Some build businesses for profit; others build them for purpose. Oladimeji Husein Nurudeen belongs to the latter.
A dynamic leader, visionary entrepreneur, and the current MD/CEO of Elite Pillar International Limited, his story is one of grit, faith, and transformation, a journey that began in the classroom and evolved into one of Nigeria’s most inspiring real estate success stories.
From humble beginnings as a passionate teacher to becoming the driving force behind one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing real estate brands, his path reflects what happens when purpose meets discipline, and vision meets action.
In this exclusive conversation with Crest Africa, he shares his journey, lessons, and the heart behind the brand changing the real estate landscape in Nigeria.
CA: Could you share a bit about your educational background and qualifications?
Oladimeji: My educational journey started at Philsland Nursery and Primary School, where I graduated in 2009 as Best Student of the Year and served as Labour Prefect.
That same year, I gained admission into Nikky Bee Comprehensive High School, where I further honed my leadership skills, serving as Head Boy and President of the JET Club Society.
In 2015, I completed my WAEC, NECO, and GCE with distinctions, a foundation that set me on a path of continuous growth.
Two years later, I gained admission into the University of Lagos, where I studied Petroleum and Gas Engineering, graduating in 2024.
Beyond the degree, those years taught me discipline, innovation, and problem-solving, qualities that today define my leadership as a CEO.
CA: What sparked your passion for real estate and led you into this industry?
Oladimeji: My journey into real estate was sparked by an insatiable hunger for success, growth, and impact.
While studying Petroleum and Gas Engineering at the University of Lagos, I began to see life from a broader perspective.
In my 300 level, I realized there was more to life than just academics. I had a desire to create value, to build, and to transform lives. Teaching had always been a part of me.
Since 2015, I taught Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Economics across multiple tutorial centers and secondary schools.
Every weekend, I would go home to teach, and during holidays, I taught in two secondary schools and four tutorial centers daily.
I also went back to my secondary school to teach. Teaching wasn’t just a means of survival; it was a passion that strengthened my communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
By 2019, I founded my own tutorial center, Dynamic Scholars Tutorial Centre, a venture that tested my resilience and discipline in the face of many challenges.
That same year, a turning point came when my uncle handed me the book Rich Dad Poor Dad.
As I read, my mindset shifted, and I immersed myself in self-development books sometimes even more than my academic materials.
Around this time, I noticed some of my colleagues posting about real estate.
Instantly, my spirit aligned with it. Something within me said, “This is where you belong. You can do this and even do it better.”
From that moment, I began researching and learning everything I could about the real estate industry.
What drew me in was not just the business, but the opportunity to grow while helping others grow.
Real estate, I realized, wasn’t just about land and houses, it was about dreams, security, legacy, and transformation.
I launched my realtor brand, Horlan Homes and Properties, and was privileged to learn directly from seasoned top realtors and developers.
I watched how they changed lives, handing people their first land documents and home keys.
I knew deep within that this was my calling. Real estate became more than a career path; it became my purpose: to create opportunities, to transform lives, and to empower people to build lasting legacies.
CA: How did you raise the initial funds to start your company?
Oladimeji: Through discipline, sacrifice, and faith. Every naira I earned from teaching, every commission from real estate sales, every return from small investments, I saved it.
I poured my life savings into this dream because I believed in the vision. Along the way, I was blessed with the support of friends and family who believed in me even before the world did.
Their faith reminded me that when people see your consistency, they’ll invest not just in your dream, but in you.
CA: Did you receive or apply for any grants when starting out?
Oladimeji: No, I didn’t. Every step was self-funded, built from the ground up with faith and consistency.
CA: When exactly was Elite Pillar International Limited founded?
Oladimeji: October 1st, 2024, a symbolic date that reflects independence, vision, and a new dawn for us.
CA: Before establishing Elite Pillar, where did you gain professional experience?
Oladimeji: I began my career as a Sales Executive at Casafina Capital Limited, later serving as COO at Ultimate Vibrant Realtors Group.
I also worked as a Real Estate Consultant with several reputable firms, including Onyx Global Investment Limited, Landmark Corporate Realty, Veritasi Homes and Properties, Gracias Global, and Evermark Homes and Properties, among others.
Those experiences shaped my understanding of client relations, market strategy, and value creation, lessons I now apply in leading Elite Pillar.
CA: What notable achievements is Elite Pillar most proud of since inception?
Oladimeji: Within our first year, Elite Pillar International Limited has achieved remarkable growth and made meaningful human impact.
We successfully launched and sold out key projects, including Heritage Garden City (Agbowa, Ikorodu) and Heritage Farm City (FUNAAB Road, Abeokuta), both of which have recorded impressive client allocations, strong investor returns, and growing community development.
We also introduced Heritage Garden City Commercials, a strategic commercial hub directly on the Agbowa–Sagamu Expressway.
Beyond our real estate success, one of our greatest achievements is empowering and training over 1,000 realtors through mentorship, marketing support, and training programs under the umbrella brokerage firm – Dynamic Realtors Group.
We’ve helped many young people discover purpose, build confidence, and gain financial independence through real estate.
Our commitment to customer satisfaction, transparency, and human capital development continues to distinguish Elite Pillar as a people-first brand.
CA: From your perspective, how would you describe the current state of entrepreneurship in Nigeria?
Oladimeji: Entrepreneurship in Nigeria is both challenging and rewarding. The terrain is tough, from inconsistent policies to rising costs, but these challenges also sharpen resilience.
What defines us as entrepreneurs is our ability to keep innovating despite the odds.
Every challenge births creativity. With faith, determination, and resourcefulness, we can transform obstacles into opportunities. That’s what drives me.
CA: What personal qualities have contributed most to your success?
Oladimeji: Integrity, resilience, faith, and mentorship. Integrity opens doors that talent alone can’t. Resilience keeps me grounded when things get tough.
Faith keeps me aligned with my purpose, and mentorship reminds me that growth is continuous.
I’ve learned to keep showing up, even after hearing a hundred “no’s,” because every rejection refines you for the right opportunity.
CA: Beyond real estate, what other sectors interest you?
Oladimeji: I’m passionate about agriculture, oil and gas, energy, and education, sectors that define national development.
My long-term vision is to build ventures that drive food security, power industries, and empower future generations through education. Real estate is my foundation, but impact is my bigger goal.
CA: What guiding philosophy drives your work and leadership?
Oladimeji: Create opportunities; don’t wait for them. I’ve learned that no dream is too big when backed by faith and consistency.
Whatever you envision, start where you are, with what you have, and grow from there. The future belongs to those who take action.
CA: What valuable lessons have you learned in life and business that guide your leadership today?
Oladimeji: Over the years, life and business have taught me that patience, honesty, and humility are the true pillars of leadership.
I’ve learned that success is not achieved alone, it’s built through teamwork, trust, and a shared vision.
Resilience has also shaped my journey; staying focused and moving forward despite challenges makes all the difference.
Above all, I believe that when faith, belief, and consistent effort align with clear purpose, any goal becomes achievable.
CA: How do you personally define success, both in life and in business?
Oladimeji: Success, to me, goes beyond meeting targets or achieving set goals. It’s about creating meaningful impact without compromising integrity or values.
True success is seen in the lives you touch, the trust you earn, and the legacy you build through consistency, excellence, and purpose-driven leadership.
CA: Who are some of the individuals you look up to as role models or sources of inspiration?
Oladimeji: I deeply admire visionary leaders like Tony Elumelu, Mike Adenuga, Abdul Samad Rabiu, and Seyi Tinubu, each of them embodies discipline, innovation, and impact in different ways.
Their journeys continue to inspire my commitment to building value-driven enterprises and empowering others through leadership.
From teaching in classrooms to leading one of Nigeria’s most promising real estate firms, Oladimeji Husein Nurudeen embodies a new generation of African leaders, bold, visionary, and driven by purpose.
Through Elite Pillar International Limited, he’s not just selling properties; he’s building communities, empowering investors, and redefining what it means to lead with integrity and impact.
His journey is proof that when passion meets perseverance, purpose becomes legacy.
This is Crest Africa Spotlight.
