School of Estate Hosts Inaugural 1-Day Strategy Event
Top real estate executives and industry thought leaders convened for the inaugural 1-Day Strategy event hosted by School of Estate, where they explored key topics such as innovation, investment, and the evolving real estate landscape.
The event featured a distinguished panel of speakers, including industry luminaries such as Engineer Debo Adejana, a renowned real estate strategist; Jubril Abdulahi Salaudeen, Director Executive Education and Consultancy; Nkemdilim Iheanachor, Senior Lecturer, Strategy and International Business in Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University. The panel addressed the theme "Positioning your real estate company to lead and last," providing valuable insights into the current state of the industry and strategies for success in a rapidly changing market.
“One of the biggest mistakes companies make is focusing only on sales while neglecting compliance and innovation,” ‘Debo Adejana, Director of Studies at the School of Estate & Business noted, addressing a room filled with industry stakeholders. He pointed to the collapse of companies that ignored building regulations and failed to adapt to technological advancements. “The businesses that lead and last are those that embrace change and play by the rules.”
“It’s not the lack of opportunities that ruins businesses; it’s poor financial management,” Adejana stated emphatically during the session. He dissected case studies of failed ventures, highlighting how misallocation of funds, over-leveraging, and lack of financial transparency led to their downfall. “If you don’t have strong financial discipline, your project will become a liability rather than an asset.”
In his address, Jubril A. Salaudeen, PhD, FCIM(Lon), FIPSN shared insights on competitive advantage. “A competitive advantage isn’t about having the best product in absolute terms, it’s about being the best option in the eyes of your customers. Too many businesses fall into the trap of self-congratulation, obsessing over their internal excellence rather than their competitive position. The reality—the market doesn’t reward effort; it rewards relevance."
Dr. Nkemdilim Iheanachor didn’t mince words: “Brilliant execution isn’t about having the best ideas; it’s about leadership. More leadership. And then even more leadership!” He stressed that many real estate firms don’t fail because they lack a strategy but because they lack the discipline to implement it effectively. From middle management to frontline staff, strategy execution requires alignment, accountability, and an unwavering commitment from top leadership.
Addressing the core challenges in Nigeria’s real estate sector, Dr. Iheanachor identified regulatory bottlenecks, financing constraints, and the lack of skilled labor as major stumbling blocks. However, he offered a clear solution: “Success in real estate is not about avoiding challenges but mastering the art of strategic trade-offs. The companies that win are those that make conscious decisions about what to do—and what NOT to do.” His final call to action? Build resilience, embrace innovation, and execute with precision.
The 1-Day Strategy event, organized by School of Estate, sought to provide industry professionals with valuable insights, hands-on training, and networking opportunities. The event aimed to enhance the professional development of real estate practitioners by bringing together renowned experts and thought leaders, fostering discussions on pivotal issues shaping the industry. The inaugural event set the stage for future engagements dedicated to advancing the real estate sector, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among industry stakeholders.
As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, School of Estate remains committed to equipping industry professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by an ever-changing market.
