For many police officers, owning a home or investing in real estate often appears out of reach due to limited earnings and increasing property prices. However, the Managing Director of Realtypros Investment Global (Realtypros IG), Chief Dr. Obinna Azonobi, believes homeownership is achievable with proper financial planning and the right investment strategy.
Speaking at the Gallant Officers Recognition and Welfare Initiative 2026, Azonobi urged officers to begin viewing real estate as a long-term financial security plan rather than a luxury reserved for the wealthy.
According to him, one of the biggest misconceptions is that an officer must save the full cost of a house before considering homeownership. Instead, he encouraged officers to take advantage of structured payment plans, affordable housing schemes, and mortgage opportunities.
He also highlighted a little-known provision under the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) guidelines that allows contributors to use part of their Retirement Savings Account (RSA) balance as equity for a residential mortgage, describing it as an opportunity many officers have yet to explore.
“A salary ends at retirement, but an asset does not,” Azonobi said, explaining that a well-located property can appreciate in value over time, generate rental income, and provide lasting financial security for retirees and their families.
He called for stronger collaboration between the government and private developers to expand access to affordable housing for security personnel, noting that officers deserve opportunities to build wealth after years of dedicated service.
Azonobi said Realtypros IG is supporting this vision through flexible payment plans, professionally managed estates, and legally documented property developments designed to make real estate investment more accessible.
He encouraged officers to start investing early, stressing that consistent, long-term planning can make property ownership possible, even on a modest salary.
“The uniform will come off one day,” he said. “The goal is to ensure that financial stability remains long after active service has ended.”This version reads as a feature story while remaining rooted in the key messages from the speech.
