I’m Ugonna Onyike—a problem-solver, innovator, and leader who’s never afraid to jump into new challenges. From launching Farm Banking to building communities in tech, my career is all about finding creative solutions and making things happen. Keep reading to see how curiosity and passion have shaped my journey!
It all started in 2016, when I stepped into the world of real estate as a Resident Surveyor with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). At that time, I was just figuring things out—learning about property valuation, getting hands-on with site supervision, and even handling report writing. What really stood out was the opportunity to mentor industrial trainees. It wasn’t just about doing the work; it was about guiding others and helping them grow, which taught me so much about leadership early on. That period wasn’t glamorous, but it gave me a solid understanding of the real estate industry and sparked something in me that I carry with me to this day—a passion for problem-solving and creating opportunities.
2017 – 2019: Diving Deeper into Estate Surveying Once I had the basics down, I felt ready to dive deeper. I moved to Livingstone Iyanda Estate Surveyors and Valuers, then to Nelson Thorpe Alonge and Associates. It was in these roles that I got to really refine my skills. I handled everything from mortgage valuations for commercial banks to overseeing property development projects and managing client relationships. What I learned during these years: • Being meticulous and detail-oriented is everything—especially when you’re handling someone’s biggest investment. • Communication is key; keeping everything running smoothly means being the person clients and colleagues can rely on to get things done. It was all about the groundwork—the real, nitty-gritty side of real estate that isn’t flashy but is absolutely essential for success. And through it, I started to build a reputation for myself as someone who didn’t just get things done, but got them done right.
2019 – 2020: The Pivot—Real Estate Meets Tech and Creativity In 2019, I made an exciting leap into something completely different. I joined Playjoor, a community-building platform, as Project Manager and Head of Marketing. It was a shift—real estate was still my base, but here, I was combining my understanding of spaces with the digital world. At Playjoor, I had the chance to: • Create strategies to engage and grow a community from the ground up. • Host events that brought users together and gave them a sense of belonging. • Pitch the platform to investors and build connections with universities. It was an eye-opening experience that showed me how much potential there is when you blend creativity, strategy, and tech. It wasn’t just about marketing; it was about making people feel part of something bigger, something that added value to their lives.
2020 – 2023: The Fintech and Project Management Era After dipping my toes in the tech world, I dove headfirst into project management and fintech. In 2020, I joined Hamatan Limited as a Project Manager, where I worked with contractors and consultants to deliver projects that were both high-quality and on time. I was also managing BBNToken, a decentralized finance (DeFi) project, which was a whole new ball game for me. Here’s where things got interesting: • I did financial risk assessments that helped guide decisions for stakeholders. • I led community strategies and social media campaigns that made the project’s impact even bigger. • I mentored and supported a growing team, fostering collaboration and sharing my experiences. All the while, I was working on Boonplace, an online marketplace, managing vendor relations and ensuring that projects were being delivered with speed and precision. I wasn’t just managing projects—I was learning how to adapt, grow, and make things happen in fast-moving environments.
2023 – 2024: Making Waves in Real Estate and Business Consultancy In 2023, I took on a new challenge at Avvic Limited, a fintech and microfinance institution. As the Manager of Business Consult, I helped launch Avvic Consult, a subsidiary designed to help businesses succeed. I spent a lot of time designing the operational structure, crafting market entry strategies, and providing professional training to budding entrepreneurs. But the real game-changer came in 2024 when I joined Landlord Realty as Project Manager and Product Marketing Lead. It was there that I co-developed the concept of Farm Banking, which allows people to own land and earn passive income through palm oil sales. The project was a huge success—selling all 50 plots within just 8 weeks. Seeing something I helped create take off like that was incredibly rewarding. It was a true example of how innovation and real estate could combine to offer something new and impactful.
2024 – Present: A Resident Surveyor, but Always Evolving
Now, I’m back to my roots as a Resident Surveyor at Joe Onyike & Company, overseeing projects that focus on facility management, property sourcing, and turnkey construction projects. Even though I’m back in real estate, I’m bringing everything I’ve learned from the worlds of tech and fintech with me. My approach now is about more than just managing properties—it’s about creating innovative solutions and pushing the industry forward.
Key Takeaways from My Journey
1. Adaptability: I’ve learned to embrace change and pivot when necessary. Whether it’s real estate, tech, or fintech, I’ve been able to translate my skills to different fields.
2. Leadership: Whether mentoring a team or leading a project, I’ve always believed that great leadership is about empowering others.
3. Innovation: I thrive on coming up with new ideas, whether it’s creating Farm Banking or building digital communities.
4. Customer-Centric: Everything I do is focused on delivering value to my clients—whether it’s through personal service or innovative products.
5. Strategic Thinking: I approach every project with clear goals in mind, working to deliver results while managing risk and optimizing processes.
Looking to the Future I’m incredibly excited about what’s ahead. My career has been a journey of growth, reinvention, and constant learning. As I look toward the future, I’m eager to continue building on my diverse skill set and to create solutions that bring real, lasting value to the world. Whether in real estate, fintech, or tech, I’m committed to driving innovation and making a positive impact wherever I go. The best part? This is just the beginning.
Dynamic online multivendor platform connecting vendors and customers with seamless shopping, product availability, and reliability.
CLUSTTR is a game-changing platform that makes real estate investment a breeze with fractional ownership.
Farm Banking offers parcels of plantation land in suburban areas that earn you passive
income from palm oil production while diversifying your portfolio with a stable,
appreciating asset.
A decentralized
blockchain token founded
on the hinges of a thriving global
Big Brother Show community.