About Us

our story.

a long proud history of success

1978

1990

1998

2003

2007

2009

2013

2015

2020s

The humble beginnings of three generations of success

The founders, the late Alhaja Toyyibah Arinola Shitta and Alhaji Abdulrazak Shitta, eager to enter the real estate industry, launched their business by redeveloping old their home at the time, which they vacated to move to Surulere, Lagos. This property was transformed into a three-story building in the middle of an emerging market, featuring residential units on the upper floors and commercial units on the ground floor.

The incorporation of Toyyibson Nigeria Ltd.

Alhaja and Alhaji’s core vision was always the development of functional and self-sustaining communities that relied on itself for many of its basic needs. This was why they many of their projects were at the hearts of community market. A reliable market place within reasonable reach is one of the bedrocks of a functional community. After a few years of success within the real estate industry, the company was registered as Toyyibson NIgeria Ltd in 1990.

First DIPL project (project name)

Olakunle Hassan, the current Chairman, discovered a distressed property in Itire, Lagos. He discussed the opportunity wit Mutiat, and had a meeting with the property’s owner. A 30-year lease was secured shortly after, resulting in a transformative development that marked the birth of DIPL.

Access Bank

Building on its reputation for excellence in commercial development, DIPL secured a significant contract with Access Bank to develop a new branch for the bank in Itire.

Incorporation of DIPL and First HQ

With the successful transition to the second generation of the family business and years of effectively running DIPL, the decision was made to formally incorporate the company. The headquarters were established in Afariogun, off Obafemi Awolowo Way in Ikeja – a commercial hub in Lagos where DIPL has successfully completed several projects.

Simbiat Abiola

While there was so much traction in the company village section of Ikeja, DIPL say an opportunity to develop the property on Simbiat Abiola, as it was recognized as an area of opportunity, as well as a way to provide commercialization value to that section of the Ikeja commercial hub.

Exploring Magodo

In 2013, after establishing a strong presence on the mainland, particularly in Ikeja’s business district, DIPL decided to further establish its presence in residential properties. The focus was on major estates on the mainland, with Magodo being the next destination. That year, DIPL acquired two properties in Magodo and redeveloped them: a five-bedroom duplex with an ensuite boys’ quarters, and a twin duplex with two ensuite boys’ quarters.

Oremeji Commercial Property

After establishing a foothold in Simbiat Abiola, DIPL saw an opportunity to take on an exciting opportunity in the busiest hub in Ikeja – Computer Village. The Oremeji Commercial project is 2 storey commercial property with 57 units of shops.

Three generations later and two generations working side by side.

Today, the company is proudly managed by the second and third generations of the Hassan and Shitta families. They uphold the legacy of integrity and pride while expanding DIPL’s.

the inception of a long journey of success

The DIPL journey began in 1978 as Toyyibson Nigeria Limited, initiated by founders Alhaji Abdulrazak Shitta and Alhaja Toyyibah Arinola Shitta, who were successful textile business owners in Lagos Island. The pair were in the middle of moving their young family from their old mud home on the island to their newly developed property – a block of 10 flats, on a 1500 square meter plot of land in Surulere, Lagos. The intention was to live in one of the flats and rent out the other 9 units as a way to create another stream of income. However, they quickly recognized the opportunity presented to them by the real estate industry. Guided by their core value of creating lasting value and serving the community, Alhaji and Alhaja saw this as a chance to modernize the many underdeveloped mud houses prevalent in Lagos Island at the time. Their next mission was clear, a transition from the textile industry to real estate industry, as they sought enhance and transform the buildings in this culturally rich and historic area of Lagos State.

Their journey commenced with the redevelopment of the home they left behind. This project, a three-story building, with residential units on the upper floors and commercial units on the ground floor, marked the beginning of what has since evolved into a successful multigenerational real estate firm.

the continuation of a rich legacy

The inception of the first DIPL project can be traced back to 1998 when Olakunle Hassan, the current Chairman, discovered a distressed property in Itire, Lagos, after completing his law program. Originally a distressed property, the home was owned by an individual with whom Olakunle had a strong rapport. Recognizing the potential for redevelopment, Olakunle, a lawyer by profession and a people person at heart, discussed the opportunity with his life partner, Mutiat, the current CEO. Mutiat, a shrewd businesswoman with a background in business administration and a highly respected figure in her community, joined Olakunle in meeting with the property’s owners. Together, they secured a 30-year lease, thus initiating what is now known as the [project name] project, a transformative development that marked the birth of DIPL and paved the way for many more projects to follow. DIPL was later incorporated in 2007 by Olakunle and Multiat, marking the beginning of their company and the continuation of a legacy left behind.

Over the next two decades, DIPL built a solid reputation by developing numerous commercial and residential properties, each aimed at enhancing and serving the communities across Nigeria.

Today, three generations into the business, the company is proudly managed by the second and third generations of the Hassan and Shitta families. They uphold the legacy of integrity and pride while expanding DIPL’s footprint across Nigeria and Africa. United by a common goal, all three generations are committed to the continuous improvement and development of the communities they serve. Supporting them is a team of over 100 dedicated employees with expertise in real estate, construction, architecture, engineering, hospitality, and community service.

Our Vision Statement

Our vision is to build urban, self-sustaining communities across Nigeria, seamlessly integrating residential and commercial properties that exemplify quality, affordability, and functionality. We aspire to create vibrant, thriving environments where people can live, work, and thrive. Through innovative design, sustainable practices, and a commitment to excellence, we aim to redefine urban living and contribute to the economic and social development of our nation.

our commitments

We leave no stones unturned

Customer Focus

We prioritize the needs and satisfaction of our clients, ensuring their experiences are positive and fulfilling

Innovation

We continuously seek and apply new ideas, technologies, and methodologies to improve services and products

Excellence

We strive for the highest quality in all aspects of property development, management, and customer service

Integrity

We conduct business with honesty, transparency, and ethical principles.

Collaboration

Working collaboratively with clients, partners, employees, and communities to achieve common goals

Safety

We prioritize the health and safety of clients, employees, contractors, and the community in all operations

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Trusted by
our community

"My experience with DIPL till date has been great. They are just a company that takes their clients' needs into account. They're a great business with a great deal of empathy for their customers. Regarding their property management abilities, I'll give them a perfect score of ten. In essence, Distinct is a people's company and operates in a highly transparent manner. I consider Distinct to be like family, and I wouldn't hesitate to open another store in any of their future developments."

Femi Casper Tech Stores Owner

"Distinct is a polite, courteous company that pays attention to their customers' concerns. In contrast to other real estate companies, they prioritize clients' pleasure and are highly approachable and responsive. Distinct is flawless and a company you can trust. They honor their commitments and statements."

Patrick Produce store owner at DIPL head office

"Working with DIPL has been fantastic. I've had only heard positive things about the company before renting my store space from DIPL, which was one of the factors in my decision to work with them. In contrast to other businesses, they listen to our issues and lend a sympathetic ear to their clientele. In conclusion, they're a fantastic and sympathetic company that I would strongly recommend to anyone."

Badmus Phone repair store owner

"I have been so fortunate to have found DIPL. From the moment I began working with them, all I've witnessed is progress, happiness, and significant financial gains. Top-notch management and services have been provided. Thanks to their wonderful client relationships, I began with just one shop space and now have a lot more with them. DIPL is a great company with remarkable values, living up to its reputation as a standout corporation. Due to the firm's culture of growth, I now have many suites, and each of my six younger siblings has a personal space where they operate their own businesses . Previously, I only had a suite with DIPL but I now own several others with them . For me , DIPL has only been a blessing"

Uthman Anjos Anjos Hally - Electronic store