Lagos: The Founder of B. Adedipe Associates Ltd., Prof. Biodun Adedipe, has urged professionals to build resilient organisations that will continue to perform well after their founders have left. Adedipe made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Heads of Practice Assembly of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Lagos State Branch, on Thursday in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the assembly had the theme: ‘Leadership in Real Estate: Navigating 21st Century Challenges for Heads of Practice’. Speaking on ‘Building Resilient Practices for the 21st Century: Beyond Founder and Leader’, Adedipe emphasized that professional practices should be structured to operate effectively and efficiently without relying solely on their founders.
He highlighted that organisations that outlive their founders are characterized by documented policies, clearly defined procedures, efficient business processes, and disciplined workplace practices. He noted, “The goal is to build organisations that become stronger without the founder. Policies should not remain in the head of one person but should be properly documented.”
Adedipe further explained the importance of having a clear vision that every employee should understand and strive toward. He identified three pillars of any successful organisation as strategy, systems, and people, stressing the need for businesses to invest in talent development, embrace collaboration, and develop strong systems that promote efficiency.
Additionally, Adedipe advised founders to separate their personal finances from company resources to enable businesses to retain funds for growth instead of heavily relying on borrowing.
The Managing Partner of Chris Davidson Advisory, Mr. Babatunde Bamgboye, also addressed real estate professionals, urging them to embrace transformational leadership to tackle emerging challenges in the sector. Speaking on ‘Transformational Leadership in Real Estate,’ Bamgboye pointed out that technological advancements necessitate a rethink in business operations by estate surveyors and valuers.
He suggested that innovations such as advanced composite building materials could help reduce construction costs, improve energy efficiency, and address Nigeria’s housing deficit. According to him, effective leadership involves managing people, creating a shared vision, and enabling employees to take ownership of their responsibilities.
The Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Lands Bureau, Mr. Kamar Olowosago, commended NIESV, Lagos State Branch, for organizing the assembly. Olowosago mentioned that the program provided a valuable opportunity for learning, with the participation of the bureau’s leadership reflecting its commitment to continuous learning and improving service delivery.
Earlier, the Chairman of NIESV, Lagos State Branch, Mr. Tosin Kadiri, stated that the assembly aimed to enhance leadership capacity among real estate professionals. Kadiri highlighted the theme’s relevance, emphasizing the need for practitioners to adapt to economic changes, regulatory developments, and technological advancements. He urged leaders in the profession to embrace innovation, leverage technology, and build sustainable organisations to stay competitive.
NAN reports that the event was attended by chief executive officers, heads of practice, estate surveyors and valuers, as well as officials of the Lagos State Lands Bureau.