“Housing is not just about providing shelter; it is about dignity, stability, and building thriving communities.” These words capture the vision that drives Barr. Barakat Odunuga Bakare, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Housing. In a city as dynamic as Lagos—where population growth and urbanization intensify the demand for affordable housing—her role places her at the forefront of one of the state’s most critical challenges. By shaping housing policy and promoting inclusive development, she is helping to redefine what it means for Lagosians to truly have a place to call home.
Born on March 10, 1986, in Surulere, Lagos, Barr. Odunuga Bakare’s story reflects a blend of resilience, education, and service. She began her academic journey at Mainland Preparatory Private School, continued at Anglican Secondary School, and later Lagos State Model College, Kankon, Badagry. After her A-levels at the College of North East London, she pursued law at the University of Bedfordshire (UK), where she earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Law and a Master’s degree in International Commercial Law. She further solidified her credentials at the Nigerian Law School, which qualified her to practice in Nigeria. This solid educational background prepared her for the complexities of governance, law, and policy-making.
Her political journey is equally remarkable. In 2017, she was elected as a councillor to represent Ward E1 (Akinhanmi-Cole) in Surulere Local Government. A year later, she became the Leader of the Surulere Legislative Assembly, making her one of the youngest women to hold such a position at the grassroots level. By the time she was re-elected in 2021, she had already overseen the passage of 27 bye-laws, demonstrating her commitment to effective governance and community impact. These experiences at the grassroots shaped her into a pragmatic leader who understands the challenges of ordinary Lagosians.
As Special Adviser on Housing, Barr. Odunuga Bakare works closely with the Ministry of Housing and other stakeholders to design and implement initiatives that not only tackle housing shortages but also promote inclusivity and affordability. She encourages public-private partnerships, ensures housing projects reflect the government’s vision of inclusivity, and advocates for gender equality within the real estate sector. Her emphasis is clear: housing is not just about shelter, but about livelihood, dignity, and community stability.
Beyond the policies, her significance to society lies in her symbolism and advocacy. In a male-dominated political and real estate space, she represents the growing wave of women breaking barriers. She has consistently spoken against systemic barriers limiting women in housing and real estate, stressing that women should not just be participants but leaders in shaping development. Through grassroots empowerment projects, legislative reforms, and her current housing initiatives, she has touched lives while inspiring young women to pursue leadership roles.
Through her leadership and dedication, Barr. Barakat Odunuga Bakare has emerged as a beacon of hope and progress in Lagos State’s housing sector. As she herself has noted, “Real estate regulation must be transparent to achieve sustainable growth within the real estate industry.” With this conviction, she continues to push forward policies and partnerships that will shape Lagos into a city where affordable, adequate, and inclusive housing is accessible to all.
