Excerpts:
Q. What’s your name sir?
A. Patrick Nwokocha.
Q. Are you a family man?
A. Yes, I am. I am happily married with a son.
Q. So, what do you do?
A. Professionally, I studied accountancy in school before taking up a course in Estate Management in 2008. So, presently, I am a developer and also an estate manager
Q. What’s your definition of a developer?
A. A developer is someone who helps construct a building for a Landlord. A developer is like a second party in the construction of a building. The Landlord most times gives a developer a land for use within 10-15 years and collects rents on only one part of the land given. Landlords who this are not financially capable of building their own houses.
Q. How long have you been in the business?
A. Since 2008.
Q. Any reason why you are a developer?
A. Well, mainly because I was inspired by friends about the business, and also, because I know quite a lot of people and know how to relate with people.
Q. What are your challenges as a developer?
A. The main challenge constant in this business is the financial aspect. It’s not every time you have money to develop a house. I have had to lend some loans from my wife who is a banker just to keep up in the business. Also, there are times when I have to charge tenants who refuse to pay their rent to court. Sometimes taking them to court is ineffective because some still do not pay.
Q. So far, what are your achievements?
A. Err…I have developed a row of about 20 shops in Ojuelegba, a block of six flats and a ground floor apartment both in Ebute-metta. I have also developed one in Mende, Maryland.
Q. Do you think being a developer is a lucrative job?
A. Yes oh! It really is…
Q. What if your son decides to follow in your footsteps?
A. It’s a job that appreciates, not depreciates. I wouldn’t mind… not at all.
Q. There’s an ideology that developers are solely concerned about returns on investment rather than the durability of the building. What do you have to say concerning this?
A. I am of the opinion that every project that developers embark on should speak for them even in their absence. Having this in mind, I make sure I leave an indelible mark. Secondly, I believe in prayers. When you do a great job for a Landlord and he/she prays for you; that can go a long way in your life.
To contact Patrick Nwokocha:
08112731418
07034342226
