26/09/2025
James Omezia wrote
I was deeply saddened when I heard the devastating news about the young estate agent who was brutally murdered in Bayelsa. He was simply going about his legitimate business, yet he became a victim of unfortunate circumstances. My heart goes out to his family, especially his wife, and I pray that they find strength and comfort in this dark time.
This tragic incident is a wake up call for every estate agent and real estate professional. Beyond mourning, we must learn, reflect, and adopt safer, more professional ways of conducting business. Our lives are too precious to be gambled with because of negligence or the lure of quick financial rewards.
One of the recurring issues I’ve observed in the real estate agency industry, especially here in Nigeria, is that many agents get carried away by the financial benefits of a deal and forget basic professional protocols that guarantee both safety and credibility. Estate agent must be reminded that they are not just middlemen, but an important member of a deal.
Real Estate Agents must see themselves as professionals, critical stakeholders in any transaction.
They must carry themselves with the dignity, confidence, and structure that the profession deserves.
Considering the years of my professional practice, not just as agent to private client, but also to corporate institutions and top level government agencies, I will profer some Practical steps for a safer, professional practice:
1. Do business corporately.
Enough of the roadside agency practices. Even if you don’t yet have a physical office, register your business, adopt proper structures, and give your work the corporate identity it deserves.
2. Document everything.
Stop taking briefs by word of mouth. Demand official instruction letters. Spell out clearly how inspections will be conducted, how payments will be made, and what documents must be exchanged before money changes hands. At James Omeiza & Co, for instance, every transaction, whether with individuals, corporations, or government agencies, is properly documented.
Years ago, when we worked with MTN, it took nearly two months to complete all preliminary paperwork before ex*****on. We needed the money, yes, but we never compromised on process. We had to be sure the interest of both parties will be properly protected, that is how you build respect and longevity in real estate agency practice.
3. Avoid haste.
Many agents remain stuck at a small scale because they rush to close deals for immediate gratification. Hastiness not only exposes you to danger but also undermines your credibility. You cannot rise to consult for top corporations or international clients if you lack discipline and structure. As agent, you must look beyond the fees to be earned, think about your image, your reputation and the long-term impact of doing the needful.
4. Work from a known, safe environment.
Stop meeting clients under trees, in car parks, at beer parlours or in neutral fields.
If you are just starting, you don’t need a fancy office, I always encourage young entrepreneur who are just starting out to explore the option of a virtual office before renting a big office, in virtual offices, you are billed hourly after a subscription and the prices are usually not cumbersome, and in most cases, you'll have access to a central secretariat, board/meeting room, decent and good ambience, as a new guy in the block, virtual office is safer and will give you credibility.
Always insist on meeting in your own controlled space, where you are not vulnerable.
5. Do due diligence.
Never market a property you don’t fully understand. Conduct legal searches, verify ownership, confirm history and liabilities before runnimg to.the streets and markets places that you have a brief.
Always demand an instruction letter from the seller with valid identification and retain copies of title documents. Your acceptance letter should also be signed and acknowledged by your client.
The truth is this: if you want to grow safely and become respected in the real estate industry, you must learn to look beyond immediate gratification. Protect yourself, protect your reputation, and honor the profession.
This tragedy in Bayelsa should not just end as sad news, let it be a turning point. Let it remind us that professionalism, safety, and integrity are not optional. They are the foundation of true success in real estate.
