As a couple, Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy and Ichechi Okonkwo have many things in common, but one of them stands out: both see challenges as opportunities. And they have adopted this viewpoint as their success formula.”Setbacks and problems are opportunities in disguise…Every challenge has offered me a chance to refine my strategies, foster innovation, and ultimately, drive business forward,” Ichechi explained in an interview.
Similarly, rather than being discouraged by challenges, Kennedy sees them as developmental phases, using every single one to become a better person and strengthen his resilience to truly succeed. His experience as a teenager in secondary school illustrates the couple’s perspective. Following the death of his father, Kennedy’s indigent mother and her children, including Kennedy himself, were thrown out of their residential apartment and her shop. It took the kindheartedness of a pastor to rescue them from under the Ikeja overhead bridge where they took refuge, and that of Chief Sylvester Okonkwo, who sponsored Kennedy’s education. These experiences shaped Kennedy’s perspective to living, as he resolved to impact the situation of his family positively.
That resolve began to manifest when he took the bold decision to quit his well-paid job as the Strategy Advisor to the MD of his former company to build his own business.The decision paid off as Kennedy Okonkwo is now the MD/CEO of Nedcomoaks Limited, a property development company specializing in real estate development, provision of architectural and civil designs, project consultancy and management, with a significant proficiency using modern technology in construction. He is also the Chairman of Victoria Crest Homes, a housing property that provides affordable housing options to the middle class. He is also the founder of the Kennedy Okonkwo Programme for Tech Entrepreneurs.
Kennedy founded Nedcomoaks Limited with zero capital, and in just under a decade, the company has become a leading player in the Nigerian real estate industry, providing employment for thousands of people and generating annual revenues of over N15 billion. He has built an impressive portfolio of residential properties that have not only transformed the skyline of Nigeria but have also provided affordable housing solutions for Nigerians. He is globally known today as Africa’s biggest real estate mogul.
As a passionate advocate for the power of real estate to transform Nigeria’s socioeconomic landscape, Kennedy has dedicated his career to providing affordable housing solutions to Nigerians. He has recently extended that passion to cover the rest of Africa. Now, he seeks to unlock Africa’s multi-million-dollar real estate market through an initiative called “Invest in Africa” aimed at attracting diaspora investment, facilitating wealth creation, and promoting sustainable development in Africa’s booming property market. Under the initiative, Kennedy organized a series of real estate stakeholder fora tagged “Invest in Africa Summit 2025,” in several cities across the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada, between March and May this year. The events featured networking sessions, panel discussions, and presentations on foreign direct investment-friendly policies, with developers unveiling new projects. It hosted some of the most influential policymakers and business leaders who shared insights and strategies that could drive growth and prosperity.
“By bridging the gap between the Diaspora and investment opportunities back home, we are not just facilitating transactions; we are building legacies and reshaping the African investment narrative,” Kennedy explained.
Kennedy’s wife, Ichechi, who is the Group Deputy Managing Director, Nedcomoaks Group, was part of the Invest in Africa initiative. In fact, she is a very successful entrepreneur in her own right with experience and interests in diverse sectors such as banking, laundry/dry-cleaning, real estate and retail. Over the years, her remarkable contributions have been recognised with numerous awards.
Ichechi began her professional career in banking, working with Guaranty Trust Bank Plc for six years. She excelled in roles within the e-business and cards services group and later as an internal auditor in the systems and control group.
Her entrepreneurial journey began with the founding of Laundry King in 2011, a leading laundry and dry-cleaning company headquartered in Lekki, Lagos. This venture earned her the “Most Enterprising Organisation of the Year” award by the Nigeria Entrepreneurs Award in 2017.
In real estate, Ichechi has made remarkable strides. As the CEO of Dream Estate Lekki Ltd, a subsidiary of the Nedcomoaks Group, she played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s market presence. Currently, as the CEO of Victoria Crest Homes, she leads the development of affordable luxury homes in Nigeria. Under her leadership, the company has received numerous distinguished awards.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Chemistry from Igbinedion University, Okada, and acquired further education through executive courses in entrepreneurship at the Metropolitan School of Business & Management, UK. Ichechi is an active member of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria.
Ichechi and her husband, Kennedy have been impacting society in numerous areas. For instance, their company, Nedcomoaks Group, is directly and indirectly responsible for the well-being of about 2000 employees. Other notable societal impact work they have spearheaded include awarding scholarships to those who can’t afford quality education and mentoring entrepreneurs on the best way to build their businesses and avoid pitfalls. Even the widows are not left out of their financial support. They have been involved in various road construction projects in Lagos, especially the Etiosa Local Government and other road construction projects currently going on in Kennedy’s hometown in Anambra state. Through Victoria Crest Homes, the couple are making lasting impact by creating sustainable communities. They pioneered the first fully solar-powered estates in Lagos, Nigeria, thereby reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainable living.
Kennedy and Ichechi were selected for inclusion in the Top10 Magazine’s 10 Most Impactful Power Couples in Nigeria is in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s economic development as they serve as inspiration to upcoming couples.
