have come into the fold, we see you as a client forever. Note that most of these challenges are not even UT’ s problems, but we will always listen. We direct them to the right places, help them correct basic presentations and all what nots. And that’s the basic difference – We care.

Now, let’s break down the ‘we care’ policy

By we care, we mean we care. We make our rent affordable. We care to train our staff on friendliness towards the customer. We care to consider your business even after you are through with us. We also care enough to help you navigate your business. This is beyond the scope of our business. Our rates are above all, fantastic.

In five years, where do you see UT Homes?

In five years, I see UT Homes spread all over Lagos. We are already giving good returns on investment, delivering quality products, which, as they are adding up, people continue to notice. And when they do, they come looking for us, and that’s how the spread will multiply. However, the ultimate is catching the attention of the Lagos State government towards replicating what we do on a greater level. That’s where I see us going.

Any possibility of spreading beyond Lagos State and across Nigeria?

Well. we are already in Ogun State and will soon be in Port Harcourt and other places. We already have a strong presence in Ghana and we are moving on.

What would you say to those aspiring customers out there looking for you?

Come let us discuss, and you will be happy you did. Come to 1437 Sanusi Fafunwa, Street, Victoria Island or 3/5 Regina Omolara Street, off Opebi Road, Ikeja.

Thank you very much Mr. Adebajo

Thank you

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Sell Petrol at N770 Per Litre, IPMAN Tells Dangote

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The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has urged Dangote Refinery to sell premium motor spirit (petrol) at N770 per litre.

The spokesperson of IPMAN, Chinedu Ukadike, said this on Monday.

Ukadike was reacting to comments by businessman, Aliko Dangote, who said Nigeria’s petrol is less expensive, as his refinery ex-depot price stood at N825 per litre.

However, Ukadike noted that PMS is not cheap owing to the country’s position as a crude oil producer.

According to him, the exchange rate is a major determinant in PMS price in Nigeria, noting a drop in exchange from N1,600 to around N1,200 would bring down the price to below N750 per litre.

“On my part, I don’t feel it’s cheap. I think the petrol will go as low as around N770. That’s my own permutation. I’m not an expert in oil refining. But with what I have gathered — the refinery production costs and the landing at the depot cost, petrol should not be more than N780 or N750, in line with the dollar rate. Now the rate is around N1,600 per dollar; should it appreciate further, PMS from Dangote Refinery should be N750 per litre.

“So, if the dollar can come down to N1,200, I want to tell you that the price of PMS at the pumps will go below N750,” he added.

Dangote, barely a week ago, said Nigeria’s petrol price is 55 percent below the West African average.

He reiterated recently that Nigeria’s petrol price is not expensive.

Nigerians currently buy petrol between N875 and N910 in Lagos and Abuja.

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UBA Introduces *919# Advance Top-Up Feature for Instant Access to Customers

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Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has launched a new feature called Advance Top-Up on its USSD banking platform *919#, which is designed to provide instant access to airtime and data for its customers especially when they are out of call credit or disconnected from the internet.

The new feature, which can be accessed through *919*9#, was unveiled at the UBA head office in Marina on Thursday, allowing customers to borrow airtime or data directly from their mobile devices, offering a fast, dependable solution.

UBA’s Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola, who spoke during the official launch, described the feature as a timely addition to the bank’s digital offerings and a testament to its customer-first approach.

“At UBA, we are constantly looking for ways to make banking and everyday services more accessible for our customers. With the launch of Advance Top-Up on our USSD platform, *919*9#, we are giving our customers the power to stay connected without interruption, regardless of time, location, or airtime balance,” Shamsideen said.

UBA’s Advance Top-Up which is now live on *919*9#, joins a wide range of services on the platform, which include airtime and data purchases, money transfers to UBA and other banks, account balance checks, card blocking and freezing, online transaction controls, bill payments, and more.
Fashola emphasised the simplicity and convenience of the solution, adding that “You don’t need to download an app or visit a data centre. Just dial *919*9#, follow the prompt, and you’re immediately connected. It’s simple, fast, and reliable.”
The Bank’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication, Alero Ladipo, added that the feature was developed based on real feedback from customers and their evolving needs.

“Our users asked for a way to stay connected when they have no airtime, and as always, we have come up with a quick solution, right there on their phones, instantly, with no fuss, and no need for internet connectivity. Whether for emergency communications or business continuity, *919*9# puts instant connectivity in every customer’s hands,” she explained.
She explained that only recently, the bank unveiled its newly improved Point of Sale (POS) Terminal as well as the UBA MONI App to redefine the digital payment landscape and empower small and Medium Scale Enterprises across Africa.

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology.

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UBA Emerges Strongest Nigerian Brand in 2025

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United Bank for Africa (UBA) has been named the strongest Nigerian brand in the 2025 Brand Finance Banking 500 report, making a remarkable leap from its 9th position in 2024.

With a brand strength score of 92.4 out of 100 and a coveted AAA+ rating, UBA now leads the pack among Nigerian brands, reaffirming its status as a trusted and innovative banking institution.

Brand Finance, a globally recognized independent brand valuation consultancy, highlighted UBA’s outstanding performance across key brand metrics, including familiarity, preference, and consideration within its home market. This performance contributed to UBA’s climb in the rankings, not only as Nigeria’s strongest brand but also as the 13th strongest banking brand globally among 500 evaluated.

“This year’s ranking is no coincidence; it is the result of deliberate planning, strategic investments, and an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction,” said Alero Ladipo, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at UBA. “We remain committed to adapting to the evolving landscape while consistently delivering exceptional value.”

UBA’s performance was bolstered by its strong customer loyalty and trust. It scored particularly high in price acceptance, outperforming other leading African banks such as Capitec (South Africa) and Equity Bank (Kenya). These scores reflect UBA’s consistent value delivery and competitive pricing, earning it a solid reputation across its operating regions.

The bank’s rise is also attributed to its sustained investment in digital banking, innovation, and customer-centric technologies. Over the past year, UBA has prioritized digital transformation to enhance user experience and deepen customer engagement—an approach that aligns with current trends in Africa’s rapidly evolving financial services landscape.

Operating in 20 African countries and with offices in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA serves more than 45 million customers worldwide. With a workforce of 25,000, it remains one of the largest employers in the African financial sector.

UBA’s strong performance in the Brand Finance report underscores a broader strategy focused on brand equity, innovation, and customer satisfaction, positioning it as a leader in shaping the future of banking in Africa and beyond.

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