By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Renowned media entrepreneur and community leader, Mogaji Wole Arisekola, has shared a heartfelt account of his journey to success in Abuja’s real estate sector, attributing his breakthrough to the trust, support, and values instilled in him by the Ibadan community.
Recounting the pivotal moment of his real estate venture in 2013, Arisekola revealed that he led the development of over 50 bungalow units in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The ambitious project was made possible by the financial backing of several prominent Ibadan indigenes, including Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Alhaji Oyesola, the late Chief Yekini Adeojo—who gifted him a ₦1 million cheque—Architect Oyekunle Omiyale based in Atlanta, and Dr. Rafiu Atanda.
“These men gave me huge sums of money without asking for collateral,” Arisekola said. “The only collateral I’ve ever had in my life is my Ibadan identity and the omoluabi values I hold dear.”
After engaging a realtor and launching a wide-reaching advertising campaign, his major commercial breakthrough came through the introduction of a flexible payment scheme. Buyers were allowed to deposit 10 percent of the cost and pay the balance over an extended period. “Credit alerts started coming in—and that was the beginning of my success,” he said.
Arisekola praised the entrepreneurial spirit and wisdom of Ibadan people, noting, “Ibadan wisdom no go kill me. A Harvard certificate combined with Ibadan street intelligence will surely add value to your life. Just go to Oje Market and you’ll learn the secrets of trade.”
He also paid homage to Ibadan’s legacy in Nigerian commerce, referencing industry pioneers such as Chief Mufutau Olanhun Oriolowo, credited with introducing the Tokunbo auto parts business, and Chief Bode Akindele, a trailblazer in the West African fish trawling industry.
However, Arisekola expressed concern over what he described as a moral drift among the younger generation in Ibadan. “I am surprised that our youths have abandoned this noble path and are now engaging in ungodly acts,” he lamented.
He called on political leaders in the South West to restore free education and to outlaw child labour, especially the practice of placing underage children in roles such as bus conductors. “Western education is both compulsory and inevitable. We must not follow those who call education a scam,” he said.
“Although we may share the same political party, our region has a long-standing heritage of valuing education. It is time we return to that path,” Arisekola added.
His message comes as both a tribute to the enduring legacy of Ibadan’s values and a clarion call for youth to embrace education, integrity, and entrepreneurship as keys to personal and communal development.