The Man Who Built a Cashless City

Visionary Leader Brings Ancient City-Building Spirit to Modern Nigeria – Degini writes from Maryland, USA.

IBADAN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA – In a remarkable feat of modern city-building, Engr. Dotun Sanusi, CEO of Ilaji Hotels and Resort, has successfully developed a self-sustaining city within Ibadan, Nigeria’s largest city. This achievement is reminiscent of the great cities built by empires of the past, where visionaries brought together skilled laborers to create thriving metropolises.

A City Within a City

Ilaji Resort is a sprawling development that boasts an impressive array of infrastructure, including:

• A state-of-the-art stadium
• Modern sports facilities
• Luxurious hotels and apartments
• Fine dining restaurants
• And a legion of workers who call the city home

The sheer scale and complexity of the project are a testament to Dotun Sanusi’s exceptional leadership skills. His ability to bring together architects, engineers, builders, and other skilled professionals to create this city is a remarkable achievement. Imagine building a small city in a village and in the most underdeveloped community in Oyo State at the time with the poorest internally generated revenue (IGR) yet with a famous history well known to Nigeria, that of the Agbekoyas!

A Leader with a Vision

Dotun Sanusi’s vision for Ilaji Resort is not just about building a city; it’s about creating a community. A place where people can live, work, and thrive.

His leadership style is characterized by:

• Professionalism: Dotun Sanusi’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence are evident in every aspect of the city.
• Foresight: He has a clear vision for the future and is able to bring people together to achieve it.
• Courage: It takes courage to embark on a project of this scale, and Dotun Sanusi has demonstrated remarkable bravery in the face of challenges and according to him because of the covenant he has with God.
• Determination: He is driven to succeed and has overcome numerous obstacles to bring his vision to life.
• Compassion: Dotun Sanusi’s commitment to his workers and the community is evident in the care and attention he has brought to the project.
• Integrity: He operates with the highest level of integrity, ensuring that every aspect of the city is built to last.

A Beacon of Hope for Nigeria’s Future

Another interesting aspect of this small city nested in the heart of Oloyo village in Akanran community is that cash is not accepted anywhere in the Resort. The authorities have it as a policy to report any staff collecting cash for appropriate sanction. This forward-thinking approach by the management aims to reduce the complexities of cash transactions and aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s cashless policy, designed to combat financial irregularities and criminal activities.

This pioneering move showcases Ilaji Resort as a beacon of excellence, exemplifying what can be achieved with visionary leadership and a commitment to innovation. Dotun Sanusi’s remarkable achievement is a testament to the “pacesetter” spirit of Oyo State, renowned for its history of groundbreaking projects. By embracing a cashless system, Ilaji Resort sets a shining example for others to follow, demonstrating that Nigeria is capable of building exceptional cities that rival those of the past.

As Nigeria looks to the future, it is clear that leaders like Sanusi will be essential in driving progress and development. His achievement is a beacon of hope, inspiring others to strive for greatness.