Chief Razaq Akanni Okoya, a prominent Nigerian billionaire and founder of Eleganza Industrial City Limited, has opened up about his journey to success, attributing his achievements to early exposure to entrepreneurship through his father’s tailoring business. Known as the Aare of Lagos, Okoya shared insights during a recent interview, highlighting how selling buttons and sewing accessories in his father’s shop shaped his business mindset from a young age. He emphasized that his father, who was both a tailor and a supplier of tailoring materials, limited his formal education to immerse him in the family trade, a decision he now sees as foundational to his success.
Okoya recalled that his early years in the shop gave him clarity on his future path and helped him determine what he wanted to become. He credited both his late father and mother for their unwavering support, stating he has no regrets about the foundation they laid for him. The industrialist believes that hands-on experience during childhood played a crucial role in building his ambition and expertise, ultimately leading to his rise as a major figure in Nigeria’s manufacturing and industrial sector.
However, Okoya expressed concern over the changing dynamics within his own family, noting that many of his older children prefer to chart their own course rather than join his business empire. “I have a big problem because many of my senior boys and girls don’t want to follow me. They want to do things on their own. Good luck to them,” he said. He acknowledged that while some young people succeed independently, others benefit more from structured family or industrial backgrounds, a contrast to the way he was raised.
He also observed that today’s youth approach life and business differently, often rejecting parental guidance in favor of pursuing their own ideas. “Children of nowadays have their own ideas. They are not listening to you. They want to do it their own way,” he noted. Despite this generational shift, Okoya remains committed to expanding his industrial legacy and ensuring sustainable growth for future generations.
Okoya’s reflections have sparked widespread discussion on social media, with users praising his journey and acknowledging the wisdom in his words. Comments from Twitter users like @AdewunmiPatrick and @_Koyum highlighted the inspirational nature of his story, while others noted the subtle message he may be sending to his children. His story underscores the enduring value of early exposure to business and the evolving relationship between parents and children in Nigeria’s modern entrepreneurial landscape. As Okoya continues to build his industrial empire, his legacy will likely inspire both young entrepreneurs and families navigating the challenges of generational business succession.
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