There’s no debate about this – Prince (Dr.) Samuel Adedoyin is one of Nigeria’s richest men. Widely known as ‘The Prince of Commerce’. The Agbamu, Kwara State indigene who was born in December 1935 is a study in humility and simplicity.
Deeply into God, the father and grandfather is the brain behind such thriving companies as Doyin Investments Nigeria Limited, Peniel Apartments Limited, Beni Apartments Limited, Beni Hotels Limited, Starco Limited, among others.
A philanthropist of great repute, the astute manager of men and resources whose business interest spans manufacturing, real estate, hospitality, farming and the energy sector has over two thousand people working for him.
An unabashed apostle of industrialization, Adedoyin who built his business from the scratch, transforming it to a multi-billion-naira conglomerate, after many years, shared some little success secrets and education with the publisher of SOLIDNEWSNG.COM Online Magazine’s AZUH LILIAN in his office. Excerpts…
What makes a good businessman?
It’s if one is honest, dedicated, hardworking and being able to diversify when one business is not successful. To be able to diversify into another one until success comes.
What does one need to succeed in business?
It depends on the type of business. There are many aspects of business; there is the manufacturing side, there is the importation side, there’s the farming side, there are so many
areas of business.
What year did you establish your company?
I started at the age of 13, as a petty trader. So, it would be about 70 years ago.
How old is Doyin Investments Nigeria Limited now?
Doyin Investments Nigeria Limited is about 50 years as a limited liability company.
What is the best way to overcome challenges in business?
First, talk to your God through prayer. For me, that’s how I talk to my God whenever I am in any challenge. I talk to my God for guidance and He (God) always directs me.
What has gotten Doyin Investments Nigeria Limited where it is today?
It’s the blessings of God Almighty.
Of all your business, which one are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about all good businesses that bring rewards and as of now, we are into manufacturing, hospitality, properties and farming. So, all contributed to the success of the
group, even through farming is the latest and yet to be making profit. But we are aspiring; we’ve already started selling to Shoprite some of our products.
What year did you venture into agriculture/farming?
About three years ago. But it’s a modern one, it’s called Green House Farming. Where you can plant all your products all year round. The Green House doesn’t know raining season or
dry season. You can plant all through the seasons. That is what we are doing. It’s in Kwara State. But we sell the products to Lagos State.
How do you cope managing all these businesses?
It’s God. And I’m coping the way you see me now. We are even looking at venturing into more lucrative areas where there can be success. We haven’t stopped. We are still aspiring to
do more.
As a business man, where do you draw your strength from?
It’s from God. Even you, Lilian, it’s God that brought you here this morning. So, everything that everybody does, it’s God’s grace and inspiration.
What is your philosophy of life?
First, Know your God, pray and honour Him, adore Him and then ask Him for directions. He is always there to help all those who believe in Him.
How did you feel when you made your first million?
I thanked God and I am still thanking him. I daily praise Him. That’s all I do. But most importantly, as God is blessing you, you try also to bless others.
What is the secret of your success?
The secret of everybody, especially mine, is God. Asking God for guidance and working hard to achieve what you want to achieve. If you fail in one area, don’t think that’s the end.
There’s still power to rise. And God Almighty will help you to rise again, to be able to achieve your desire.
When did you build your first house?
I built my first house at the age of 19.
Where precisely?
In Lagos, Mushin.
What is the greatest lesson that life has taught you?
To trust in the lord, worship God and praise Him always praise Him always. When there is any downfall and when there is success always praise and adore him.
What is the greatest thing that God has done for you?
There are so many and too many to count. He has given me good health, he has blessed me. I thanked Him for being able to able to talk to you.
You once sold umbrellas at the Idunmagbo market. How did you grow from that level to delve into manufacturing?
Well, it’s simple. Even you as a reporter, you didn’t start reporting in one day. It’s one step after another. If you are successful in one area, then you look at other areas where there can be more success. Then, you are aspiring to do more in such an area. Like you asked, you will go from one product to another and that is how we managed to succeed.
Aside Chief Rasak Okoya, who are your other closets friend?
I have many friends. But Rasak Okoya is the closet to me. We’ve been friends for over 50 years. I still have other friends. Like pastors. There are so many other friends too.
What does friendship mean to you?
It means a lot to me. Because I value friendship.
Do you mind telling us the names of your other friends?
No… I don’t want to expose anybody.
A lot of people describe you as easy going. Why did you adopt that kind of lifestyle?
That is what Christ taught us. When you follow the teachings of Christ, you will take life easy. He (God) was easy going, preaching, healing and doing what we are trying to emulate
today.
How close are you to your God?
I’m very close to my God.
At 83, you are healthy and strong. What is the secret?
Well, my age, really I don’t know. I don’t have a birth certificate. But maybe through the children that I have, we are guessing what my age is, I thank God. everything I do and have
is to the glory of God Almighty.
What is your dream for Doyin Investments Nigeria Limited?
As I’m being blessed, I try to bless others. I’m asking God to use me as a blessing unto others.
Do you see yourself retiring anytime soon?
Retirement is not good for people. When you retire, your body retires. It does not help your health. So, its good to work, exercise and enjoy. Enjoy your life as much as God allows you
to. But retirement is not in my dictionary.
As an industrialist, how do you assess the current government?
Well, the thing is that Nigeria is living on oil. I will advice them to diversify into non-oil export. They should practicalize their preaching, go into growing more cashew nuts, coca and
other exportable crops which we started with. If we go back to that area, we will not only stop living on oil, but we will have diversified products that we can make money from. So, my
advice to them is to go into exportable products.
As a busy man, how do you relax?
I do relax. I have time that I come to the office, time to close and time to sleep. Then, before night, I rest in the afternoon, I go to other places.
How often do you come to the office?
I come to the office everyday.
What time do you resume?
I resume by 8am in the morning and I close at 4pm, rest up to 6pm, take my dinner, then start another work.
Then, I close at about 8 or 9pm. That’s how I work everyday.
What would you love to be remembered for?
It’s what God wants us to be remembered for. But I want to serve my God. I want to be able to teach people the little I know about how to serve God.
What is your advice to the younger generation?
To be closer to God. Live a life that will praise God Almighty. And do things that will be in honour of our Lord Jesus Christ. Don’t steal. Be honest in your ways.
