Veteran estate surveyor, real estate developer and investment consultant, Dr. Johnson Somadina Anene, has challenged Nigerians to embrace real estate as a strategic pathway to wealth creation, unveiling a new book that demystifies property investment and offers practical guidance for building long-term financial security.
The book, Dynamics of Real Estate Investment, was launched in Abuja as part of activities marking Dr. Anene’s 60th birthday celebration, drawing an audience of lawmakers, diplomats, business leaders, real estate professionals, academics, traditional rulers and stakeholders from across the public and private sectors.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Anene said the publication was born out of a desire to close the knowledge gap that continues to discourage many Nigerians from investing in real estate or exposes them to costly mistakes.
He explained that while many people mistakenly believe property investment is reserved for the wealthy, others wrongly assume it is an easy venture requiring little expertise. According to him, successful real estate investment demands knowledge, patience, strategic planning and an understanding of market trends.
“The objective is to help investors understand the dynamics of the market and make informed decisions that create sustainable wealth,” he said, adding that the book combines research with practical industry experience accumulated over more than 35 years.
Beyond guiding investors, Dr. Anene said the publication advocates stronger human capital development, improved housing delivery and greater private-sector participation in driving Nigeria’s economic growth through the real estate industry.
Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Dr. Victor Umeh, described the publication as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s investment literature, saying it offers practical insights capable of helping investors navigate the complexities of the property market.
He commended Dr. Anene for his enduring contributions to the real estate profession and noted that the book would serve as a valuable reference for practitioners, entrepreneurs, policymakers and young Nigerians seeking opportunities in the sector.
The book was reviewed by the First Deputy President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, who described it as a rich blend of academic research and practical experience.
According to him, the 265-page publication captures over three decades of professional knowledge and presents it in a format that will benefit investors, students, policymakers and industry practitioners alike.
He noted that the author had successfully transformed years of field experience into an authoritative resource capable of strengthening professional practice and improving investment decisions within Nigeria’s real estate sector.
The event attracted several prominent personalities, including Senator Ubah; former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and former President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN; President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN; representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, estate surveyors and valuers, real estate developers, members of the diplomatic community, religious leaders and traditional rulers.
Dr. Anene is the Principal Partner of Som Anene & Partners, a firm of Chartered Estate Surveyors and Valuers, and Chief Executive Officer of Shelter Aid Group, a real estate and investment company founded in 1996.
A Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), he is also a member of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Convener of the annual Real Estate and Construction Exhibition, Conference and Symposium (RECON Expo), and Chairman of the Abuja Trade Center (ATC).
With academic qualifications in Estate Management, Project Management, Business Management and Administration, Dr. Anene has built a distinguished career spanning professional practice, property development, investment consulting and academia.
