SEGUN PHILLIPS: The Visionary Behind Grosvenors Place And The New Face Of Ikeja

Cover Page of the November 2026 edition of Prestige News

By Wale Abiodun

In the heart of Ikeja, where Lagos never sleeps, a quiet revolution is happening. And at the centre of it is a man who once counted money in the banking hall, but now counts buildings, dreams and transformed lives.

His name is Olusegun Phillips, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sabre Works Real Estate Investment Limited.

Born and raised in Lagos, Phillips watched with keen eyes as empty lands in Ikeja, Lekki and other parts of Lagos turned into estates, malls and business districts. What others saw as just development, he saw as destiny.

A Banker With A Bigger Dream

Before real estate, Phillips spent over 18 years in the finance industry. He worked in retail, commercial and public sector banking, rising through management positions, including a stint with the prestigious Palton Morgan Group.

He also holds a degree in Biochemistry and a Master’s degree from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH).

But after 10 years in banking, he felt a call bigger than profit.

“Real estate is about helping humanity. It came into existence to address the vast housing deficit, while contributing its quota to provide shelter, which is one of the basic necessities of life,” Phillips once said.

He joined a brother who was already in real estate. After five years of learning the ropes, he took the bold step – he founded his own company, Sabre Works.

The Birth Of Sabre Works

Sabre Works Real Estate Investment Limited was not born in a big glass tower. It started in a modest space at 100 Awolowo Way, Ikeja.

Today, that same address has become the site of its flagship project Grosvenors Place,  a state-of-the-art shopping mall and commercial hub designed to redefine Ikeja’s commercial landscape.

“I grew up here in Ikeja and I believe Ikeja deserves a contemporary, state-of-the-art commercial hub,” Phillips said at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Grosvenors Place, developed in partnership with Sovereign Finance Company Limited, is meticulously planned to nurture thriving businesses, offer entrepreneurs a conducive environment, and provide shoppers with unparalleled convenience.

More Than A Developer – An Empowerer

Phillips is not just building houses. He is building people.

Through Sabre Works, he has created platforms like SabreFlex / SabreFlexx, a revolutionary savings platform that allows ordinary Nigerians to save gradually towards owning land and houses.

His company also trains young people who today run their own businesses, and every year, it hosts a Recognition and Appreciation Ceremony for realtors, with special focus on empowering women in real estate.

In March 2024, at the company’s Realtors’ Appreciation event, Phillips said:

“At SabreWorks, we are proud to celebrate and support women’s achievements, and we remain committed to creating opportunities for growth and success.”

The company also unveiled Nollywood actress and former beauty queen, Banke Akinterinwa, as its brand ambassador.

“Banke represents what we preach and she is a reflection of our journey so far. Excellence can be found in anyone, especially if one is willing to pay the price of hard work and persistence,” he said.

A Voice For Reform

Phillips is also a fearless advocate for the industry. He has consistently called on the Federal and State Governments to provide an enabling environment for real estate to thrive, and to review the Land Use Act, which he describes as a stumbling block for investors.

“We need to review the Land Use Act. It is slowing public and private investments,” he said.

The Vision Ahead

With properties across Lagos and Ogun States, and a growing diaspora clientele, Phillips’ mission is clear: Make access to prime property and affordable luxury homes easier for Nigerians at home and abroad.

From banking to building, Segun Phillips has proven that true wealth is not in what you keep, but in what you build for others.

He is not just a Managing Director. He is a builder of dreams.

Cover Page of the November 2026 edition of Prestige News