Personality in Focus
I’m Looking Forward to Creating Jobs for 10, 000 Nigerians – Bayo Fatusin

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
Personality in Focus
Owode-Onirin Market: Allegations Against Me False, Figment of Detractors Imagination – Agboyi-Ketu Chairman, Oshinowo

The Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), one of the leading councils in Lagos State, in terms of veritable development, Mayor Dele Oshinowo, had denied allegations of involvement in attacks against certain law officers, in relation to the reported land dispute at Owode-Onirin Market in the council area, saying the allegations were unfounded, malicious, baseless and a figment of the imagination of detractors.
Mayor Oshinowo, who spoke exclusively with the leadership of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), said it’s unheard of that someone would just sit down and concoct lies just to mislead the unsuspecting public.
“The report is misleading and an attempt to misinform the public, tarnish the reputation of the council, and distort facts. The report circulating in the media deliberately twists the situation, portraying those who acted unlawfully as victims while attempting to discredit the Council’s lawful intervention,” he said.
Giving a detailed account of what transpired to the best of his knowledge as the chief law officer of the council, Oshinowo noted that the market in question, which is a recognized entity, belongs to the LCDA he presides over, stressing that at no time was the council informed of any legal issues connected to the property.
“The Owode-Onirin Market is a recognized local government market, and the Agboyi-Ketu LCDA holds official title documents to the land. As the duly elected Local Government Executive Chairman, it is the responsibility of the Chairman to oversee all markets within our jurisdiction, and Owode-Onirin is no exception,” he said.
He accused a certain notorious landgrabber, one Akeem Ariori, of being the brain behind the crisis that erupted, and among him and his team. He added that on the said, Ariori had invaded the market, displacing both legitimate sellers and buyers, in what almost resulted into a stampede.
“Contrary to the misleading claims, the Council was never informed of any court judgment regarding the land until the very day that unknown individuals acting on the orders of a land grabber, Akeem Ariori, stormed the market, forcefully displacing peaceful traders, harassing and arresting them, and demolishing their shops without prior notice, consultation, or due process,” he narrated.
The chairman informed that it was the traders, who were displaced that alerted council, when they called for help, necessitating a fact finding visit to the market as it is part of the LCDA.
“The traders, who had lawfully occupied the market for years, were left in distress and called on the local council for help. From our investigations, it was discovered that the said Akeem Ariori is a well-known land grabber, who is notorious for criminal land grabbing activities in Lagos State,” he added.
The noted that their visitation to the market was not well received by Ariori and his gang were ambushed and molested with injuries inflicted on some of the council officials leading to their hospitalization.
“Upon receiving the traders’ distress calls, I, along with key council officials, visited the site to assess the situation. However, upon arrival, we were ambushed, molested, and tear-gassed by these unidentified armed men, leading to the hospitalization of several council officials. An official report was immediately filed to the Lagos State Government, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 2, and the Attorney General, in line with due process,” he said.
He vehemently denied mobilizing thugs as the fake online reports making the rounds alleged, rather revealed that the Lagos State government, in their wisdom upon recognizing the threat, deployed members of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) to restore lawful order. He further said that while the officers were carrying their duties, they accosted some people, who claimed to be policemen, but could not identify themselves, because they were on unauthorised assignment.
“Contrary to the false report, no thugs were mobilized by the Council at any point. Instead, upon recognizing the unrest, the Lagos State Government deployed officers from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), led by its Commander CSP Shola Jejeloye, to restore peace and ensure the protection of lives and property. It is worth noting that when Council officials arrived at the scene, six individuals claiming to be Mobile Police officers were present. When asked to identify themselves, they could not provide proper authorization for their presence. Four of them were subsequently arrested, while two fled the scene. The arrested individuals were taken to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja, where it was confirmed that they were not on an officially assigned duty.
“If they were truly acting lawfully, why did they flee? Why couldn’t they prove their legitimacy?” Oshinowo queried.
The Executive Chairman further cautioned members of the press (not NAOSNP) to desist from being used by people, who do not mean well for the society, to carry out their own selfish agenda, noting that the development is ‘deeply unfortunate’.
“It is deeply unfortunate that some individuals, driven by selfish interests, are using the Press to spread falsehoods and manipulate public perception,” he said.
While calling for calm across the council area, and establishing that the LCDA has the rightful documentation to the property, Oshinowo, wondered how the media attempted to portray those who acted unlawfully as victims while attempting to discredit the Council’s lawful intervention.
“Agboyi-Ketu LCDA has the rightful Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for this land, and no amount of propaganda can change that. The Council was never notified of any judgment, nor were we invited for any form of discussion before the market traders were forcefully displaced and their businesses destroyed.”
Oshinowo, who is reputed to have turned around the fortunes of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA and promoted unity, security of lives and properties and peaceful co-existence since he took the reins of leadership, has won many awards and honours for his vision, leadership skills, security, youth empowerment and infrastructure development abilities.
“We remain committed to protecting the rights and interests of our people, ensuring that justice prevails, and upholding the rule of law at all times,” he concluded while urging the public to disregard the misleading reports from a section of not properly informed press.
Personality in Focus
Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing: Celebrating a Beacon of Philanthropy, Community Development at 50

It’s that time of the year again; the 2nd of April, which holds a profound significance for Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, the esteemed Chairman of Adron Homes and Properties. This year, it marks a momentous milestone: his 50th birthday—a celebration of half a century filled with rich experiences and impactful contributions. In stark contrast to the jubilant celebrations of his 40th birthday, which saw the streets of Lagos alive with revelry, Aare Adetola has chosen a path of humility and gratitude to observe this occasion. He plans to reflect quietly on his journey and offer heartfelt thanks to his creator for the many blessings he has received.
His life story is truly remarkable. The inspiration for his thriving real estate business was born during a particularly challenging period—while he was recuperating in a hospital. It was then that he envisioned a venture that would transform the housing landscape in Nigeria and beyond. Today, that vision has flourished into a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate, and Aare has dedicated himself to providing affordable housing solutions. His work has significantly impacted the lives of countless individuals, turning the once homeless into proud homeowners. His innovative approaches have not only disrupted traditional real estate practices but have also inspired many others in the industry to explore similar pathways.
Aare Adetola remains profoundly grateful to his creator for enabling him to turn his lofty dreams into reality. He has focused his efforts on addressing the pressing issue of housing in Nigeria, crafting affordable home plans that have set a standard many in the industry have sought to emulate. As a trailblazer in the real estate sector, he has become known as the Otun Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Remo land. Yet, he eschews lavish displays of wealth and grandeur. Rather than inviting praise from his admirers through elaborate festivities, he has instructed friends and associates to express gratitude on his behalf and to redirect their gifts toward charitable endeavors. This philosophy represents what he views as one of the greatest gifts he could receive for his birthday—bringing joy to those in need.
An embodiment of generosity and selflessness, Aare Adetola has intentionally opted against the extravagant celebrations common among billionaires. Instead, he encourages his community to focus their resources on philanthropy during this special time. For him, the opportunity to support and uplift the less fortunate embodies the true spirit of celebration.
In honor of his 50th birthday, Aare has planned a personal prayer service dedicated to him and his family, which will serve as a moment for reaffirming his commitment to a life devoted to serving God. His gratitude is especially poignant, given the challenges he has overcome. Adversity has met resilience on his journey, and he continuously witnesses the favor and protection of his creator, which empowers him to thrive despite life’s many obstacles.
Moving beyond personal reflection, Aare Adetola is also initiating plans for widespread communal betterment across Nigeria. He aims to donate substantial infrastructure improvements to underserved communities, making tangible contributions to enhance residents’ lives in significant ways. His commitment is symbolized by his pledge to commission 50 impactful projects nationwide, each representing a part of his dedication to fostering positive change and supporting community development.
While he does have plans for a well-deserved retreat with his family beyond Nigeria’s borders, Aare remains grounded in his values and commitment to his community. As his 50th birthday unfolds, many are gathering to honor him in various ways, a testament to the profound influence he has had on their lives and the societal landscape.
In line with the wisdom of renowned playwright Professor Femi Osofisan, who insightfully noted that birthdays are not merely for the deceased, Aare truly appreciates the significance of this milestone, especially within a society where the average life expectancy is less than 50 years. Aare Adetola Emmanuel-King stands as a beacon of humility, gratitude, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others.
Ultimately, as part of his ongoing legacy, Aare has made it clear that his 50th birthday celebration will revolve around positive societal contributions. Instead of indulging in extravagant expenditures for personal enjoyment, he prioritizes investments that will uplift communities across Nigeria. He is determined to ensure that his milestone is marked by meaningful contributions rather than mere indulgence, reaffirming his role as both a property magnate and a dedicated servant to his country and its people.
Personality in Focus
Samsung’s CEO, Han Jong-Hee, Dies at 63

The co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, Han Jong-Hee, has died of heart attack on Tuesday. He was aged 63.
A spokesperson for the South Korean tech giant confirmed this.
Han, who oversaw Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices businesses became the Chief Executive Officer of South Korea’s biggest company in 2022.
He had joined the tech giant in 1988 after earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Inha University. Before he started to run Samsung’s electronics and devices division, he was in charge of the display operations.
In a tribute to the deceased, Samsung said Han dedicated more than 37 years of his life to leading Samsung’s TV business to become a global leader.
The company said, Han as the head of its electronics and appliances businesses, contributed to its growth amid challenging business environment.