Adeola Sanusi, the visionary Founder of XLHomes Realty, a burgeoning Real Estate and Finance firm in Nigeria, has a story that reads like a script from a blockbuster movie. From his humble beginnings in Yaba to achieving significant milestones at Bloomberg, and eventually returning to Nigeria to establish a real estate empire, Sanusi’s journey is one of ambition, resilience, and purpose.
Early Beginnings
Sanusi’s story begins in Yaba, Lagos, where he was a diligent student at Yaba College of Technology. Immersed in marketing textbooks, Sanusi’s academic prowess saw him finish at the top of his class. However, this was just the beginning. Driven by a desire to further his education, he pursued a B.Sc in Finance at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Here, too, Sanusi excelled, once again finishing at the top of his class. But academic success was not his only focus. To support himself, Sanusi created study packs and offered tutorial sessions to fellow students, including his peers, seniors, and even master’s students. This experience, though seemingly ordinary, was where he began to cultivate his sales skills, laying the groundwork for his future success.
Upon his return, Sanusi founded XLHomes Realty, a firm that has quickly risen to prominence in the Nigerian real estate market. In less than two years, the company has generated over ₦5 billion in revenue, a testament to Sanusi’s business acumen and strategic foresight. But for Sanusi, the financial success is just one part of the story.
A Big Break at Bloomberg
After completing his degree, Sanusi landed a full-time role at Bloomberg in the United Kingdom. For many, this would be the pinnacle of success—a coveted position in one of the world’s leading financial services firms. At Bloomberg, Sanusi gained invaluable experience in sales, business analysis, and the intricacies of global finance. However, despite the professional growth and exposure, he found himself grappling with questions about his long-term happiness, impact, and potential.
“Would I be happy doing this for the next 10-15 years? Would I have made as much impact as I would have wanted to? Would this help me reach my full potential?” Sanusi recalls asking himself. The answers were a resounding “No.”
A Bold Decision to Return Home
In 2023, driven by a desire to make a more significant impact, Sanusi made the bold decision to leave his lucrative job at Bloomberg and return to Nigeria. It was a move that surprised many, including himself. “Who walks away from Bloomberg?” he mused. But Sanusi knew something others didn’t—the Nigerian entrepreneurship space was an untapped goldmine, ripe for innovation. Armed with this conviction, he returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and a vision to build something transformative.
Building an Empire
Upon his return, Sanusi founded XLHomes Realty, a firm that has quickly risen to prominence in the Nigerian real estate market. In less than two years, the company has generated over ₦5 billion in revenue, a testament to Sanusi’s business acumen and strategic foresight. But for Sanusi, the financial success is just one part of the story.
What truly motivates him is the impact XLHomes Realty has had on young Nigerians. Through the company’s realtor training programs, hundreds of young people have been empowered with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the real estate industry. “That’s the real gold,” Sanusi asserts, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities and making a difference in the lives of others.
Looking Ahead
As the Nigerian real estate market continues to evolve, Sanusi is determined to keep XLHomes Realty at the forefront of innovation and growth. He believes that the market is undergoing significant changes, and his firm is well-positioned to adapt and lead the way.
Sanusi’s journey is far from over. He sees this as just the beginning and is excited about what the future holds. His story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not defined by external achievements alone but by the impact one makes and the purpose one finds along the way.
Conclusion
Adeola Sanusi’s journey from Yaba to Bloomberg to building a real estate empire is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and purpose. His story encourages others to trust their instincts, embrace change, and see opportunities where others see obstacles. As Sanusi continues to innovate and grow XLHomes Realty, one thing is clear: the best is yet to come.
