Razaq Akanni Okoya, the founder of Eleganza Industrial City Limited and the Aare of Lagos, has opened up about how his humble beginnings shaped his journey to becoming a billionaire.
In a recent interview, Okoya said his story started not in a classroom, but in his father’s tailoring shop, where he spent much of his early life. Instead of focusing on formal education, he learned the basics of trade by selling buttons and tailoring materials, an experience he says sparked his passion for business.
According to him, that early exposure gave him direction in life. He explained that once he discovered what he wanted to do, he stayed committed to it, a decision he credits for his success today. He also acknowledged the role his parents played in guiding him, adding that he has no regrets about his path.
However, Okoya expressed concern about the younger generation, saying many today prefer to do things their own way rather than follow parental guidance.
“Children of nowadays have their own ideas. They are not listening. They want to do things their own way… some are working, but not all,” he said, noting that children from strong industrial backgrounds often have better chances when they follow their parents’ footsteps.
He added that building a business from scratch in today’s economy is far more difficult, and revealed that even his own children are choosing independent paths rather than joining his business empire.
“So a lot of my children don’t want to follow me. They want to be on their own. I wish them good luck,” he said.
Despite this, Okoya stressed that his passion remains industry. He said he wants his legacy to be defined by manufacturing and industrial growth, not just wealth.
“I have passion for industry. I want to be known as an industrialist. My legacy is industry, so I have to keep it going,” he said.
His remarks have since sparked reactions online, with many users interpreting his message as a reflection on generational differences and the challenges of sustaining family business empires in today’s economy.
Ultimately, Okoya’s story reinforces a simple theme: early discipline, focus, and mentorship can shape long-term success — even if the path looks different for each generation.
