In a country where entrepreneurship often feels more like survival than opportunity, Sir Oluwatumininu Okeowo has built a reputation not just as a successful businessman, but as a man who refused to be defeated by Nigeria’s difficult terrain. Against economic volatility, limited financing, and systemic inefficiencies, he learned to swim against the current and in doing so has helped shape Nigeria’s built environment.
Sir Okeowo is the Founder and Chairman of Gibraltar Construction Nigeria Limited, a company that has grown steadily into a respected name in construction and real estate development. His journey, however, is far from the typical success narrative. It is a story defined by resilience, faith, discipline, and a deep commitment to purposeful work.
He strongly rejects the idea that business leaders in Nigeria are “beneficiaries of the system.” For him, entrepreneurship in the country is anything but easy. Building a business, he says, is a deeply traumatizing experience that demands constant endurance.
He recalls early in his career when he took a loan to execute a major project. The bank not only required the project itself as collateral but demanded additional personal property. At that point, business risk became existential. Every decision carried the weight of one’s entire life.
YOU CAN ALSO READ: CIBN, LIMBsimple Signal New Opportunities for Business Owners with Positive 2026 Economic Outlook
Before Gibraltar Construction emerged as a real estate force, Sir Okeowo’s foundation was forged in fabrication and industrial construction. Influenced by his late father, a structural fabricator, he developed an early appreciation for craftsmanship, durability, and precision. He began with wrought iron furniture and light fittings, gradually advancing into large-scale fabrication projects, tank farms, pipelines, and oil and gas-related infrastructure.
Over time, he grew weary of a contract-driven system that required endless lobbying and dependence on external approvals. Real estate offered something different: autonomy, permanence, and the ability to create lasting value.
For Sir Okeowo, growth has always been intentional. He believes that the effort required to build in inland areas is no different from that required in premium locations, and that wisdom lies in aiming for long-term value rather than short-term convenience. This philosophy has guided his approach to development, site selection, and design.
His taste is shaped by an admiration for classical European architecture, particularly Victorian and Renaissance traditions. To him, architecture should not simply impress; it should provoke thought, offer comfort, and endure beyond fleeting trends. Craftsmanship, detail, and longevity remain central to his vision of excellence.
Despite his success, Sir Okeowo remains deeply grounded in faith. A devout Christian, he openly acknowledges his imperfections but attributes his achievements to divine guidance, discipline, and accountability. In his worldview, wealth is not measured by possessions but by purpose and impact.
He maintains a disciplined approach to relationships and leadership, surrounding himself with people who value building over consumption and productivity over appearances. For him, a strong network is one rooted in shared values and long-term thinking.
Beyond business, Sir Okeowo has emerged as a vocal advocate for local capacity development. He believes Nigeria can only truly progress when Nigerians are empowered to build Nigeria, from roads and housing to major infrastructure, under strict supervision and accountability. He argues that excessive reliance on foreign contractors drains value from the economy and undermines local expertise.
His perspective on governance is firm but hopeful. Nigeria, he insists, can work if integrity, fear of God, and collective responsibility are restored. According to him, many of the country’s challenges are not rooted in lack of ability, but in lack of discipline and accountability.
YOU CAN ALSO READ: Gates Foundation, OpenAI Partner to Expand AI-Driven Healthcare Across Africa
As Lagos continues to expand rapidly through urban migration and population growth, Sir Okeowo remains optimistic about the future of real estate, even as he acknowledges the immense pressure developers face due to limited financing, rising construction costs, and infrastructure gaps. To him, housing is not a luxury but a necessity.
A roof over one’s head, he believes, is fundamental to dignity and survival. For that reason, real estate will always remain relevant in Nigeria and across the world.
Through Gibraltar Construction Nigeria Limited, Sir Oluwatumininu Okeowo continues to build more than structures. He is building a philosophy of resilience, excellence, and faith-driven enterprise, a reminder that even in the most challenging environments, intentional work can still shape a nation’s future.
