Personality in Focus
GText @16: We’ve Equipped Aspiring Entrepreneurs, Raised 60,000 Millionaires, Developed 25 Luxury Estates – Dr. Akintayo
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By Eric Elezuo
From the humblest of beginnings in 2008, GText Holdings Limited has grown in leaps and bounds, gathering accolades, encomiums, and growth and development as 16 years roll by.
This was the submission of the Group Chairman, Dr. Stephen Akintayo, while addressing the media, as he reeled out the text of success stories that trailed the organisation in 16 years since 2008, expanding to accommodate GText and Associates, GText Land, GText Homes, GText Suites, Gvest and Stephen Akintayo Foundation. All these subsidiaries have since grown independently, carving a niche for themselves in global competition, and maintaining a market lead in their various areas of endeavours.
“It’s humbling however, to note that I started my business with one thousand naira, and for us to be in the four continents of the world, I had to keep proving myself,” he said.
Established on May 21, 2008, in a hostel room of about 12 by 15 feet, the Gtext brands have over the years seen the good, the bad and the ugly, but has stayed focused to the dream, and today, is a force to reckon with in the global business world.
A soft spoken go-getter, the story of Stephen Akintayo and to a large extent, Gtext, is a practically example of the proverbial leap from grass to grace, and tells a narrative filled with determination, resilience and focus. His life trajectory culminates in why everyone is a candidate of success, irrespective of the background.
He told journalists in his Ikoyi office, and via his social media handles, how he doggedly built his empire via strategic marketing advantages, and rising to the status of king of real estate, as well as how a team of hardnut-to-crack management team, has sustained the growth to its present magnanimous level.
“Exactly 16 years ago, we registered Gtext and Stephen Akintayo Foundation, the name then was Gileadbalm.
“This company started in my Campus 12by 15feet hostel room turn office and accomodation. My first Full time Employee is a guy name Busayo who had 3month compulsory internship and didn’t want to leave Ago-Iwoye and ask to work for Me. He will resume in that 12 by 15 feet room office and run errands. The scripture that says; “Though thy beginning was small, Yet thy latter end should greatly increase.” Job 8:7 KJV
“We started very small with many businesses that failed even before I registered the company but one business became our identity, Bulk SMS. Started this with 1000 naira (10USD that’s time estate rate) our projection will see us control real estate asset worth over 2billion dollars in the next 5years, particularly our international operations. Only God could have gotten us this far in life and business.
“Many don’t know that our foundation was bigger in name and brand than the for-profit business. Infinity Foundation which later change to Stephen Akintayo Foundation started with Campus students wanted to help the poor particularly orphans and widows. I was poor myself, yet wanting to make others rich.
“As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” 2 Corinthians 6:10 KJV. I was a student for Christ sake yet we will raise Millions of Naira to do project with orphanages . Will use my school fees and accomodation rent money just because I wanted to see changes. After I got tired and frustrated by people who pledge towards our project and disappoint , I decided to make the business arm more central and what I make from my business, I can then put into charity which is what we now do today.
“In All! God has been good to us as a company! We have moved from one estate to over 30 cut across 7 states in Nigeria and also in USA. We have moved from one employee to over 300 in 4 continents namely Africa, UK, Dubai for Middle East, USA for The Americas. Thank you to all who keep faith with us. We are grateful,” the seasoned entrepreneur said.
Acknowledging that he was pushed to work hardest because of the need to be financially free, he noted that he embraced entrepreneurship very eary in life.
“At the age of 17/18, I read the books that changed my life. I read Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Think and Grow Rich and others. The books woke me up to know that it is not degrees that is going to make me rich. It made me know that degree is just about going to school and being enlightened. If I want to be rich, I needed to do a trade. Having gone through that book at the age of 18, I started my first business as a very shy person, and my first business was multilevel marketing of food supplement by GNLD. It was difficult to market a drug, as I couldn’t look a potential customer in the face, but the book I read said if I could do this, I would become rich. So I had to.
“I started business by selling e-books from day one in the university. I was just sold to doing business; hawked electronics and all stuffs. I failed many times doing business but I kept at it because I had no choice, and because we were not rich and money was always an issue, so I just had to keep at it and that was it for me,” he informed.
Over the years, Akintayo and Gtext has providing affordable accommodations to all strata of clients ranging from the low to the upper class.
Today, Gtext land boasts of 25 luxury estates with 16 already launched and five fully developed just as nine estates are in pre-launch stages. Also, Gtext Suites have offered ownership of smart homes in prestigious areas like Sangotedo and Banana Island. The magnanimity of this project allows anyone who sells up to three property, an opportunity of an all expense trip to Jordan.
In the same vein, GText and Associates, alongside Stephen Akintayo Foundation has organised over 100 Certified Real Estate Masterclasses and enhanced realtors’ global real estate expertise. They have also initiated and executed over 50 all expense paid trips, which created opportunities for business growth as well as raising over 60,000 persons to the millionaire cadre.
Gvest, the investment of the Holdings, has succeeded in paying Return on Investment (ROI) to investors. The company has seamlessly perfected its operational base, laying a foundation that affords clients effortless utilization of the GSAVE app.
The Stephen Akintayo Foundation arm of the Holdings has been in the forefront of equipping aspiring entrepreneurs through real estate investment masterclasses as well as promoting global finance literacy via a successful family finance conference.
The company plans a gala nite for management, staff and the general public on June 1, 2024, to celebrate the landmark achievements of the past 16 years.
This is wishing Dr. Stephen Akintayo and the entire Gtext family a wonderful 16th Anniversary celebration, and many more years of market leadership.
Distinguished legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, has reached another defining milestone in his illustrious career after earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) honours in Law from Babcock University.
The new feat is a definite declaration that his academic journey is far from over just as he seeks the next frontier – professorship.
Ubani was among a select group of scholars conferred with doctoral degrees during the university’s 2026 convocation ceremony, an event that celebrated academic excellence, research and innovation. The colourful ceremony attracted government officials, members of the Bench and Bar, academics, family members and well-wishers from across the country, National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who attended the convocation as a special guest, congratulated the graduating students on their academic accomplishments and challenged them to deploy their knowledge, research and expertise towards national development. He also commended Babcock University for its sustained commitment to quality education, impactful research and the development of highly skilled professionals.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Afolarin Ojewole, described the convocation as a celebration of discipline, sacrifice, resilience and scholarly excellence. “Earning a PhD represents years of rigorous research, critical inquiry and unwavering commitment to knowledge,” he said, noting that the achievement reflected not only the graduates’ determination but also the invaluable support of supervisors, lecturers, families, friends and the wider academic community. He added that the newly conferred doctoral graduates now bear the responsibility of contributing meaningfully to public policy, professional practice, national development and the global body of knowledge through research and innovation.
Among the highlights of the ceremony was the conferment of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law on Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, whose latest academic accomplishment further reinforces his reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost legal minds and a passionate advocate of lifelong learning.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the ceremony, the elated Ubani described the doctoral journey as one of the most intellectually demanding experiences of his life. “The journey does not end with the graduation ceremony. There are still administrative processes to complete. It is a very rigorous journey, but it is worth every sacrifice,” he said.
He encouraged professionals across different fields, including journalists, to embrace higher education, describing the PhD as “the last bus stop of knowledge.”
“I recommend a PhD for everyone, including journalists, if you can. It is a worthwhile experience that broadens your knowledge and perspective,” he stated.
Despite attaining one of the highest academic qualifications available, Ubani revealed that his ambitions remain alive. “The next step is professorship. I’m going for it. I want to start lecturing. Once I have a university where I’m lecturing, I will begin writing more. I’m a good writer; I even write better than I speak. By the grace of God, I believe He will make it happen. I have become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, I have become a doctor, and I also hope to become a professor,” he said.
Offering words of encouragement to young Nigerians, Ubani urged them to remain steadfast in pursuing their aspirations through perseverance, diligence and faith.
“My message to the younger generation is that they must persevere. But, most importantly, they must know God. If you have God in your life, there is nothing you cannot achieve. There is nothing you cannot do if God is with you,” he said.
He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to his family, mentors, colleagues and friends for their unwavering support throughout the demanding doctoral programme, describing the achievement as a testament to God’s grace, hard work and the encouragement of those who believed in him. The convocation concluded with the formal conferment of doctoral degrees on successful candidates, as Babcock University charged the new PhD holders to uphold the highest standards of scholarship, integrity and service while applying their research to address societal challenges and advance national development.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has announced the passing of his immediate elder brother, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi.
The monarch made the announcement in a statement released on Sunday through the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal.
Describing the late prince as a respected businessman and compassionate leader, the Ooni said Prince Adetunji lived a life dedicated to service, humility and the wellbeing of others.
According to the statement, the death of Prince Adetunji has left a deep void in the Ogunwusi family, the Ojaja Royal Dynasty and the entire Ile-Ife Kingdom.
Prince Adetunji, who was born on December 8, 1967, was a member of the Ojaja lineage of the Giesi Ruling House in Ile-Ife. He was also the Group Chairman of Primewaterview Holdings, where he earned recognition for his contributions to business development and entrepreneurship.
The Ooni noted that his late brother built a reputation as an innovative entrepreneur and visionary leader. Through his business activities, he created opportunities for many people and contributed to economic growth in different sectors.
The monarch further stated that beyond his achievements in business, Prince Adetunji was known for his generosity, kindness and commitment to humanitarian causes. He was said to have quietly supported many individuals and families, offering assistance, guidance and encouragement whenever needed.
The statement added that Prince Adetunji’s influence extended beyond the corporate world, as he remained deeply connected to his roots and maintained a strong interest in the progress and development of Ile-Ife and its people.
The Ooni described his late brother as a dependable adviser, a loving family member and a man whose legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
Family members, friends, associates and well wishers have continued to pay tribute to the late prince, remembering him for his humility, wisdom and positive impact on society.
The palace said further details regarding funeral arrangements and other ceremonies would be announced by the family in due course.
Prince Adetunji’s death marks a significant loss to the royal family and the people of Ile-Ife, who will remember him for his service, leadership and dedication to humanity.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has elected Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as its next president after she polled the most votes when voting officially ended Sunday morning.
Mrs Badejo-Okusanya, the only female among the three presidential candidates, polled 12,317 votes to emerge the winner of the election, which was held through electronic voting for 24 hours. from 7:35 a.m. on Saturday to 7:34 a.m. on Sunday
She defeated her two challengers, polling 47.18 per cent of the 26,106 ballots cast in the presidential election, based on the final tally…
