The founder of Eleganza Industrial City Limited and the Aare of Lagos, Razaq Okoya, has discussed how his early exposure to trade through his late father and his upbringing had a significant impact on his path to wealth.
The billionaire businessman described how his father, a tailor who also sold tailoring supplies, exposed him to business at an early age in a recent interview that garnered attention on Wednesday.
Okoya clarified that even though he was enrolled in school, his father kept him actively involved in the family’s tailoring business because he valued practical learning over formal education.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.
Razaq Okoya’s reflection highlights the evolving nature of family dynamics and the importance of supporting individual aspirations. While parents may have a clear vision for their children’s future, it is essential to recognize and respect their desire to carve out their own unique paths.
Embracing this independence can lead to a more harmonious relationship and allow the next generation to flourish in their chosen pursuits.
Ultimately, understanding and flexibility are key to nurturing a successful and balanced family life
