Business guru and founder of Eleganza conglomerate, Chief Rasak Okoya, has said he has never considered going into politics, despite his influence and popularity.
The industrialist and philanthropist who clocked 85 Sunday (today) said he is more interested in doing God’s will rather than join politics, He said, “As I always say, a good carpenter cannot sew clothes. I am a good industrialist. God has helped me thus far. Although some politicians are my good friends, I don’t know much about politics. I am doing God’s will where he has positioned me. I am too busy with my factory to think about dabbling into politics. It has never crossed my mind,” he stated.
Born on January 12, 1940, to Tiamiyu Ayinde and Alhaja Idiatu Okoya, in Lagos, the billionaire industrialist attended Ansar-Un-Deen Primary School, Oke Popo, Lagos. And from such humble beginnings in the heart of Lagos Island (Epetedo area), he soon made it clear that his heart was set on becoming a businessman. His story, today, will never be forgotten in a hurry in this part of the world. Having displayed sharp business acumen and drive to achieve great success, the young Okoya has started his own business at the age of 14.
“Honesty, focus, determination, self-belief, and passion for what you do are key ingredients to being successful and wealthy. When I started, out I guarded my resources jealously because I believed as an industrialist, the money might come in volume and once you are determined to put the money back into that business and you don’t waste it, you will see the result.
“I have been busy all my life with business, construction, trading to the extent that I didn’t have time for social life at the initial stage. And to have sustained all this over the last six decades is by commitment, hard work and the grace of God. I believe success isn’t elusive to those who dare,” he said.
An enigma, the Aare of Lagos inhabits a world that shimmers in style as an industrialist and a philanthropist. With him, the world of business would always appear like a piece of cake.
As a business mogul, he is also a property tycoon. His legacy in the real estate sector is conspicuous, as many of the landmarks on both sides of the 80-kilometre Lekki-Epe Expressway are adorned with Eleganza Properties, providing choice properties and accommodation for the middle and higher classes of the Nigerian society while also providing employment opportunities for artisans, engineers, architects, and others skilled and unskilled workers across the Eleganza estates.
Dwelling on his personal view during visits outside the shores of Nigeria, the 85-year-old magnate stated that the government should provide small-scale equipment and machinery for small-scale production lines and sell it to the youths who have acquired the skills and graduated from the training school of their specialised area on the basis of loans with low-interest rates.
Ever looking at issues from the perspective of industry and entrepreneurship, Chief Okoya added: “I have always preached and prayed that every state of all 36 states, including FCT in Nigeria, would have an industrial zone in the outskirts of the cities with residential accommodation to ameliorate the lives of citizens. This would stop the movements of our youths migrating from rural areas to urban cities.”
Speaking about what it means to be 85, Chief Okoya said, “All my life, at 85 years, has been spent in the industries I built. I derive my happiness on production lines, which I have found to be very interesting; it keeps me busy and fulfilled all the time, and I continuously pray for Nigeria every minute to be an industrialised country.”
Now that he is above 80, Okoya said he may consider slowing down. He said, “In a few years time, I may quit or slow down. Luckily, I have a younger wife, Shade, who is interested and committed to this dream as well. She is always in the factory from 7 am to 7 pm. I have worked throughout my life. It’s time to relax.”
Talking about life at 85, Okoya said, “My prayer is to enjoy good health, long life and leave the legacy of my industry behind as I want Eleganza to outlive me and continue with my philosophy of philanthropy.”
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
