Nigerian industrialist Chief Razaq Akanni Okoya, founder of Eleganza Industrial City Limited and the Aare of Lagos, has opened up about how following his late father's path made him a billionaire. He also revealed that his elderly children hardly listen to him and prefer to pursue their own ideas.
Early Influence from Father's Tailoring Shop
During a recent interview, Okoya traced his journey back to his father's tailoring shop. He explained that his passion for business began when his father, a tailor who also sold tailoring materials, kept him in the shop rather than allowing him much schooling. Working in his father's shop, selling buttons and other materials, helped him discover what he wanted to do in life.
Building a Billion-Dollar Empire
The billionaire businessman revealed that he determined his career path from a young age and specialized in it very successfully. He credited his late father and mother's support for helping him achieve his dreams, adding that he has no regrets about the path he took. However, Okoya noted that children nowadays have different ideas and refuse to listen to their parents' guidance.
"Children of nowadays, they have their own ideas. They are not listening to you. They want to do it their own way. They want to eat their own, which is not really working. Some are working, but not all, unless most of them who have a very good children background, an industrial background, they have to follow their parents to grow," he said.
Challenges of Today's Economy
Okoya pointed out that starting and growing a business independently in today's economy is not easy. He disclosed that he has a big problem because many of his children do not want to follow him and prefer to be on their own. "So a lot of my senior boys, senior girls, they don't want to follow me. They want to be on their own. They want to do things on their own. Good luck to them," he added.
Passion for Industry
Razaq Okoya emphasized his passion for industry, stating that he wants to be known as an industrialist and wants his legacy to be industry. "I have passion for industry. I want to be known for industrialists. I want to be tomorrow, my legacy is industry, so I have to keep it going," he said.
Public Reactions
Netizens reacted to Okoya's interview, with comments ranging from admiration to skepticism. @AdewunmiPatrick said, "What a success story." @officialcheda01 commented, "Thought his son said he de hawk for road during his days." @tobthrive wrote, "He sent a subtle message to his kids." @_Koyum reacted, "I've taken a lot of insights from this, and I'm very impressed with the way he understands the youthful experience today."
Handing Over to Younger Children
Earlier, Okoya explained why he plans to hand over his business empire to his younger children from his last wife. He said this decision followed concerns about some older children not fully embracing the business, while stressing the need for early training and discipline. Okoya added that he is already preparing the younger ones with hands-on experience, saying they must learn focus, honesty, determination, and punctuality to succeed.
