“Building a house was difficult, but I had to make it work because I had always planned to own a house before getting married. I knew that marriage would come with so many responsibilities to shoulder. So, I set out to accomplish my goal, which I finally achieved.”
What is your name, and what do you do?
My name is Mr. Majekodunmi. I’m an Engineer (Computer Science & Engineering)
Why did you study computer engineering?
I love computers. That influenced my choice of course of study. I wanted to understand the theory behind the processes of creating computer programming applications and software.
What was the first thing you did for money?
I was hustling for N5,000.00 at age 20. I worked in a cyber café as a typist and did other business jobs to earn money. My father died while I was very young, and my mother did not profit much from her business. So, I had to hustle for money to pursue my education.
How long did you do this?
I did that for about two years.
Did this lack of funds make you worry about your future or education?
I refused to give in to fear. Instead, I encouraged myself to continue being hardworking and not let my circumstances dictate my life. That strengthened me and is the primary reason I am where I am today.
Did this experience influence your ambition to own a home?
It did because I was determined not to suffer as my parents did. Instead, I wanted to be better than my parents, own my home and create a better life for my children.
Also Read: “I Built My House with Profit from My Medical Laboratory Business”
Did you build or buy it?
I built my house. I choose that option because building a house gives a satisfaction that cannot be obtained from buying an existing house. Also, it eliminates the need to upgrade or remodel.
What type of house is it, and where is it located?
It is a bungalow at Abeokuta.
Why did you choose to build in Abeokuta, Ogun state?
Honestly speaking, I was tired of Lagos and wanted a change of scenery. Compared to Lagos, with its stress, Abeokuta is very calm and peaceful. It is also traffic-free. Abeokuta also has some interesting places to visit, just like Lagos.
What were the challenges you had while building?
I had several issues with the artisans, but that did not stop me from completing my house. Dealing with most artisans is an arduous task; it requires enough patience. Only a few are diligent and trustworthy.
The ones I employed were not trustworthy. They would always top-up the cost of materials. By the time I discovered their tactics, it was too late, making it difficult to dismiss them. It also got to a point where I started observing other immoral conduct. It all got me frustrated as my mind was never at rest.
What immoral conduct did you observe?
They were stealing the building materials. Thankfully, I was observant and noticed that materials were always missing and would always get exhausted in the shortest possible time.
Immediately I noticed this, I gave them a stern warning, and that stopped.
What about the omo onile?
You can’t escape the omo onile! I had a tough time with them. The extortion I received was too much. They would come in groups, a different set every day, to extort me whenever they noticed work was ongoing. I was forced to see their leader and conclude on a set amount.
How much were they collecting per visit and delivery?
After a series of discussions, we had a negotiation. I chose to pay at once instead of per delivery. I paid them a sum of N60,000 to cover for the entire building period. I also told them never to return or else I would arrest them.
Where did the capital to get the land come from?
I worked as an IT personnel at an organization for a year. Throughout that period, I consistently saved 50% of my salary. After saving a large sum, I divided the money into two parts. I bought land and got a space for my engineering business with the other part.
How much was your salary?
I was earning N250, 000.00. It was quite huge, but I was spending sparingly since I had a target. I was not married at the time so that significantly reduced my expenses.
What was it like getting a space for your business?
I would say it was one of my greatest achievements because it became a source of income for me even till I completed my house.
How much was your monthly income from your business?
My monthly income was at least N500,000.00 because I was into gadget import and export.
How did you get the land, and when?
I bought the land for N600, 000.00 in 2008.
How did you get to know about the land?
I got to know about the land through a friend of mine who stays around Abeokuta.
What were your funding sources for the building of the house?
I joined a thrift contribution during the period of building my house. Although it wasn’t easy, it was a sacrifice I had to make.
How long did the building construction take?
The construction process took a year and a half.
How long did you save up to build the house?
Also Read: “I Sold My Car to Buy A House in Lekki.”
About three years in total.
How would you rate your house from 1-10?
I would give it an 8 because the environment is lovely. The road connection is good, and there is a stable power supply.
What did you give up when saving?
There was literally nothing to give up. I was unmarried at the time. I am neither a party-goer nor do I drink alcohol. I was just living my everyday life.
Where were you living before you completed the construction of your house?
I lived in my family house in Abulegba with my siblings.
Did you attempt borrowing from a bank or individuals while building the house?
I have never thought of it for once. My parents never encouraged borrowing while we were growing up. Besides, there are better options than borrowing to build.
Imagine I borrow 10 million to build, and the lender expects me to pay it back within 6 months. How possible is that? I resolved within myself not to put myself through unnecessary stress. Instead of borrowing, why not manage what I have to build? If it takes a longer time, so be it.
How much in total did you use to build your house?
I spent a total amount of 7 million naira.
Would you like to invest in real estate?
I would love to invest in real estate to try something new.
How was the experience like owning a house at a young age?
Building a house was difficult, but I had to make it work because I had always planned to own a house before getting married. I knew that marriage would come with so many responsibilities to shoulder. So I set out to accomplish my goal, which I finally achieved.
The experience was good because I did not let my background deter me from my plan. Instead, it encouraged me to do better.
Also Read: I Cleaned Out My Savings To Buy My House at Egbeda, Lagos State
What’s your advice to other young people out there?
I want them to know that mindset is key to any success story. Have a positive mindset, plan towards that goal and see yourself become unstoppable.
Thanks for your time Mr. Majekodunmi.
You’re most welcome.
