Personality in Focus
I’m Looking Forward to Creating Jobs for 10, 000 Nigerians – Bayo Fatusin
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By Eric Elezuo
Humble, humane and extremely accommodating, Bayo Fatusin is one of Nigeria’s prolific entrepreneurs, busy building industries to absorb the crowd of unemployed youths and professionals. In this brief chat at one his hotels, House J, situated at the highbrow GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, he highlighted what it means to be fulfilled, saying the happiness of the common man on the street is the only reason one can confidently say he is fulfilled among many other ground breaking revelations. Excerpts:
Can we meet you sir?
My name is Bayo Fatusin. I am an entrepreneur. I am from Ondo town in Ondo State. Among the many institutions I attended is the University of Lagos where I studied History and Strategic Studies. I am a practicing Christian, and I believe in God.
What kind of business are you into, and can you itemize it?
I will rather say we, because I am never alone and I can’t do it alone. So, we are into Construction, Real Estate, Agriculture; and as you know agriculture is the new frontier in Africa now, and we are investing heavily in it. Also, we are into hospitality among many other businesses I do for now.
As a business man in Nigeria, what are the challenges?
Doing business in Nigeria is a huge task, and the challenges are enormous, especially when you talk about power, funding and the likes. But what can we do, we believe in the system; we believe in Nigeria, and we believe in what we can do for our people. Therefore, we would stay and work things out until it gets better and better.
Most businesses have folded up as a result of the harsh economic realities, but your organizations are still standing strong. In what way have you been able to surmount these challenges?
By being proactive and continually thinking out of the box. The change we are talking about must practically start from us; within our own establishments – meaning that we have to be a good example to our staff, and we have to advice them to be good example to others and do the right thing. We know the government cannot take care of everything, so the need to support the government has made us refuse to give up. We are supporting the government with the use of Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs). And of course with a lot of social corporate responsibility initiatives to affect the general public as well as making sure that we build and educate people.
While other companies were downsizing and relieving workers of their jobs as the recession bites harder, none of your organizations was reported to have sacked staff. How were you able to retain your workforce during the recession?
That credit belongs to God for not allowing us to retrench our staff during the recession. Moreover, discipline was our watchword, and we tell ourselves the whole truth. There was no room for waste in our system, and a lot of sacrifices were made. We insisted on prudency, and cut down on unnecessary cost and spending; that was how we managed ourselves out of the recession period. Whatever we don’t need, we don’t go for it, and we only sort what we needed. And to the glory of God we are still standing today.
How many people have you empowered as part of your corporate social responsibility?
We are busy creating more employments, and we do that by creating more businesses, and looking for ways to create more businesses. And it is for this reason that we recently diversified into agriculture, and through this, we will be able able to employ close to another 1000 citizens of Nigeria.
Which area of agriculture did you invest in?
We are into poultry, rice and cassava farming. We are also into processing and export. Our base is in Ondo and Oyo states.
Having traveled around the world, which country gives you more insight and inspiration?
I will say the United States of America. Again, Asia, more especially Singapore, inspires me too because of their rapid development. Singapore is one country you can credit with will power because they were once like us. I think the credit should go more to their leaders. To me, Singapore is an inspiration.
Do you believe we have leadership problem in Nigeria?
I am not a politician, and the Bible says we should pray for our leaders (laughs).
You are not a politician now, but is there any possibility of becoming one in the future?
I don’t know, and I can’t tell because business is my calling for now. But if at the end of the day, God says I have to serve my people, I will. I can’t take any step without God.
Based on the CSR you are committed to, and the assistance you are known to have provided, is it not possible for your people to invite you to come and lead them?
I still must consult with my God before I take such decision. If I do anything without God, it means I am ready to bear the consequences if anything happens. I won’t take any step without God. The truth of the matter is that I am not even thinking of any political position unless God approves it for me. All I am doing to make life easier for the people is what I am doing presently. Also I am creating jobs to get people off the street, and put food on their table. When that time comes; when we get to that bridge, we will definitely cross it.
Where do you see this agricultural sector you are investing in, in the next 5 years?
Like I said, it is the next frontier for Nigeria, and in the next five years with the way our government is investing in agriculture presently, I believe it will take us to the next level, because when we are able to feed ourselves; stop the importation of rice and other produce, then we are okay.
One of your business organizations is named House J, what does it mean?
It means House of Joseph.
Your background has nothing to with hospitality, how did you get into hotel business?
It is a passion. I have passion for hospitality even before I came into the industry. This is my passion in life. Far back in those days, my home was just about entertainment, and I’d always known I will make it a business.
You are known to hold fellowships in your establishment on a regular basis unlike most entrepreneurs, what prompted the routine?
This is because God is my only source and my pillar, and always at my back. Not only do I hold fellowships regularly on Thursdays, every Monday, I fellowship with my staff and every first day of the month, we give glory to God; and give praises to Him. And as you can see, business men come from far and wide between 12 and 1 every Thursday just to sing Hosanna to God, because He is the owner of our life; without God I am nothing. And with God, I am everything.
Is there a possibility that these weekly or daily fellowships can lead to a full blown ministry someday because of the passion you have for God?
I really don’t know, but if God says we will operate on that level, who am I to say no… (laughs).
How many children do you have now?
I have four children; four beautiful girls. The eldest is 24, the second is 21, the third is 19, and the youngest is 10 years old.
So, as a busy businessman, how do you relax?
I engage in sports like track and field, and tennis.
When you are not doing your business or engaging in spots, what do you do?
I relax. I read my Bible; I study the Word of God, and that relaxes me more because I want to know Him more, I want to know about what happened in the ancient times. I want to know how to have solid relationship with my creator. So, that gives me peace. Every time I am with Him, I find peace and I enjoy that a lot.
Do you hold a position in church and which church do you attend?
Not at all, I am a catholic. I am not a pastor, but I am a deep believer in the Word of God.
Can you name the people who can be called your product, I mean those you have empowered to stand on their own today?
Uncountable! I can’t mention names; my religion will not allow me to do that.
So, what are we expecting from you in the nearest future?
By the grace of God, to build more businesses; I am looking forward to a day I will have like 10,000 staff, and that will make me really happy.
And are your businesses spread across Nigeria?
Yes. We are in Lagos, Ondo, Oyo and Abuja.
How many languages do you speak?
Three. I speak Igbo, Yoruba and English.
How did Igbo come about?
My late mom is from the East
The West African Examinations Council, WAEC, has appointed Dr Amos Josiah Dangut as its new Registrar and Chief Executive Officer.
Dangut served as Head of the Nigeria National Office from October 2023 until September 2026.
In a statement on Thursday by the Head of Public Affairs, WAEC Headquarters, Accra, Demianus G. Ojijeogu, the Council said Dangut, a Nigerian, will serve a five-year tenure from October 2026 to September 2031. He succeeds Alhaji Pateh Bah of The Gambia.
His appointment was ratified by Council, the international governing board of WAEC, at its 74th Annual Meeting held in Accra, Ghana, in March 2026. He assumed office as the 14th Registrar to Council on October 1, 2026.
Born on October 2, 1967, Dangut holds a Bachelor of Agriculture in Animal Production (1991), Master of Science in Animal Science (1994), Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science (2017), and Master of Education in Administration and Planning (2020).
He began his career in education in 1994 at St. Louis College, Jos, where he served as a WAEC examiner before joining the Council in 1998.
An astute test developer and administrator, he has served in various capacities, including Assistant Registrar, Test Development Division, Ogba, Lagos; Head of Examinations Security and Deputy Branch Controller, Uyo and Bauchi; Branch Controller, Yola; Controller, Post-Examinations Department; Zonal Coordinator, Ikeja; and Deputy Registrar, Head of National Office.
With over two decades of experience, Dangut is noted for leveraging Information and Communications Technology to improve test development, administration and post-test activities.
As Head of National Office, he championed key innovations including the rollout of Computer-Based WASSCE, serialization of question papers and introduction of a Digital Electronic Marking System. He also oversaw the Digital Certificate Portal, WAEC E-Study Platform, Digital Records Archive, and systems for examination logistics and monitoring of examiners.
During his career, he received commendation from the Nigeria Examinations Committee for his handling of examination matters from 2000 to 2006, and an Award for Meritorious Service from the Ondo State Government during his NYSC year.
He has served on the boards of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, NERDC, Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board, JUPEB, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, and Grange Educational Foundation, and represented WAEC at the Joint Consultative Committee on Education and the National Council on Education.
Dangut has publications in international and national journals and has presented papers at several conferences. He is currently the Regional Representative of the West African Sub-region on the Executive Board of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa, AEAA.
He is a Fellow of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria, STAN, and member of the Nigeria Institute of Management, NIM.
The former Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Folarin Coker, and other tourism stakeholders have called for improved Artificial Intelligence regulations and its transformation for sustainable growth in Nigeria’s tourism and travel sector.
The call was in sequel to the recent technical network glitch involving the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Nigeria International Travel Portal (NITP), which disrupted travel operations and left thousands of inbound and outbound passengers stranded at airports worldwide.
The incident, which reportedly prevented passengers from boarding flights bound for Nigeria, has renewed concerns over the country’s reliance on digital systems and highlighted the need for stronger technological infrastructure, effective regulation and improved AI integration to ensure seamless travel operations and enhance the tourism experience.
Speaking on Villa Square, a special segment of Cre8tive 9Ja, a weekly tourism and culture magazine programme hosted by veteran tourism journalist Frank Meke and Bunmi Bade-Adeniji on Mainland 98.3 FM, Lagos, former Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Folarin Coker, said Nigeria should not confuse digitisation with transformation.
“We should not confuse digitisation with transformation. Putting a broken process online is not reform,” Coker said.
He noted that the country’s ambition should be to make travel easier, improve the productivity of tourism businesses and ensure better management of destinations.
Coker said there was a need to deconstruct the existing system and create an ecosystem in which the necessary structures work effectively before AI is deployed to deepen the passenger experience.
According to him, AI can improve various aspects of travel, including the embassy and visa processes, flight bookings, pricing, arrival experiences, transportation and cultural engagement.
“Artificial Intelligence and technology are being mistaken for true development. It is not about another app or website, but about fixing the things that need to be fixed and setting the standards,” he said.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Global Links Service, Pastor Chinyere Umeasiegbu, said airline operators were often responsible for flight disruptions.
She urged airline operators to address the recurring issue of flight cancellations, stressing the need for sustainable reforms that do not rely solely on Artificial Intelligence.
Umeasiegbu also called for improved communication between airlines and passengers, advising travellers to take screenshots of messages relating to flight delays and submit them to the appropriate authorities when necessary.
Coker further stated that the government must address fundamental infrastructure challenges, including roads and security, while establishing standards for globally competitive hotel services rather than relying on AI as a substitute for broader development.
“A digitally driven tourism agenda is what most people are using. However, we have a gifted cultural expression that can help amplify our tourism agenda, from music, fashion and food to medical tourism,” he said.
He stressed the need for government to make Nigeria’s tourism experience more accessible by providing the necessary infrastructure and ensuring that tourism products and destinations are easily bookable without technological disruptions.
The Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Obi Asika, disclosed that the council had established a Council for Creative Technology and would soon publish a digital roadmap outlining how Artificial Intelligence could be incorporated into the arts and culture sector.
“We need to enrich Artificial Intelligence with the elements of our culture, our history and our content. We need to do this and put the necessary systems in place because, if we don’t, Artificial Intelligence might not be able to see us,” Asika said.
He explained that the concern was partly linked to the data and content used to train AI systems, noting that African and Black tourism and cultural knowledge needed greater representation.
On the role of AI in food tourism and promoting Nigerian cuisine globally, Chef Shine said the technology could be used to properly document and promote the country’s culinary heritage.
“It is important for us to use AI to document our food properly. AI will not take over our food, nor will AI cook the food,” he said.
“This is the best time to discuss the digital agenda and Artificial Intelligence. We need to use AI to document our food and monetise our cuisine,” he added.
Speaking on the use of AI in promoting Nigeria as a tourism destination, travel and tourism journalist Okorie Uhuru said the technology was already transforming the way destinations and tourism products were marketed.
“The old order of doing things, like packaging a destination tour and marketing tourism, has faded because of Artificial Intelligence. AI has helped us market our tourism to a global audience,” he said.
Uhuru urged tourism stakeholders and individuals to adapt to the technology in order to remain competitive.
“As individuals, you have to make an effort to align with AI to sell your tourism product; otherwise, you will be left behind,” he said.
Professor Wasui Babalola called on the government to develop policies that would help translate technological advancement into economic value.
He said the digital transformation process must retain a human element if it is to contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigeria’s tourism sector.
“The knowledge of the digital process should be given with a human element, and that is when our tourism would improve,” Babalola said.
This piece is contributed by Onyeka Ezike
At 40, Jumoke Azeez has reached a milestone that offers her an opportunity to reflect on a journey defined by creativity, resilience, enterprise and an enduring passion for fashion.
The Ibadan-based fashion entrepreneur and Founder/Creative Director of Zeezdesigns clocks 40 on Friday, marking four decades of life and celebrating a growing entrepreneurial journey in Nigeria’s dynamic fashion industry.
For Jumoke, fashion is more than clothing. It is a means of expressing creativity, individuality, confidence and identity.
Through Zeezdesigns, she has steadily built a contemporary fashion brand offering bespoke tailoring, ready-to-wear fashion, fabrics, accessories and fashion training for both men and women.
The journey:
Building a fashion business requires considerably more than the ability to create beautiful clothes. It requires vision, discipline, consistency, customer understanding and the resilience to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
These qualities have shaped Jumoke’s journey.
From her base in Ibadan, Oyo State, she has continued to develop Zeezdesigns as an expression of her creative vision and entrepreneurial ambition.
Her approach has been to combine contemporary style with quality craftsmanship, creating pieces that enable her customers to express their individual personalities while remaining connected to the evolving Nigerian fashion landscape.
Over time, Zeezdesigns has grown beyond the idea of simply making clothes. It has become a brand through which Jumoke continues to explore creativity, fashion and enterprise.
Building from Ibadan:
One defining feature of Jumoke’s story is the decision to build her fashion enterprise from Ibadan.
Nigeria’s fashion industry is increasingly attracting global attention, with Lagos, Abuja and other major cities serving as important centres of fashion and creative enterprise. Yet entrepreneurs such as Jumoke demonstrate that creativity and commercially viable fashion brands can also emerge from other parts of the country.
For her, Ibadan provides both a home and a market from which to develop her vision.
The city has a long history of entrepreneurship, commerce and culture, and Jumoke’s journey adds another dimension to that story: the emergence of contemporary creative businesses driven by individuals who are combining talent with enterprise.
More than a fashion label:
Zeezdesigns has evolved into more than a clothing label. Its offering spans bespoke clothing, ready-to-wear pieces, fabrics and accessories, while Jumoke has also incorporated fashion training into the brand’s activities.
This reflects an entrepreneurial philosophy that looks beyond the creation of individual garments towards building a sustainable fashion enterprise.
For Jumoke, every design represents an opportunity to translate an idea into something tangible — and every customer interaction provides an opportunity to strengthen the brand.
Her entrepreneurial journey has also received recognition, including the Excellence Enterprise Award, while her work and the Zeezdesigns story have attracted media and public attention.
A milestone, not a destination:
Turning 40 represents an important personal milestone, but for Jumoke it is also a moment to look ahead.
The fashion industry continues to change rapidly. Consumer preferences are evolving, social media is transforming how fashion brands reach customers, and Nigerian designers are increasingly looking beyond traditional markets.
These changes present both opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs.
Jumoke’s ambition is to continue building Zeezdesigns into a distinctive Nigerian fashion brand while remaining faithful to the creativity, quality and individuality that have shaped its journey.
Her story also reflects a broader reality about entrepreneurship in Nigeria: many successful businesses begin with an individual’s talent and determination and gradually evolve into brands with the potential to create value, inspire others and contribute to the creative economy.
Looking ahead:
As she celebrates her 40th birthday, Jumoke Azeez can look back on the journey with gratitude while keeping her attention firmly on what lies ahead.
Her next chapter will be about deepening the Zeezdesigns brand, expanding its reach, developing new creative possibilities and continuing to build a business that reflects her vision.
At 40, the story of Jumoke Azeez is therefore not simply about reaching a birthday milestone.
It is the story of a woman who has chosen to turn creativity into enterprise, passion into a brand, and a personal vision into a growing fashion business.
And from her base in Ibadan, the journey continues.
ABOUT JUMOKE AZEEZ
Jumoke Azeez is a Nigerian fashion entrepreneur and the Founder and Creative Director of Zeezdesigns, a contemporary fashion brand based in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Born on 25th of September, 1986, Jumoke is a graduate of English at Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State
Zeezdesigns specialises in bespoke tailoring, ready-to-wear fashion, fabrics, accessories and fashion training for men and women.
Driven by creativity, elegance and exceptional craftsmanship, Jumoke has built Zeezdesigns around a vision of fashion that celebrates individuality, confidence and contemporary Nigerian style.
Instagram/TikTok: @zeezdesigns23
Location: 1, Irepodun Close, Opposite No 1 Hotel by Ososami Junction, Ring Road, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Recognition: Excellence Enterprise Award
Or
JUMOKE AZEEZ AT 40: CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES OF CREATIVITY, STYLE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Ibadan-based fashion entrepreneur and Founder/Creative Director of Zeezdesigns, Jumoke Azeez, clocks 40 on Friday, celebrating a milestone defined by creativity, resilience, enterprise and a passion for fashion.
For Jumoke Azeez, turning 40 is more than a birthday milestone. It is a celebration of a journey shaped by creativity, determination, consistency and an enduring commitment to excellence.
The Ibadan-based fashion entrepreneur is the Founder and Creative Director of Zeezdesigns, a contemporary Nigerian fashion brand offering bespoke tailoring, ready-to-wear fashion, fabrics and accessories for both men and women.
Over the years, Jumoke has steadily developed Zeezdesigns into a platform through which she expresses her creative vision and passion for fashion. Her work reflects a commitment to individuality, elegance and contemporary Nigerian style, with each creation designed to combine aesthetics with quality craftsmanship.
Her entrepreneurial journey has also been characterised by resilience. Building a fashion enterprise requires more than creativity; it demands discipline, customer understanding, business management and the ability to continually evolve with changing tastes and trends.
Through Zeezdesigns, Jumoke has continued to transform creative ideas into distinctive fashion pieces while building a brand that reflects her personality and values.
Her work has earned recognition, including the Excellence Enterprise Award, while her entrepreneurial and creative journey has attracted media and public attention.
At 40, Jumoke is also looking beyond the celebration of an individual milestone. Her journey represents the growing contribution of Nigerian entrepreneurs and creative professionals who are building businesses and brands outside the traditional commercial centres.
Based in Ibadan, Oyo State, Zeezdesigns demonstrates the possibilities that exist for creative entrepreneurs to build distinctive brands from Nigeria’s cities and connect with an increasingly sophisticated fashion market.
For Jumoke, fashion is not simply about clothing. It is a means of expressing personality, confidence and individuality.
As she marks her 40th birthday, she looks forward to the next chapter of her journey with the same creativity, determination and commitment to excellence that have defined the Zeezdesigns story.
Jumoke Azeez at 40 is therefore a celebration not only of a birthday, but of creativity, enterprise, resilience and the continuing evolution of a Nigerian fashion brand.
ABOUT ZEEZDESIGNS:
Zeezdesigns is a contemporary fashion brand based in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, founded and creatively directed by Jumoke Azeez.
The brand specialises in:
• Bespoke tailoring
• Ready-to-wear fashion
• Fabrics
• Fashion accessories
• Fashion training
Location: 1, Irepodun Close, Opposite No 1 Hotel by Ososami Junction, Ring Road, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Instagram/TikTok: @zeezdesigns23
Award: Excellence Enterprise Award
