…Presents REDA Recommendations to Deputy Governorship Candidate, Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, for Consideration by Incoming Administration
Yomi Durojaye
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ThinkMint Nigeria/Green Mortgage, Mrs. Imelda Olaoye, has formally presented the communiqué of the 2026 Real Estate Discussions & Awards, REDA to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship Candidate in Lagos State, Hon. Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, seeking her support and commitment towards the implementation of the recommendations when the party’s candidates eventually assume office.
The presentation, which took place following the two-day REDA event held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, was in response to Hon. Sonayon-James’ request that all discussions, observations, suggestions and proposed action points from the gathering be comprehensively documented in a single report for consideration by her and her principal, the APC Governorship Candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.
The initiative is aimed at ensuring that the perspectives and recommendations of real estate professionals, investors, developers, financial institutions and other industry stakeholders do not end with conference discussions but receive the necessary attention in the formulation and implementation of policies by the next administration in Lagos State.
By formally presenting the communiqué, ThinkMint Nigeria is seeking to establish a direct link between private-sector contributions and prospective government policy priorities, particularly in critical areas of housing delivery, infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, mortgage financing and environmental sustainability.
Speaking on the presentation, Mrs. Olaoye expressed confidence in Hon. Sonayon-James’ leadership capacity, describing her as a prospective public office holder with a strong appreciation for excellence, intellectual depth and purposeful governance.
She said: “For the first time in the political landscape of Lagos State, we have a young candidate positioned for leadership who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to excellence, good governance and intellectual depth.
“I thought I had seen this side of her at REDA, but our one-on-one engagement further reinforced my conviction. Beyond her impressive leadership qualities, she is also a woman of faith who is confident in her belief in God.”
Mrs. Olaoye particularly recalled the Deputy Governorship Candidate’s insistence that the discussions at REDA should translate into something more concrete than another conference report.
According to her, Hon. Sonayon-James had specifically said: “Imelda, prepare the report from this event. We don’t want it to be like any other conversation with no action. Let’s read all that was discussed in one document; my Principal and I.”
Mrs. Olaoye described the statement as an encouraging indication of the candidate’s willingness to engage with stakeholders and give serious consideration to their recommendations. She expressed the hope that, upon assuming office, the APC-led administration would provide the necessary political will and institutional support to translate the communiqué’s recommendations into actionable policies and measurable outcomes for the real estate sector.
She further expressed confidence that the KOH-DSJ candidacy would deliver what she described as the Lagos Promise through purposeful leadership, continuity and effective representation.
On the broader housing sector, Mrs. Olaoye acknowledged the contributions of the APC-led Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly through housing finance interventions such as the MOFI-MREIF and Family Homes Funds, which have supported access to single-digit mortgage financing and contributed to efforts to improve housing affordability.
She noted that sustained government support for innovative mortgage financing solutions, alongside effective regulation and infrastructure development, would be critical to addressing Lagos State’s housing challenges and unlocking greater investment opportunities.
Speaking on ThinkMint Nigeria’s contribution to the sector, the Founder/CEO disclosed that through its Green Mortgage platform, the company successfully facilitated mortgage transactions valued at up to ₦10 billion for its customers in 2026, reaffirming its commitment to expanding access to homeownership and strengthening the mortgage market.
While expressing appreciation to Hon. Sonayon-James for her interest in the communiqué and willingness to review the recommendations with her principal, Mrs. Olaoye called on real estate stakeholders and Lagos residents to remain engaged in conversations around the state’s development.
She also encouraged residents to support the KOH-DSJ movement, expressing optimism that continuity, purposeful leadership and stronger collaboration between government and the private sector would advance the development aspirations of Lagos State.
Mrs. Imelda Olaoye
Founder/CEO, ThinkMint Nigeria/Green Mortgage
14th November 2026
