Razaq Okoya, founder of Eleganza Industrial City Limited and the Aare of Lagos, has shared how his journey to wealth was heavily influenced by his upbringing and early exposure to trade through his late father
In a fresh interview that gained attention on Wednesday, the billionaire industrialist recounted how his father, who worked as a tailor and sold tailoring materials, introduced him to business from a young age.
Despite being enrolled in school, Okoya explained that his father prioritized hands-on learning over formal education, keeping him actively involved in the family’s tailoring business.
He noted that selling items like buttons and other materials sparked his interest in both fashion and entrepreneurship, shaping the direction of his career.
“Right from my youth, I determine what I want to be. My father is a tailor, and he sells tailoring materials. I went to school, but my father didn’t allow me much, because I have to be in his shop, keep on doing tailoring, selling buttons and everything.”
Okoya said those early experiences helped him find clarity about his future and build a successful path without regrets.
“From there I get my fashion. From there I specialise in what I want to do in life and I’ve done it very successfully. I have no regret at all. I thank him so much, and with my mother’s support.So these have been helping me quite a lot.”
He also reflected on changing attitudes among younger generations, observing that many prefer to follow their own instincts rather than heed parental guidance.
“But Children of nowadays, they have their own ideas. They hardly listen to you. They want to do it their own way, 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, But to be on your own now and start growing into the economy is not easy,” he said.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
Because they are better