The Visionaries Behind First World Communities
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Our Leadership Principles
The values and principles that guide our leadership team in building a sustainable, innovative, and customer-focused organization.
Visionary Leadership
Our leaders set bold goals and inspire teams to achieve excellence in everything we do.
Ethical Governance
We maintain the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all our operations.
Collaborative Culture
We maintain the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all our operations.
Continuous Growth
We invest in our people's development and create opportunities for career advancement.
DR. PATRICK M. O. REIS
Executive Chairman
DR. PATRICK M. O. REIS
Executive Chairman
Dr. Reis is one of Nigeria’s leading housing experts with a track record of conceptualizing and delivering the highly acclaimed Nigerian Army Post-Service Housing Scheme, which remains one of the most widely replicated housing initiatives to date. He pioneered the Co-operative Villas, Badore in Lagos Sate, considered to be one of the best of its kind in West Africa. He was also Executive Chairman of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), where he received commendation from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for progress made in re-positioning FHA. A fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, he holds a PhD in Housing Studies from the United Kingdom. He is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School and London Business School; Gen Reis was honoured as the Most Distinguished Alumni of the Lagos Business School in 2010. He is a recipient of the highest medal for unblemished long service in the Nigerian Army, the Grand Service Star (GSS) and two national honours: the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) and Officer Order of Niger (OON).MRS. DEBORAH NICOL-OMERUAH
Vice Chairman
MRS. DEBORAH NICOL-OMERUAH
Vice Chairman
Deborah is an accomplished Real Estate Expert and Board Director with 20 years’ experience in business transformation, real estate development, finance, and strategy across Africa and in the UK. She has a solid track record in the acquisition, development, sale, and management of a diverse mix of commercial, residential, hospitality and retail assets in West Africa. She is an Independent Non-Executive Director on the Standards and Regulations Board of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors UK (RICS); and a Non-Executive Director on the Board of First World Communities Limited, a leading real estate development company focused on delivering affordable housing for medium to low-income earners across Nigeria. Her former roles include Interim CEO and Managing Director for UPDC PLC, Nigeria’s largest institutional real estate development company listed on the Nigerian Exchange; Non-Executive Director of Trustbond Mortgage Bank Plc (now FirstTrust Mortgage Bank) in Nigeria; Africa Account Director for Standard Chartered Bank at Broll Property Group; and Chief Operating Officer at Landmark Africa Group. Prior to moving to Nigeria, Deborah lived in the United Kingdom, working as a certified Financial Adviser at both Lloyds TSB Private Banking and HSBC Bank Plc. She has an MBA from London Business School, and a Bachelor’s Degree (with Honors) in Architecture from the University of Nottingham, UK.MR. OBIORA NWOGUGU
Non-Executive Director
MR. OBIORA NWOGUGU
Non-Executive Director
Mr. Obiora Nwogugu is a Principal at African Capital Alliance (ACA), a premier private equity firm with a strong focus on Africa. He previously served as the fund manager for Capital Alliance Property Investment Company, one of ACA’s six managed funds. Prior to joining ACA, Mr. Nwogugu built an extensive career in the United States, holding key roles at ING Clarion Partners, Bank of America’s Mergers and Acquisitions division, Global Crossing Inc., and McKinsey & Company, all based in New York. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the University of Nigeria, an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and a Master’s in Computer Science from New York University. Mr. Nwogugu’s depth of experience in finance and investment is expected to significantly support the company’s fundraising efforts and drive its planned expansion across major African cities.MR. OLUFEMI ADEWOLE
Non-Executive Director
MR. OLUFEMI ADEWOLE
Non-Executive Director
Mr. Olufemi Henry Adewole is the pioneer Managing Director of First World Communities Ltd in 2008 and went on to become the MD of Shelter Afrique, before retiring as MD of Family Homes Funds in 2022. Femi was recommended to join the board in 2020 but this was deferred in preference to his engagement as Chief Corporate Transition Executive. His term in this role will expire in April 2025. Femi is a renowned housing finance professional and chartered architect with over 25 years’ experience leading housing initiatives across Sub Sahara Africa and the United Kingdom. He served in some of the largest housing companies around the globe such as Watford Community Housing Trust, Notting Hill Housing Group, and the Lagos HABITAT 2011 Project. Mr Adewole is an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School and Warwick Business School. His deep institutional knowledge of the company and the housing industry would be an asset to our board. Femi was born in Ogbomosho in 1962..DR. OKECHUKWU NWUKE
Non-Executive Director
DR. OKECHUKWU NWUKE
Non-Executive Director
Dr. Okechukwu Vitalis Nwuke joined the Lagos Business School (LBS) in 2018 as a faculty member, where he currently serves as the Director of LBS’ Family Business Initiative. Okey retired as Deputy Managing Director of the Coscharis Group, but retained his position on the board of the Group and its subsidiaries as a non executive Director. Prior to joining Coscharis, he was an Executive Director at Access Bank Plc. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he graduated as the best student in both the Department of Accountancy & Faculty of Business Administration. He also holds a Masters of Business Administration degree (Distinction) in International Banking & Finance from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom where he studied as a Chevening Scholar. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation and an honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). Dr Nwuke has also served on the Board of Stanbic IBTC Pensions Managers Limited as a NonExecutive Director and as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Access Bank’s subsidiaries in Rwanda and Burundi. Okey was born in Orlu in 1966.DR. FOLAKEMI FADAHUNSI
Non-Executive Director
DR. FOLAKEMI FADAHUNSI
Non-Executive Director
Dr. Folakemi Fadahunsi (DFF), is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Aspire HMO Limited. She is a Finance Professional with over 25 years of experience and with expertise in Leadership, Strategy, Finance, and Risk & Compliance Management. Her experience cuts across consumer market companies across various sectors including Healthcare, Retail, Real Estate, Manufacturing, and Telecommunications among others. DFF has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Physics from Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife and a Master of Business Administration from Alliance Manchester Business School, Manchester, UK. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. She is also a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultant. Folakemi has a PhD in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from International School of Management, France. She is a Non-Executive Director of First World Communities Limited, Proworth Investment Company Limited, Trives Financial Company Limited, and Vantage Forum LTD/GTE. Folakemi also serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of Fadahunsi Education Foundation.MR. OLUMIDE SOYOMBO
Non-Executive Director
MR. OLUMIDE SOYOMBO
Non-Executive Director
Mr. Olumide Soyombo is a Tech Entrepreneur and Investor who co-founded Bluechip Technologies Ltd in 2008, where he leads strategy, implementation and projects as he works to build the company into a tech industry leader and has grown the organisation from two employees to over 80 consultants spread across Lagos, Accra and Lusaka, Zambia. Olumide later set up Leadpath as a seed fund investing in local tech startups. He has invested in startups like Pushcv.com, Paystack, Piggybank.ng, Fashpa, Heels.com.ng, Delivery Science, Gloo.ng and Cosign.co. He holds a BSc in Systems Engineering from University of Lagos, Nigeria and an MSc (Distinction) in Business and Information Technology from the Aston Business School, Birmingham, England; earning membership into the Beta Gamma Sigma Society for his high scholastic achievement. Olumide was born in Benin City in 1983..DR. BUSOLA TEJUMOLA
Alternate Director
DR. BUSOLA TEJUMOLA
Alternate Director
Dr. Busola Tejumola. In line with the need for succession planning, the appointment of Dr. Busola Tejumola as alternate director for the Chairman is proposed. The Alternate Director is to attend meetings in the absence of the Chairman. Busola is currently the Executive Head General Entertainment Channels at MultiChoice Nigeria Ltd and her leadership has been pivotal in delivering captivating African narratives and innovative entertainment solutions. Her commitment to customer delight through exceptional content is a critical contribution to the growth and sustainability of MultiChoice Nigeria. She holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Computer Science from the University of Ibadan, Ibadan Nigeria, a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Management and information systems from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Management Information Systems from Brunel University, United Kingdom. Dr. Tejumola is expected to be a good bridge with our target market demography. Busola was born in Lagos in 1983.MR. OLABODE ODETUNDUN
Managing Director
MR. OLABODE ODETUNDUN
Managing Director
Mr. Olabode Odetundun, the Managing Director FWC Limited. holds a B.Sc. in Estate Management from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile – Ife and a M.Sc. in Estate Management from London South Bank University. He also has certification in Real Estate Economics and Finance from London School of Economics and Political Science. He is a Portfolio Management Expert specializing in Real Estate Assets, with over 20 years of extensive experience across Property Valuation, Business Development, Real Estate Sales & Marketing, Project Management and Asset/Portfolio Management.. Olabode has consistently added tremendous value to organizations within the investment and banking sectors. Notably, he successfully managed a sales portfolio in excess of ₦65 billion within the Investment Banking Group of a leading financial institution. With a proven track record of performance, Olabode is passionate about driving growth and profitability at the Executive Management level, leveraging his expertise in real estate and investment management.Corporate Governance
At First World Communities, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance. Our board operates with transparency, accountability, and a focus on long-term sustainable value creation.
Board Independence
Our board maintains a majority of independent directors to ensure objective oversight
Committee Structure
Specialized committees for Audit, Risk, Nominations, and Remuneration
Strategic Oversight
Regular review of strategy, performance, and risk management frameworks
