The Managing Director of Arc-View Investments Limited, Mr Abiodun Idowu Okegbenro, has urged Nigerian youths to see land not just as property, but as a strategic economic tool.

Speaking at the launch of the SparkHubs digital platform in Lagos on Tuesday, he said combining agriculture and real estate could unlock long-term wealth and job opportunities.

He criticised what he described as a growing trend among young people to pursue “ephemeral and flashy investments, ostentatious lifestyles and high-end gadgets with little long-term value.”

Instead, he said, land offers “enduring wealth creation opportunities and productive economic use.”

Why It Matters

Nigeria faces rising youth unemployment and economic uncertainty.

Agriculture remains one of the country’s largest employers, while real estate continues to attract investment despite inflation and currency pressures.

Supporters of the new initiative argue that linking both sectors could create structured value chains, increase exports and encourage productive land use.

What Is Project A.R.E?

The initiative, known as Project A.R.E (Agriculture, Real Estate and Export), is part of the benefits available to users who sign up on SparkHubs.

The platform was unveiled by The Global Clusters, a non-governmental organisation focused on nation-building.

Project A.R.E Coordinator, Dr Seyi Makinde, said the programme integrates agriculture, real estate and export to create what he described as a sustainable economic ecosystem.

According to him, the initiative operates a structured absentee farming model.

Participants can acquire land, appoint professional farm managers to cultivate it, and earn income from produce sold to international markets.

He said this approach offers “a secure investment pathway” while reducing the risks associated with direct farm management.

A Platform for Skills and Networking

Beyond investment opportunities, SparkHubs provides free educational resources, life skills training and access to global business networks.

Dr Adekunle Azeez Badmus, President of The Global Clusters, described the launch as more than a technology rollout.

“It is not merely a digital platform unveiling,” he said. “It is a launch of responsibility, structure, and hope.”

He added:

“Every nation that thrives does so because it deliberately prepares its youth not just for survival, but for service, leadership and relevance. Where such preparation is absent, frustration grows. Where it is intentional, nations advance. This is the gap that The Global Clusters has chosen to confront.”

Dr Badmus said the organisation positions SparkHubs as “the world’s first nation-building social media platform,” focused on mentorship, skills acquisition and structured youth engagement.

What’s Next?

Organisers say they plan to onboard thousands of young Nigerians onto SparkHubs in the coming months.

The success of Project A.R.E may depend on how effectively it bridges agriculture, property ownership and global trade.

For many youths seeking stable income streams, the question remains: can land truly deliver the security being promised?

For millions of Nigerians priced out of the housing market, owning land has long felt impossible. One real estate firm says it has spent the last 14 years trying to change that.

For more than a decade, Adron Homes and Properties Limited has positioned itself at the centre of Nigeria’s push for affordable housing, using flexible payment plans to help low- and middle-income earners own land and homes.

The company says its mission is simple: to make land ownership accessible to ordinary Nigerians, not just the wealthy.

Why it matters

Nigeria faces an estimated housing deficit of over 20 million units, according to industry data, driven by rapid urbanisation, rising construction costs and limited access to mortgages.

For many families, rent consumes a large share of household income, leaving little room for savings or long-term security.

Adron Homes says its model was designed to respond directly to this challenge.

“Housing should be a right and not a privilege,” the company said, noting that its payment structure allows buyers to spread costs over time with low entry deposits.

An affordability-first model

Founded 14 years ago, Adron Homes has focused on what it describes as an inclusion-driven approach to real estate development.

Through flexible instalment plans and extended payment options, the company targets civil servants, artisans, traders, young professionals and Nigerians living abroad who are often excluded from traditional mortgage systems.

Unlike luxury-driven property developers, Adron Homes says it aligns pricing with the income realities of most Nigerians, while still delivering planned estates and basic infrastructure.

Nationwide footprint

The company says its impact now spans more than 60 estates across Nigeria, located in both major cities and emerging growth corridors.

These include Ibeju-Lekki, Lekki–Epe, Badagry, Shimawa, Papalanto, Sagamu, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Osun, Ekiti, Abuja, Nasarawa and Niger State.

Each location, according to the firm, reflects a deliberate strategy to decentralise property ownership and ease population pressure on major urban centres.

From tenants to landlords

Through its mass housing programme, Adron Homes says thousands of Nigerians have transitioned from renting to owning property, many for the first time.

Trust and regulation

Beyond pricing, Adron Homes says secure land titles and transparent documentation remain central to its operations.

The company emphasises regulatory compliance, a major concern in Nigeria’s real estate sector where land disputes and fraud are common.

This focus on due process, it says, has helped build consumer confidence and long-term brand credibility.

What’s next

As it marks its 14th anniversary, Adron Homes says it plans to deepen its role in addressing Nigeria’s housing gap by expanding into new locations and strengthening its mass housing framework.

For many subscribers, the company’s story is less about anniversaries and more about the chance to finally own a place to call home.

The Chairman of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuel-King, has reaffirmed the company’s support for Nigeria’s traditional institutions during a courtesy visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I.

The visit, held at the Oyo Palace, comes amid growing debate over how culture, tradition, and modern development can coexist in Nigeria’s fast-changing economy.

Speaking during the visit, Emmanuel-King said national progress must be rooted in respect for heritage and indigenous authority.

“Nigeria’s greatest strength lies in its diversity. At Adron Homes, we recognise that culture and tradition are not obstacles to development, but the very foundation upon which sustainable progress must be built,” he said.

Why it matters

Traditional rulers continue to wield social influence across Nigeria, particularly at the grassroots level, where issues of land, community trust, and local development intersect.

Industry observers say engagement with royal institutions often helps private developers navigate community relations and reduce conflict.

Emmanuel-King said Adron Homes’ approach goes beyond symbolic visits.

“Our respect for traditional institutions is not limited to any one region. We honour royal fathers across Nigeria because they are custodians of our identity, values, and social stability,” he added.

Housing, jobs and cultural values

Adron Homes, which operates across several Nigerian states, says its expanding footprint supports housing delivery and job creation.

The company argues that modern real estate development should not erase indigenous values.

“We remain committed to building communities that serve present needs without eroding the cultural heritage that future generations must inherit,” Emmanuel-King said.

Urban development experts say aligning housing projects with local customs can improve community acceptance and long-term sustainability.

Royal response

In his response, the Alaafin of Oyo praised Adron Homes for recognising culture as a driver of development.

The monarch offered royal prayers for the company’s leadership, continued success, and the peace and unity of Nigeria.

The visit ended with royal blessings, reinforcing Adron Homes’ public stance on cultural inclusivity and national cohesion.

What’s next

Adron Homes says it remains open to supporting initiatives focused on cultural preservation, tourism, and community development.

The company also stressed that closer collaboration between the private sector and traditional institutions is essential for inclusive growth.