Fast-rising Nigerian realtor and Chief Executive Officer of Paragon Prime Realty, Igbonekwu Ekene, popularly known as Ekeledirichukwu, has urged aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on action, discipline and continuous learning as keys to building sustainable businesses.
Ekeledirichukwu, a Nigerian entrepreneur with interests spanning real estate and wine importation, said success in business is less about perfect timing and more about consistency and clarity of vision.
Start where you are, learn fast, stay disciplined, and don’t wait for perfect conditions,” he stated when asked about practical approach to implementing business ideas for youths.
Ekeledirichukwu, who was studying Mechanical Engineering at a Federal University of Technology, saw his academic journey cut short by financial challenges, an experience he describes as a defining turning point.
Rather than allowing the setback to limit him, he redirected his energy toward entrepreneurship, business development and technology.
“Those moments shaped my resilience and strengthened my belief that setbacks are temporary,” he would say while reflecting on the period that marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial path.
Igbonekwu Ekene officially founded Paragon Prime Realty in 2022, with a mission to simplify property ownership and investment in Nigeria while giving individuals and investors access to trustworthy real estate opportunities.
He shaped the company to focus on property development, sales and investment advisory, positioning itself as a bridge between investors and credible real estate assets in a challenging market environment.
Beyond real estate, Ekene expanded into wine importation, sourcing premium sweet wines from Spain into Nigeria to meet the country’s growing demand for lifestyle products. He said the diversification aligns with his broader goal of creating sustainable wealth, building tangible assets and connecting consumers to quality real estate and lifestyle offerings through strategic thinking and global exposure.
Like many young founders, Ekene faced early challenges, including limited startup capital and lack of institutional funding. He noted that moments of doubt were common, particularly during his academic struggles and early business failures, but discipline, consistency and a refusal to settle for mediocrity helped him push through.
Four years after launching out, he works with a small but efficient team and strategic partners across Nigeria and Europe.
Looking ahead and setting business goals, Ekeledirichukwu disclosed he plans to establish Paragon Prime Realty as a recognized real estate brand in Nigeria, strengthen international partnerships and expand into property development, hospitality and lifestyle-focused ventures.
The businessman describes his leadership style as “collaborative, growth-driven, and results-oriented,” emphasizing accountability and adaptability.
