In a world where imitation often masquerades as innovation, Dr. Sijibomi Ogundele, the Founder and Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Holdings, is championing a radical message — Africa must stop copying and start creating.
Speaking in Lagos, Ogundele delivered a fiery critique of what he calls “microwave entrepreneurship” — businesses built for applause instead of purpose.
“We cannot afford to do me-too projects,” he warned. “All these copy-and-paste businesses are killing originality. Imitation is not innovation, and imitation always leads to limitation.”
For Ogundele, true entrepreneurship is not about chasing trends but setting them. His challenge to African founders is clear: think global, not local.
“Dangote isn’t competing with anyone in Nigeria,” he said. “He’s competing with eight billion people around the world. That’s how we must think.”
Pressure, Purpose, and the Power of Vision
Ogundele’s story is not one of comfort but of calculated risk and relentless belief. From humble beginnings, he has built Sujimoto Holdings into a brand synonymous with luxury real estate and visionary architecture. Yet, behind every marble tower lies a history of struggle.
“Yes, we owe. Yes, we face challenges,” he admitted candidly. “But even Dangote’s debt could make some of us faint. Pressure is proof of purpose.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when Lagos’ construction industry came to a halt, Sujimoto defied the odds by pushing forward with Lucrezia By Sujimoto, now nearing completion and set for delivery in December 2025.
The project joins a prestigious lineup that includes Leonardo, Queen Amina, Sujimoto Twin Towers, and the upcoming Polo Smart City Abuja, a futuristic luxury hub designed to redefine urban living in the Federal Capital Territory.
Debt as a Sign of Ambition
In an economy where debt is often viewed as failure, Ogundele offers a bold counter-narrative.
“Even Elon Musk has debt. Otedola has debt. Dangote has debt. If you have none, maybe you’re not dreaming big enough.”
With Sujimoto’s assets exceeding ₦200 billion, Ogundele insists that the company’s financial exposure is a deliberate tool for growth, not instability.
“As long as our debt funds production — not consumption — it’s an investment in the future,” he explained.
Transparency and discipline, he said, remain the bedrock of his operations. Every naira borrowed must translate into tangible impact and measurable progress.
Self-Reliance: “Be Your Own Government”
In his message to Nigerian entrepreneurs, Ogundele urged a shift from dependency to self-determination.
“Be your own government. Build your own roads. Generate your own power. Dig your own water,” he declared. “Complaints don’t construct cities — courage does.”
He cited Alhaji Aliko Dangote as the model of visionary enterprise Africa desperately needs.
“Dangote is not just a businessman; he’s a national asset,” he said. “People mocked his refinery project, but today, those critics are silent. Visionaries are always misunderstood until they win.”
Beyond Real Estate: Building Systems of Value
While Sujimoto’s reputation was built on luxury real estate, Ogundele’s ambitions extend far beyond skylines. The company is now expanding into FMCG, fintech, and manufacturing, reflecting his belief that Africa’s future lies in innovation that meets everyday needs.
“True wealth isn’t in luxury alone — it’s in creating products people use every day,” he explained. “We’re not just building towers of marble; we’re building systems of value.”
Legacy Over Limitation
For Ogundele, legacy is the true measure of success.
“In ten years, many of today’s entrepreneurs will be in their fifties,” he reflected. “The question is — what legacy will we leave behind? Copied ideas or a skyline that proves we were here?”
His message to Africa’s next generation is both a challenge and a call to action:
“Africa doesn’t need permission to dream — only the courage to build.”
