Events

Billionaire Businessman, Razaq Okoya Celebrates Grand 85th Birthday

Published

11 months ago

January 26, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

“My prayer is to enjoy good health, long life, and leave the legacy of my industry behind. I want Eleganza to outlive me and continue with my philosophy of philanthropy.”

The array of dignitaries, and by implication, the calibre of personalities that turned out to celebrate the 85th birthday of renowned industrialist, philanthropist and nation builder, Chief Razaq Okoya, was a testimony that the ebullient go-getter has affected not a few lives.

Held in his palatial Oluwa Ni N Sola Estate residence, the event paraded a galaxy of stars including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke; former Military Governor of the Old Imo State, General Ike Nwachukwu (retd); Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Hamzat, Publisher, Ovation Group, Chief Dele Momodu, notable traditional rulers from the South West, corporate Chiefs, religious leaders, and a hits of A-list personalities.

Also in the parade of highly acclaimed individuals, who thronged the carnival-like venue was top artists, Davido and K1 the Ultimate, who seranaded the guests with their most sought after hit tracks, giving the guests a deep felt euphoria that helped the charged atmosphere of camaraderie in the hall.

Noting that “I have worked all my life, it’s time to relax”, a much elated Chief Okoya, was everywhere, giving and receiving pleasantries, betraying his four score and five years. The octogenarian, supported by his wife, Shade, was full of energy and can-do-attiude.

Born Razaq Akanni Okoya on January 12, 1940, the businessman is by every ramification a man of timbre and calibre. He is always counted among billionaire businessmen, whose stock and trade is humanity, and has primarily become the peoples general considering his philanthropic gestures, unassuming personality and not forgetting his kind mien.

Oko Shade, as most eulogists would like to fondly address him, in reference to his beautiful last wife, is a man who has achieved milestones after milestones, creating a niche for himself and for generations to come through a dint of hard work, culminating in the birth and sustenance of the formidable Eleganza Group.

Today, the man of means, humble background, father to wave makers and husband to the beautiful and glamorous Shade, has clocked 85, and he did not keep quiet about it. The efforts and means that went into the hosting of the 85th birthday, again spoke volumes of enterpreneurial height and societal cadre the billionaire businessman has climbed.

Chief Okoya, sometimes aptly described as the tailor, who became a billionaire, a business man of no mean repute as well as Aare of Lagos, have seen all there is to see, and continue to hold his head high in triumph. He was educated at Ansar-un-deen Primary School, Oke popo, Lagos. He is the owner and founder of Eleganza group of companies, which has a market spanning Western Africa.

He was born to the family of Tiamiyu Ayinde Okoya in Lagos, under whose tutelage he mastered the art of tailoring and sales of tailoring accessories. Little wonder his first career endeavour was tailoring. He combined the values his parents taught with dexterity and prudence, and saved every penny he made until he had 20 pounds. With an extra 50 pounds gift from his mother, and blessings from his father, he launched into the world of importation, and that tells the story of his meteoric rise in the world of trading.

A man of vision, he didn’t stop there, Okoya continually looked out for glimpses of opportunity to take advantage of, and that was when he realised that medals used in designing costly jewellery were readily available in Nigeria, and cheap too. He therefore, travelled abroad and bought the machines for cutting, and that was how Eleganza Jewellery came to be. With his Midas touch, the business grew in leaps and bounds, and they could hardly keep up with the demand because, the products were beautiful, durable and cheap.

Gathering more impetus, Okoya delved into more endeavours, travelled far and wide, learnt how things were manufactured and began the importation of shoes in large quantities, subsequently.

Like everything has a cause and effect, Razak Okoya later began the manufacturing of shoes himself when after placing orders for his consignments from Italy, it was not delivered in spite of his payment. To his disappointment, he realised on travelling to Italy that his money has been channeled to other things. He was so angry that he took a decision there and then to start manufacturing his own shoes. He imported all the machines and brought in some experts who trained his workers.

Chief Okoya phenomenal growth in the world of entrepreneurship could well be attributed to his ability to make a decision early in life. He has been quoted as saying that “In school, I could see my teacher in worn and often shabby clothes and at the same time, I could see the well-dressed businessmen of Dosunmu Street, the heart of business in Lagos then. It was easy for me to choose business life.” Obviously, he understood quite on time why he should opt for business at the detriment of prolonged education. And it paid off. As far as he is concerned, education gives people ‘false confidence’.

His magnificent and loud residence, nicknamed “Oluwa ni Shola” (The Lord creates wealth) Estate at Lekki/Ajah Expressway is a clear testimony of how successful he has become. The Estate, which is home to a good number of expatriates, is well equipped with uninterrupted power and water supply, marble floors, central air-conditioning, sauna, lush gardens, billiard room, tennis court, swimming pools, expensive sculptures and lots more.

His business acumen as the Chairman, has helped to tutor Eleganza Industries, and today, it produces a wide range of household goods and utensils including cutlery, collieries, food warmers, ice chest, electric fan, cosmetics and ballpoint pen.

Located at various centres including Oregun-Ikeja, Isolo, Alaba and Iganmu, Okoya’s Eleganza directly employs over five thousand Nigerians and non-Nigerians including those working in his RAO Property Investment Company. The Group is one of the biggest homegrown conglomerates in Nigeria today, with over six factories, and its products are household names in neighbouring African markets.

Explaining the secrets of business success, Okoya revealed that “You do not do business for the ego value. You go for what the people can afford. In business, you have to ensure that the masses are able to afford the cost of your products. That is one of my secrets.” He added that he was motivated by the desire to be rich, and that explains why he had to work very hard to achieve that very aim.

On politics, Okoya has made it that he is not one for that, saying he does not expose himself to intrigues. Hear him: ” I keep to myself. I do not look at other people. I am content with myself. I do not look for cheap money. I am not interested in contracts and I do not expose myself to intrigues and politics.”

Okoya’s achievements have been recognised in different spheres among which is the Lifetime Achievement Award as Business Entrepreneur of Our Time by ThisDay Newspapers. He is also a recipient of CON national honours.

A diligent and disciplined family man, Okoya has fathered many children from several marriages. One of his senior wives of over 50 years marriage is Kuburat Olayinka Okoya who had seven children. His other wives are Ajoke Okoya, Yetunde Okoya, Jennifer Okoya, Zainab Okoya.

His last wife is Shade Okoya, with whom he has four children as follows: Olamide, Subomi, Oyinlola and Wahab.

As you revel in the euphoria of four score and five years sir, we wish you the happiest of existence!

Events

Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi, Wife Olajumoke, Bag Top Yoruba Titles in Ile-Ife

Published

4 days ago

December 14, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The historic city of Ile-Ife, the domain of the influential Ooni, in Osun State, came very alive during the week, as the energetic Senator representing Osun Central in the National Assembly, Olubiyi Fadeyi Ajangunla, and his wife, Erelu Olajumoke Fadeyi, were installed as the AJAGUNLA OODUA TI ILE YORUBA and ERELU AJAGUNLA OODUA OF THE SOURCE by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at the Palace Ile-Ife.

The event reflects crowning the Ajangunla, who signifies great warrior, and protector of the entire Yoruba race; guarding and shielding the residents against external aggression. That’s the office Senator Fadeyi and his wife, Erelu Olajumoke, have ascended among the Yoruba people.

Classy and debonair, Senator Fadeyi and wife chose to make the days of the coronation one to remember, and give guests and dignitaries, who came from far and near the pampering required of a such a occasion.

The events began with a solid get together soiree, organised and held at the Harvard Hotel, where early callers were treated to good music, classy dishes and splendid entertainment, providing avenues for rewarding networking.

Attending to grateful guests, Senator Fadeyi, dressed in all white kaftan, and the Erelu in a free green and red round neck sleeveless gown, were full of smiles, acknowledging the presence of all and sundry.

With a live band dishing out evergreen music to the joy of the guests, and splendid dishes and beverages making sporadic and ceaseless rounds on the table, the evening proved to be an acceptable progenitor to the anticipated main billed for the next day.

Of course, the next day lived up to its billing with more guests storming the historic ancient city in what appeared to be everyone on white affair.

The entrance of the celebrants was a testament in elegance as traditional Palace staff, in their white loins and leopard skin, formed a two-line squad through which the Ajangunla and his wife, made their revered entry accompanied by close family members, friends and associates. The entry was followed by the loud and impressive appearance of the Ooni of Ife, signaling the beginning of the coronation ceremony.

The installation was brief, but highly monumental, bestowing the great warrior status on the couple, giving them prominence and influence, not only in Ile-Ife, but the entire Yorubaland.

With the who’s who in Yorubaland in attendance, the goodwill messages began to flow, acknowledging the Ooni first as a primus interperes, who has reign over the kingdom in 10 fruitful years, and the newly crowned couple for their steadfast contributions to the uplifting of the society, with special mention of their immediate locality, Ile-Ife and Osun State.

It was therefore, with pride that the couple took their first sacred steps as the Ajangunla Oodua and Erelu Ajangunla Oodua in preparation to begin an gracious duty of standing for the Yoruba race at all times.

Thereafter, the mother of all reception was held at an outdoor ground of the Obafemi Awolowo University with the best of music, from the evergreen voices of Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, and Yinka Ayefele, just a-list dishes, beverages and accurate networking flowed freely on the night.

Among very important personalities that graced the event with their presence were the Deji Of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi; the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin; the Alara of Ilara, Oba Folarin Ogunsanwo; the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; Osun State Council of Obas, Firstlady of Ondo State Lady Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, Princess Toyin Kolade, Mr Kayode Kolade, Chief Alex Duduyemi and a host of there.

PRESIDENT TINUBU GREETS AJAGUNLA ON CORONATION

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warmly congratulates Senator Olubiyi Oluwole Fadeyi, Senator representing Osun Central Senatorial District, on his prestigious conferment as the “Ajagunnla-Oodua Ti Ile Yoruba” by the Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

President Tinubu describes the honour as well-deserved in recognition of Senator Fadeyi’s distinguished service to the advancement of his community, the Yoruba nation, and Nigeria as a whole.

The President notes that the Ajagunnla-Oodua title carries profound cultural significance within the Yoruba traditional institution and reflects the Ooni’s confidence in Senator Fadeyi’s character, contributions, and devotion to the values of unity, peace building, and development.

“Senator Fadeyi has shown exemplary dedication to public service and the upliftment of his people. This honour from the Ooni of Ife is not only a personal milestone but also a national celebration of excellence, integrity, and cultural heritage,” the President says.

President Tinubu commends the Ooni of Ife for continuing to uphold the revered Yoruba traditions by recognising individuals who embody leadership, compassion, and communal responsibility.

He prays that the new Ajagunnla-Oodua will be strengthened with greater wisdom and renewed commitment as he undertakes his latest responsibility.

Events

Elderly Community Outreach Brings Hope, Wellness to Ikorodu Seniors

Published

1 month ago

November 15, 2025

Eric

The Leezeet Tender Heart Foundation, in partnership with Divine Care Hub, has held an inspiring Elderly Community Outreach Programme in Ikorodu.

Led by the founder, Mrs. Elizabeth Adegbite, the event celebrated and supported senior citizens, widows, and orphans, highlighting the importance of mental, physical, and social well-being for older adults.

The programme, themed “Promoting Economic Empowerment & Mental Wellness Among Older Adults,” included prayers, praise and worship, gentle exercises, massage therapy, nutrition talks, and economic empowerment sessions. Ms. Abimbola Shaba shared tips on Affordable Nutrition and Healthy Living for the Elderly, while Mrs. Adigun and Ms. Loveth highlighted social welfare and economic opportunities.

Creative moments included a heartfelt poem by Mrs. Grace Oni and a colorful senior fashion parade coordinated by Mrs. Oladehinde, reminding everyone that style has no age limit. The event was beautifully anchored by MC Mrs. Adebo and concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Fabunmi.

Mrs. Adegbite called on the Ikorodu community, NGOs, and individuals to step up interventions for the elderly, stressing that together, communities can ensure dignity, care, and hope for all seniors.

Events

Princess Emily Teniade Ogunsakin Celebrates 90th Birthday in Style

Published

1 month ago

November 8, 2025

Eric

By Ruth Akpan Photos: Tunde Bolarinwa

The city of Ile-Ife lit up in colours penultimate week as the matriarch of the Ogunsakin family, Princess Emily Teniade Ogunsakin, was celebrated by family members, friends, associates and well wishers as she joined the nonagerian club.

It was a moment of grace and gratitude as all and sundry gathered to honour a remarkable woman of faith and grace, who joyfully marked her 90th birthday. The milestone event, hosted by her children led by Asiwaju Segun Ogunsakin, was a heartfelt celebration of a matriarch whose life has been defined by devotion, discipline, and divine favour.

The celebration began in the most fitting way; with praises and prayers at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ayegbaju, Ile-Ife. The church, filled with joyful hymns and the fragrance of thanksgiving, echoed with gratitude as Mama, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and loved ones, gave thanks to God for nine decades of His faithfulness.

The service was officiated by Rt. Rev. Olubunmi A. Akinlade, Bishop of the Diocese of Ife (Anglican Communion), who in his sermon extolled the celebrant’s unwavering commitment to the things of God. The Bishop described Mama as “a vessel of grace” whose life of prayer and humility has shaped generations.

He encouraged her to continue steadfastly in prayer, noting that “a mother’s prayer is the greatest covering a family can have.” His message resonated deeply with the congregation, serving as a reminder of the quiet but powerful influence of a godly matriarch.

The service was rich in hymns, scriptural readings and heartfelt prayers. The high point came when Mama, radiant and energetic, was called forward for a special thanksgiving. With graceful steps, she danced to the altar, her face glowing with joy and gratitude; a living testimony of strength at 90.

The service concluded with special prayers for her continued health, peace and prosperity. The congregation also joined in a stirring rendition of the “Happy Birthday” song, filling the sanctuary with warmth and celebration. A short photo session followed with the clergy and family, capturing moments that reflected the beauty of faith, family, and longevity.

From the church, guests proceeded to the Ojaja Arena, Ile-Ife for the grand reception. The spacious venue had been beautifully transformed into a scene of elegance and colour to reflect royalty befitting for a princess.

The event was masterfully compered by Yinka Salawu, who kept the guests entertained throughout the programme.

One after another, family members and friends took turns to share glowing tributes about the celebrant. Her children spoke of her as a prayer warrior, a pillar of wisdom, and a mother whose life of integrity continues to guide their paths. Friends described her as compassionate, disciplined, and deeply God-fearing.

For the Ogunsakin family, the day was not just about age; it was a celebration of legacy, values and enduring strength of a mother’s love.

The cutting of the beautifully designed birthday cake, surrounded by her children was a joyful moment. The hall came alive with applause, laughter, camera flashes and toast in honour of a woman who is well-loved by all.

Guests were later treated to a lavish spread of local and continental dishes, complemented by an array of drinks while the Adonai Band serenaded the gathering with a medley of gospel and highlife tunes, keeping the atmosphere vibrant and festive with melodies that carried both nostalgia and joy.