Nigeria’s major problem is quality leadership, says Ola Sanni

Lack of quality leadership has been identified as the major problem confronting Nigeria, not corruption and other vices.
A Nigerian recently honoured in the United States for his contributions to human capital development, Mr. Ola Sanni, stated this at the Annual Awards Gala hosted in his honour by a member of the United States Congress, Danny Davis, representing Chicago, Illinois.
Sanni, who is the Managing Broker from Centurion Realty & Estates, was honoured as: “Realtor of the Year” at the 5th Annual Awards Gala held recently.
The ‘ Realtor of the Year Award’ is a rare honour reserved for an individual who has excelled in his field and must have made a difference in people’s lives” .
Speaking at the event, Sanni said: “America is blessed with tons of talents and I believe I can better utilise all my training and expertise to help my people.
“The problem with Nigeria is not corruption but leadership. If you eradicate corruption without good leaders, you are just scratching the surface. My generation has what it takes to move Nigeria to the next level,” he said.
The Chairman of the Annual Awards Gala, Dr. Tapas Dasgupta, said: “The Annual Gala was meant to showcase our community heroes and to reinforce our belief that the various ethnic communities play a significant and integral role in the progress of our society”.
The ceremony was organised by the 7th Congressional District’s Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force (MEATF) at The Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, Chicago, Illinois, the United States (U.S.).
The district is home to a host of world-class cultural and educational institutions and includes an abundance of the best entertainment and education that Chicago has to offer.
Centurion Realty and Estates has over 20 years of experience in helping those searching to buy, sell or rent properties in the Chicagoland and surrounding suburbs.
Sanni also serves within the neighborhood where he does business through organisations such as Hope Club Chicago.
The event was attended with over 500 guests filled with some of the best lawyers, physicians and business professionals from all walks of life, particularly ethnic communities.
The regions represented include India, Greece, African Americans, China, Nigeria, Pakistan and many others. Established in 2010, the Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force allowed for a platform to acknowledge leaders who were giving back in their respective communities.
They continue to play an important role in promoting the successes of minorities.
Sanni is the father of Olayinka Sanni, a member of the victorious Nigerian basketball team to the just-concluded Afrobasket championship in Cameroun.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Sanni is the only son of his mother, in a family of six other male children.
His early ambition was to be a diplomat, hence his education in political science and public administration. But the pressure of life in America and entrepreneurship in him moved him towards real estate in 1994 after his university education at Truman College and University of Illinois, Chicago.
He went to take the real estate class and soon joined Century 21.
Within a year, he became the magnet of buyers and even rookies in Century 21 ran to him for orientation and advice. In July 1995, he won the top-listing award and ranked among the top sales agents out of 750 sales associates.
In April 1997, he broke into the million range and subsequently earned a million dollar month certificate as part of Mattz Group. Ever since, he has been on the rise.
He hopes to return to his home state, Lagos, to play a part in the socio economic development of the Centre of Excellence.