Knight Frank fetes clients, celebrates 50 years in business 

WHEN the Federal Government acted to ensure that enterprises was not monopolised by foreigners in the 60s, some Nigerians with an independent estate agency decided that this was the cue to enhance their expertise in the field of estate surveying and valuation.

So, working out of a tiny office in Central Lagos, the Knight Frank was born.  Fifty years on, the business has thrived to the point where it now has several branches in Nigeria, ranging from huge presence in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja as well as 21 offices in nine African countries. Currently, the firm operates from a multi-storey office complex in Campbell Street in Lagos.

Notable partners have retired and entered the company’s Hall of Fame while several others are holding sway in different departments, with specialty in valuation and estate agency. The firm’s goal lies in improving operations, maximising returns on investment and adding value throughout long-standing partnerships.

Last week, staff of Knight Frank Nigeria took time off to mark its 50th anniversary  in style with clients, built environment professionals, managers and friends at the prestigious Intercontinental Hotel in Victoria Island.

Earlier, the company had a thanksgiving High Mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewole Martins at the Holy Cross Catholic Cathedral Church in Lagos Island, where the Archbishop praised the virtues of Knight Frank, partners and employees for their immense contribution to the growth of Nigeria.

In a media parley, some retired partners such as the first senior partner in Nigeria, J.I. Ojo – Osagie and former managing partner, Joe Idudu looking back over the 50 years, recounted how the firm founded in Nigeria in 1965 and headquartered in Lagos, has grown to be one of the largest firm of estate surveyors and valuers in Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Backed by industry-leading technology and global research, the foremost real estate firm provides market-leading advice and transaction support to investors, corporates and homeowners for their personal and business property needs. “We attribute our growth down to our high-standards of professionalism, commercial acumen and integrity,” according to the Senior Partner, Mr. Albert Orizu. He added, “ Knight Frank Nigeria is part of the world’s largest independent residential and commercial property consultancy, Knight Frank.”

Orizu said: “Working closely with owners, occupiers, developers and investors, our commercial and residential specialists are members of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), adhering to the highest levels of industry code of conduct, at all times.”

“We celebrate our successes serving the largest spectrum of the Nigerian economy alongside Knight Frank presence in 21 offices in nine African countries and beyond. Knight Frank enviable reputation is built on the combined strength of our people, and our professionalism, working as key member of international team of over 12,000 property experts and professionals in 370 offices in 55 countries,” Orizu who doubles as the firm’s Chief Executive Officer said.