Aremo Joseph Akinwunmi
Olusanya is an inspiration, enigma, philanthropist and activist.
As an employee; he is
loyal to the core. As an employer; he emphasizes quality disposition. As an
entrepreneur; his acumen is as sharp as an eagle’s and as a government
official; he heralds people’s opinions and connects the government to the
people.
Knowing this man from
success perspective might paint a false-belief that he was one of those guys
who got to the top because they have the right counsels, consultants and
constituencies – but for Kunle, streets were his counsel, wayward guys were his
consultants and slum was his constituency. He started out with nothing; no
support, no money, no mentor – but determination.
“After my O’ Level, I
decided to fend for myself. I didn’t want to depend on my ageing parents and I
didn’t want my siblings to see me as a parasite. I struggled to raise money to
establish a gaming centre where I envisaged bountiful profits from the teeming
youths in my community – but sooner had I started the centre than it became a gambling den and I was so engrossed in
the act because of the quick return.” Aremo Joseph recollected.
“My good intention was
misunderstood and I became a prey to the Police who checked-in regularly for
extortion and harassments. The neighbourhood became unbearable as neighbours
see me and my customers as potential suspects for all lost items in the ‘hood.”
“I and my business were
objects of allegations and accusations. My family tagged me the black sheep; no
dignity, no pride and no respect.”
“After the birth of my
third child, I asked myself, ‘Is this how
I will live my entire life?’ Immediately, I discovered what to stop doing
and what to start doing instead.” What
a great riddle the right question can solve in one’s life.
Olusanya rechanneled his
resources to remodel his life. “I spoke to my brother-in-law, Mr. J. A. Ariyo
whom I thought would at least lend me money (if he cannot give) to start a big business but he refused, saying I
will lavish it on gambling and advised me to return to school instead.”
“I heeded his advice.”
Aremo confirmed.
He left his usual
community and travelled into a far countryside to sit the WAEC/GCE which he
passed with excellent grades. With that feat, he studied further and harder for
his JAMB examinations and hit the mark when the result came out. He was
admitted to study Banking and Finance at the Ogun State University.
“When I had something to
use as a navigator, I intimated my only sister on how far I had come – and with
her help, I gained the supports and confidence of other siblings and my parents
– and the rest is history.”
Joseph Akinwunmi
Olusanya graduated with Second-Class-Upper-Division and that was what helped
him secure an employment at the Equatorial Trust Bank, from where he joined
Mike Adenuga Holdings where he invested a good number of years before deciding
to retire to start a personal business. Today, he is a Board member of the
Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
His hotel, Safeland Hotel, is a citadel of
excellence and hospitality den for the people seeking home away from home – and
his other fleet of businesses have become cash cows that add to Joseph
Akinwunmi’s treasury.
Joseph Akinwunmi
Olusanya’s special way of making the saddest heart laugh with his rib-cracking
jokes is a quality that makes him attractive to all and sundry – most
especially when he speaks his commonest
slogan, ‘Give it your best!’
Aremo is married with
children; three of which are graduates making marks in Accountancy,
Administrations and Telecommunication.
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