Ichechi Chinarhu Okonkwo is a dynamic Nigerian entrepreneur and business executive known for her diverse achievements in banking, laundry and dry-cleaning, real estate and retail. Over the years, her remarkable contributions have been recognised with numerous awards.
She 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 has furthered her education with 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. Married to Kennedy Okonkwo, a prominent real estate entrepreneur, Ichechi is a founding member of Kilali Tribe and a devoted mother to three children. Her career and personal life exemplify her commitment to innovation, excellence, and family values, making her a trailblazer in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial and real estate sectors.
What inspired you to transition from a successful banking career to entrepreneurship?
After a successful career in banking, I realised that while finance was a great foundation, my true passion lay in creating tangible solutions that impact lives. I saw a gap in the laundry service industry and then in real estate sector, especially in delivering sustainable, high-quality, and affordable housing. With my background in finance, I understood the importance of structuring investments for long-term value, and I wanted to channel that expertise into building a business that not only generates returns but also transforms communities and builds transgenerational wealth. Entrepreneurship gave me the freedom to innovate, help people elevate their image and lifestyle, take calculated risks, and build a legacy that aligns with my vision for economic growth and sustainable development.
Can you share some of the challenges you faced when starting Laundry King and how you overcame them?
The laundry business is a specialised type of business that is capital-intensive, and I faced numerous challenges from access to capital to limited specialised human capital and few mentors in the industry. However, we tapped into a clear need within the corporate sector: “busy professionals” simply didn’t have time for chores. This demand fuelled our success. By diligently managing our finances, investing in internal training, and continuously seeking industry insights, we built a business that effectively met our clients’ needs.
How has your experience in banking influenced your approach to running your own?
My experience in banking equipped me with a dual perspective…it gave me firsthand insight into being a customer with specific needs, all while trying to find my way around the rigorous, fast-paced professional environment. This unique vantage point has taught me the importance of attentive service, precision, and responsiveness in every business interaction. It also instilled in me a strong financial discipline and a strategic mindset, which I now apply to running my own business, ensuring that customer needs are met with the same rigor and efficiency I experienced in the banking world.
What do you believe sets your businesses apart from others in the same sector?
What sets us apart from others in the industry is our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and attention to detail. Victoria Crest Homes, we don’t just build houses, we build homes, we create thriving-future-ready communities, evidenced by pioneering Nigeria’s first fully solar-powered residential estate, setting a new industry standard for eco-friendly living, through a customer-centric approach that blends innovative ideas, renewed creativity, and strong collaboration. With over two decades of expertise, our dedication to excellence and professionalism enables us to redefine urban living and improve lives.
What are the challenges peculiar to the real estate industry in Nigeria and how are you weathering yours?
Nigeria’s real estate sector faces challenges like policy inconsistencies, rising costs, and infrastructure gaps. We tackle these through innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships. Our fully solar-powered estates reduce reliance on the grid, while local sourcing and flexible financing ease cost pressures. With in-house construction expertise, we ensure quality, efficiency, and timely delivery, turning challenges into opportunities to set new industry benchmarks.
What innovations have you introduced in the real estate industry through Victoria Crest Homes?
Just to mention a few: Pioneered the first solar powered estate in Nigeria, WIRED Africa Initiative, Dream Estate Lekki, a real estate firm shaping customer experience in the real estate industry in Nigeria, Laundry King; the best laundry and drycleaning business in the heart of Lekki.
Given the current market conditions in Nigeria, what do you see as the biggest opportunities in real estate?
Regardless of the challenges in the industry, Nigeria’s real estate sector presents significant opportunities for innovators and disruptors. Rapid urbanisation and a growing population have increased the need for well-planned, affordable housing, a need we’re currently addressing at Victoria Crest Homes by developing over 6000 quality homes in Lagos. Additionally, integrating sustainable, energy-efficient solutions such as solar-powered estates is becoming increasingly appealing amid power supply issues. Coupled with evolving real estate financing models and the rise of mixed-use developments, these trends signal vast potential for those who can anticipate market shifts and create solutions that align with modern lifestyle demands.
How do you address the challenge of providing affordable luxury housing in Nigeria?
As a real estate developer, understanding the intricate balance between quality, cost efficiency and innovation is paramount when setting goals and expectations. We have successfully bridged the gap between affordability and luxury by collaborating with top production companies to optimise construction costs while maintaining premium quality. Through strategic partnerships, sustainable solutions like solar energy, and efficient design, we create well-planned communities that offer high-end living at accessible prices. Additionally, flexible financing options ensure more Nigerians can achieve homeownership without financial strain.
What leadership qualities do you think are essential for succeeding in entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship is all about being able to create strategic collaborations and lead with resilience, a leader must also possess vision, vision is there as a reminder of your promise to your client and essentially for setting clear goals and driving innovation.
Most importantly, collaboration is key. No business thrives in isolation, and working with the right partners such as production companies, financial institutions, and industry experts enhances efficiency and impact. I believe in leadership that empowers teams, builds strong partnerships, and creates lasting value for both clients and stakeholders.
How do you encourage and cultivate innovation within your teams?
Yes, innovation thrives in an environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning. We’ve been able to create a system that empowers our team to think beyond conventional boundaries to push for more. We create a culture where ideas are welcomed, tested, and refined through effective communication and brainstorming sessions. We empower teams to think creatively, embrace new technologies, and work with industry partners to integrate cutting-edge solutions. This approach has led to groundbreaking projects like our fully solar-powered estates, redefining real estate in Nigeria.
As a prominent female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, what advice would you give to other women looking to break into entrepreneurship?
Breaking into entrepreneurship, especially in a male-dominated industry, requires confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose. My advice to women is to embrace their authenticity, expertise, build strategic relationships, and never shy away from leadership opportunities. Surround yourself with mentors, continuously seek knowledge, and let your work speak for itself. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to take up space; your unique perspective is your strength.
In what ways do you think the landscape for women in business is changing in Nigeria?
Women are taking up spaces and leading in business today, with more women breaking barriers in leadership, entrepreneurship, and traditionally male-dominated industries like real estate. There is increasing access to mentorship, funding opportunities, and supportive networks that empower women to scale their businesses. The key to progress lies in consistent advocacy, policy support, and collaboration among women to create more opportunities to drive lasting change.
How important is corporate social responsibility (CSR) to your businesses, and what initiatives have you implemented in this space?
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a core part of our mission at Victoria Crest Homes. Beyond building homes, we are committed to creating sustainable communities and making a lasting impact. We’ve also pioneered The first fully solar-powered estates in Lagos, Nigeria, reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainable living. Additionally, we invest in local communities through education, empowerment programmes, and infrastructure development, reinforcing our commitment to social impact.
As a Youth Peace Ambassador recognised by the United Nations, can you share how you integrate community service and social responsibility into your business framework?
As a Youth Peace Ambassador recognised by the United Nations, I believe community service and social responsibility are central to every business. We integrate these values by ensuring that our projects focus not only on profit but also on positive societal impact. Our projects focus on delivering affordable, sustainable housing and renewable energy solutions like solar-powered estates. By supporting education and youth empowerment, we align with the goals of peace, development, and opportunity, fostering a culture of social responsibility in everything we do. We provide safe, affordable homes and sustainable, solar-powered estates while empowering local communities through educational and youth initiatives, fostering a culture of inclusivity and resilience.
What are your future goals for Victoria Crest Homes?
Our future goals for Victoria Crest Homes are to expand our portfolio of sustainable, affordable housing, integrate innovative technologies across the globe, and further empower communities through enhanced engagement and development initiatives.
How do you envision the future of the real estate market in Nigeria over the next five to ten years?
Over the next five to ten years, I envision Nigeria’s real estate market evolving into a more sustainable and technology-driven landscape. With rapid urbanisation, we can expect a shift towards eco-friendly and smart developments that not only address the housing shortage but also enhance quality of life. I see an increasing focus on affordable housing solutions, innovative financing models, and mixed-use developments that integrate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. This transformation will pave the way for resilient urban communities and set new benchmarks for the industry.
How do you balance the demands of your professional career with family life?
Balancing my professional career with family life is all about setting clear priorities and maintaining structured boundaries. I ensure that I allocate dedicated time for my family by planning my schedule meticulously and delegating effectively at work. This approach allows me to stay fully engaged both professionally and personally, fostering success in my business while nurturing a supportive home environment.
What is one lesson you’ve learnt in your entrepreneurial journey that has been particularly impactful?
There have been so many lessons to learn from being in the industries I operate in, however, one lesson that has been particularly impactful overtime is understanding that setbacks and problems are opportunities in disguise. Being able to sit in discomfort is a learning experience that has taught me the value of resilience and adaptability. Every challenge has offered me a chance to refine my strategies, foster innovation, and ultimately, drive business forward.
What does turning 40 mean to you?
Turning 40 for me is a milestone that signifies growth, wisdom, and a deeper sense of purpose. It’s a moment of reflection on the journey so far celebrating achievements, embracing lessons learnt, and setting new goals for the future. For me, it represents a renewed commitment to impact, leadership, and creating lasting value in both family, business and society.
What are you most grateful for?
I’m most grateful for the unwavering support of my husband, the love from my children of my family, mentors, and dedicated team. Their belief in me has been instrumental in turning so many challenges into opportunities and the decision to not just succeed but thrive despite all.
Concluding words
In every step of my journey, I have embraced challenges as opportunities, allowing hard work, authenticity, excellence, and a deep sense of purpose to guide my path. From banking to entrepreneurship in real estate and specialised services, my goal has always been to create lasting impact, not just in business, but in the lives of those we serve and our people. As I look ahead, I remain committed to driving change, fostering collaboration, and building a future where sustainability, professionalism, and customer-centricity continue to redefine industry standards. This is only the beginning, and I’m excited for what’s to come.
Ichechi Okonkwo’s testimony
The Bible says in Lamentations 3: 22 to 23, “it is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed because his compassion fails not, they are new every morning, great is thy faithfulness.”
I want to thank God because indeed His mercies have been new every morning in my life and that of my family. The last two years have been the most turbulent, My mum passed away on the 6th of June 2023, we buried her in Sept 2023 and I was struggling to find myself again. Those who know me knew I was struggling to get out of the hurt of losing her. Then again, last year on Feb 3rd 2024, on the morning of my birthday, I received the news that her eldest sister had just passed.
I exclaimed “God! What news and timing is this?” I just didn’t understand.
A few weeks after that, my younger brother and his wife lost their premature baby girl. I had to ask “God are you sleeping? Did you forsake my family?” But then, we held on to his words that “He will never leave nor forsake us”.
By April 2024, on my way back from Abuja in a flight with my family, I started experiencing this very excruciating stomach pain, that I was crying literally like a baby on board the Airpeace flight back to Lagos and all through on our way to the hospital straight from the airport.
I was admitted that night, they started different investigations, tests, scans and so on. From their report, I got a health scare of an ovarian cyst malignancy. This simply means ovarian cancer was suspected. I said “God forbid, that’s not for me as this body is the temple of the living God and cannot accommodate that.”
I became restless, I started contacting and meeting with different gynecologists both home and abroad.
They all said I would have to go in for a surgery to remove the cyst and then carry out the biopsy to then be sure if it was cancerous or not, even though the tumor markers had shown otherwise.
I started praying and reminding God that He said I should not have any heartache in this life. John 16:33 (NLT) says this, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Every day I held on to that word, “have peace amidst the trials, I have overcome the world.”
I got a date for the procedure in September with a gynecologic oncology surgeon in the UK.
I settled my kids in school and hugged them even though there was so much uncertainty in my heart, but I told them I was going to have a surgery and that they should not be afraid, but never fail to pray for me and I will be back to see them soon.
I went to Pastor Godman Akinlabi and his wife Pastor Bola Akinlabi, and they laid their hands on me and prayed for me and said to me “God will show up for you and take charge, it will end in praise.”
I went on that trip holding on to God’s promise that I will not be consumed because his compassion fails not, and that He overcame the world for my sake.
The surgery was on the 19th of September 2024. I prayed and waited on God all through that season to upturn the report of man.
To the glory of God alone, I came out from the theatre, even though it was much longer than they had anticipated and communicated to us, but that table didn’t see or witness my end. I went home after a few days in the hospital.
Then the wait for the biopsy began, they told me to return after two weeks for my review. My big Sister Grace Akomolafe (who was with me) and I continued to pray every day that our testimony will not be corrupted with bad news.
We went back on the review appointment date, and as we got to the hospital and got out of the car, we started praying and speaking out loud that we will not be met with bad news today, we will dance out victorious to the Glory of my father. We finally met with my consultant who examined me and told us that my stomach was healing from the surgery and that the biopsy result was out and I was cancer free, we genuinely danced out of the hospital that day praising and thanking God.
Brothers and Sisters, for well over a year, I was a shadow of myself dealing with grief, health and all sorts of emotions and this affected all areas of my life.
I came back home with thanksgiving in my heart, on my lip and on my feet.
I went back straight to work, I was energised to work because I hadn’t actively done so in over 15 months, so it was back-to-back for me while trusting God for strength.
The devil was still not satisfied, as he didn’t go on leave or holidays, but what he failed to realise is that my heavenly father doesn’t go on holidays too.
On the 13th of Dec 2024, my husband and I set out to join the rest of Pastor Godman’s mentees to celebrate the Man of God who has continuously poured into our lives at the event in his honour as part of his 50th birthday celebration and activities.
With the chaos on Lagos roads in December, the traffic that day was horrible. My husband and I had a meeting in the office, when we were done, he had another meeting in Lekki, he proceeded for this and called me less than an hour later saying that he was done but that the traffic was very bad and he was trying to navigate.
He decided to then park his car in Circa and use the boat to cross over to Banana Island and walk home. When he got home, we got ready for the evening to celebrate Pastor Godman, and we had another end of year event afterwards, so I had to dress for both events.
I decided to wear a dress I had in my wardrobe that I had worn before that was ideal for the evening. This beautiful dress has a long rope all the way from the neck at the back. So, I will usually make it into a bow and allow the excess to flow.
We got into the car, the driver dropped us off at Banana Island jetty, we got on the boat to cross over to Circa to take the car my husband had left there to navigate easily to the event venue at the Purple mall in Lekki Phase 1.
The ride was quite short, but my husband slept as soon as he sat in the boat, once he gets into a car or the boat with a bit of wind, he sleeps off. He woke up when we got to Circa jetty, we got out to where the car was parked.
The driver brought out the car, we got in and the mobile security got in. The driver began to make his way out of the gate to get on admiralty way from inside Circa.
As soon as the car started moving, I felt the strong pull on my neck and with each pull, I was getting strangulated. With the next pull I felt, I was squeezed to the car door, my hands and legs up in the air off balance, my tongue out, I was helpless as I stared at my husband, I couldn’t talk or shout as my neck and throat had been tied so tight.
This man who slept on the 3mins ride on the boat to Circa as soon as he got on the boat, he was awake pressing his phone in the car. With that last pull and squeeze, he turned and screamed “Babe what is it, what is it…Christian stop the car, stop the car now!” was the last thing I heard and I passed out. My body shutdown to that extreme trauma at that moment.
My husband said he opened the car door and I fell because I was already squeezed to the door, so I hit my head on the ground.
The security at the restaurant ran out to my side to help. I was unconscious for a while. So, what had happened was the excess rope from the bow didn’t enter the car when I entered, and as the car began to move, it went under the tyre and was strangulating my “enemy” to death.
I know when people have excess of their clothes outside the car door, the wind just carries it through the drive, you see it flying, mine chose to go under the tyre to try to kill me. And the world would have had a reason to say “she used her money to buy an outfit that killed her, but I have the backing of God, I do not walk alone.”
The devil hadn’t had enough from my family, the heads and blood he had sucked from my family he felt was still not enough, he wanted more and came directly for me this time, using my own dress I bought with my money, wore on my body as his weapon of destruction, but God of mercy said “No, not my anointed.”
My Father in Heaven said “Not today” and God delivered me that day from the hands of death because the devil only needed a few seconds more, my wind pipe would have been cut off and the story would have been different.
As I celebrate my 40th, Four decades. It’s a milestone, a landmark, a testament to the journey I’ve travelled, the battles I’ve fought, and the person I’ve become. And honestly? I’m pretty darn proud of that person.
Looking back, I see a tapestry woven with threads of laughter, tears, triumphs, and lessons learnt. There have been moments of pure joy, adventures that took my breath away, and challenges that tested my strength. But through it all, I’ve persevered, I’ve grown, and I’ve emerged stronger and wiser.
I’ve learnt the importance of self-love, the power of resilience, and the beauty of embracing imperfections. I’ve discovered passions that ignite my soul, cultivated friendships that nourish my spirit, and built a life that reflects my values.
Forty isn’t just a number, it’s a symbol of wisdom, experience, and self-discovery. It’s a time to celebrate all that I’ve accomplished, all the lives I’ve touched, and all the joy I’ve brought into the world – including my own.
This is my year. My decade. It is a time to embrace new adventures, chase dreams with renewed vigour, and continue to evolve into the best version of myself. I will be kind to myself, celebrate my strengths, and forgive my missteps. I will continue to learn, grow, and embrace the unknown with open arms.
So, to me celebrating my 40th Birthday, may the next chapter be filled with even more love, laughter, happiness, and unforgettable moments. May my dreams continue to take flight, and may my spirit continue to shine brightly.
Here’s to forty years of being me, and to many more years of being even better.
With love and admiration, From Me Myself and I.
Four decades of laughter, a few tears (mostly happy ones, I assure you). Like a grand, sweeping novel with many chapters already written, and so many more exciting ones waiting to be penned. I look back on the last forty years with a heart overflowing with gratitude. For the love that has surrounded me, the grace that has held me up, the lessons learned (sometimes the hard way!), and the opportunities seized (and occasionally, the ones I bravely let go).
There have been moments of pure joy, soaring highs too, times when the path seemed dark and uncertain. But through it all, I’ve learnt the invaluable lesson that resilience is the most beautiful accessory a woman can wear. It’s the invisible thread that weaves through every experience, strengthening us, shaping us, and ultimately, making us who we are.
This isn’t just about a birthday, it’s a celebration of life itself. A celebration of growth, of change, of embracing the woman I am today and the woman I am still becoming. It’s about recognising the beauty in every wrinkle (earned with laughter, I assure you!), the wisdom gained from every stumble, and the strength forged in the fires of life’s challenges.
So, as I step into this new decade, I do so with a heart full of hope, a spirit ready for adventure, and a pink dress that makes me feel like I can conquer the world (or at least the dance floor!). I raise a glass to the next forty years, to the laughter yet to be shared, the dreams yet to be realised, and the joy yet to be discovered.
Thank you for being a part of my journey. I can’t wait to see what the future holds, and I’m so excited to share it with all of you!
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