Lifestyle
PHOTOS: Razaq Akanni Okoya CON (born 12 January 1940)
Razaq Akanni Okoya CON (born 12 January 1940) is a Nigerian billionaire industrialist, philanthropist, and the Aare of Lagos. He is the founder and owner of the Eleganza Group of Companies, one of Nigeria’s leading manufacturing conglomerates.
Early Life
Okoya is a Yoruba man from the southwestern part of Nigeria. He was born into the family of Tiamiyu Ayinde Okoya in Lagos. He attended Ansar-Un-Deen Primary School in Oke Popo, which was his only formal schooling.
From a young age, he worked in his father’s tailoring business, which also involved the sale of tailoring accessories. This experience gave him the skills and confidence to start tailoring on his own. Through disciplined saving, he accumulated £20, and with an additional £50 from his mother—and the blessing of his father—he began importing and trading goods from Japan, laying the foundation for his future enterprise.
Eleganza Group and Business Growth
Starting as an importer, Okoya gradually transformed his business into full-scale manufacturing.
Eleganza Group evolved from a small trading operation into one of Nigeria’s largest producers of consumer goods. The company manufactures a wide range of products including shoes, luggage, plastics, chairs, household items, and other essential goods, making Eleganza a household name across Nigeria and beyond.
Recognition and National Honors
Okoya is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential and successful businessmen. His contributions to industrial development and job creation have earned him multiple awards and honors.
He holds the prestigious national honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in recognition of his outstanding impact on Nigeria’s economic growth.
Philanthropy and Legacy
Beyond business, Okoya is a prominent philanthropist known for his contributions to education, community development, and cultural heritage. His charitable efforts and role as a mentor to emerging entrepreneurs have further cemented his legacy as a transformative figure in Nigeria’s private sector.
As the Aare of Lagos, Okoya also plays a significant cultural and traditional role, reflecting his commitment to preserving Yoruba heritage and promoting communal values.
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