* His Message To Young, Struggling Youth
There is something unusual about the poster boy of Nigeria’s real estate industry, Sijibomi Ogundele, popularly known as SUJIMOTO; everything is unusual about him. Where his peers stay content in being ordinary, Sujimoto seeks to be extraordinary.
He does not wish to appear the best, he seeks to be the best. But despite his predilection for excellence, the handsome dark-hued dude with good frame and mammoth reputation does not seek to become a Nigerian Voltaire or Gibbon, neither does he intend to model his exploits after the great deeds of mankind’s deceased heroes, Sujimoto simply wishes to be his own man; a 21st century hero cut from a rare stock.
Interestingly, however, virtue may promise immense rewards but it takes persistence and inexorable courage to harvest them. Armed with this hardy truth, Sujimoto wielded virtue like a spade and persistence, like a farm hoe; using both, he tilled the land and nurtured greener pastures abroad, till he encountered fortune.
Thus like the proverbial farmer whose industry earned him a harvest of wealth and cash crops, Sujimoto persisted in honest endeavour until his efforts earned him inestimable rewards in money, goodwill and honour.
And in recognition of his wonderful attainments, BusinessDay Newspaper recently acknowledged his industry by naming him among Nigeria’s most influential leaders. Predictably, Sujimoto is ecstatic over his good fortune. So excited is the young real estate magnate that he has taken to his Instagram page to celebrate his recent honour.
“Fifteen years ago,” he writes, “I was an unknown young boy. Starry-eyed, yes, but focused and enterprising; those were the tentative days of working quietly in faraway Europe, slaving on the icily cold streets of France, but never losing sight of my dreams.
This same me, who had left the shores of Nigeria with BIG dreams, haunted by the memories of an impoverished childhood on the streets of Agege, and the seemingly contrasting glamour and affluence, oozing from the wealthy neighbourhood of Ikoyi; one that never stopped inspiring me to reach for greatness.
This was all I had and all the motivation I needed to reach beyond the skies…
15 years down the line, even though I am not yet where I want to be, I am humbled to be listed amongst great business tycoons, industry leaders, and political juggernauts such as Former President Olusegun Obasanjo; His Excellency, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; and the great businessman and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu, among other WINNERS who are making a difference against all odds!
If I could rise from the backstreets of Agege without a rich uncle or aunty to become one of the wunderkinds of my generation; to wine, dine and make a home in the affluence and pre-eminence of Ikoyi, then, your dreams are valid! Don’t let anyone tell you less!
Thanks to BusinessDay for making me stand on the shoulders of champions. This is an inspiration for me and my generation to do a whole lot more…,” he said.
