Jide Abiola

Olajide Abiola’s life is a testament to the power of diversity and inclusivity. Born in Oyo State, Nigeria, he grew up in a family that valued education and exposure. His mother, a university don, specialized in Business Education, while his father, an educationist, had an illustrious banking career.

Abiola’s early life was marked by adventure and exploration. At age 11 and 12, he would travel alone from Zaria to Lagos, a journey that took him through different regions and cultures. He attended primary school in Minna, Niger State, and secondary school in Zaria, Kaduna State. His university education took him to the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.

Abiola’s professional journey began as a soldier, where he learned valuable lessons about discipline, hard work, and teamwork. He later transitioned into entrepreneurship, leveraging his skills and knowledge to build successful businesses in various sectors, including real estate, hospitality, finance, and technology.

Today, Abiola is the CEO of a multi-billion naira group of firms, overseeing renowned brands such as Gidanka and HomeAway. He is also the co-founder of a leading financial technology company, which has achieved remarkable success with a transaction volume of ₦13 billion in under eight years.

Abiola’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity is reflected in his personal and professional life. He has built a network of friends and associates from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, including Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ebira, and Fulani. His team is diverse, with members from various regions and cultures.

Abiola’s experiences have taught him the importance of respecting and appreciating different cultures and traditions. He believes that diversity is a beautiful expression of human nature and that it should be celebrated, not feared or ignored.

In his own words, Abiola says, “I wonder how and why people are so myopic. Admire and delight in the beautiful culture and traditions of others and respect their faiths. I have never been part of an ethnic nor religious mob in my life and will never be. If healthy and death doesn’t strike prematurely, life is still very short to wallow in such stupidities.”

Abiola’s message is one of hope and inclusivity, encouraging people to look beyond their narrow perspectives and embrace the diversity that makes Nigeria strong. As a successful entrepreneur and leader, he is living proof that diversity and inclusivity are essential for building a better future for all.