Meet Sir Olu Okeowo, a renowned Nigerian businessman, real estate magnate, and philanthropist. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the life, career, and philanthropic endeavors of this remarkable individual. From his early life and education to his successful business ventures and commitment to giving back, Olu Okeowo’s journey is an inspiring one.
Sir Olu Okeowo’s Early Life and Education:
Olu Okeowo was born on May 15, 1965, in Lagos, Nigeria, to the family of Pa Taiwo Victor Okeowo. His father, a billionaire businessman, served as a choirmaster at the Nigerian Methodist Church. Okeowo’s parents instilled discipline in him during his childhood, encouraging him to spend time indoors after school. His father hoped that all his children would follow in his footsteps.
Okeowo completed his elementary and secondary education in Nigeria and then traveled to Austria for a brief stint in medical technology studies. Subsequently, he moved to the Caribbean to pursue his medical education.
Sir Olu Okeowo’s Career:
Upon returning to Nigeria in the late 1980s, Olu Okeowo began working as a housekeeper at St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos. However, he decided to venture into business when the devaluation of the Nigerian naira adversely affected various enterprises, including his father’s.
He started by creating burglary-proof and iron-wrought furniture but soon transitioned into construction and civil engineering. This led to the founding of Gibraltar Construction Nigeria Limited, a company dedicated to infrastructure and real estate development. Over the years, Gibraltar Construction has become a nationwide construction powerhouse, handling numerous projects, including building renovation, storage tank fabrication, real estate sales, and leasing.
One of their standout projects is the opulent Parkview Estate in Ikoyi, which houses the Palacio de Okeowo, where Olu Okeowo resides. This French palace-inspired, three-story Victorian mansion, often referred to as the “French Mansion,” required 11 months to complete, covers 5 acres of land, and cost approximately $12 million.
Sir Olu Okeowo’s Personal Life:
Olu Okeowo is happily married to Lady Adejoke Okeowo, and their union has been blessed with three beautiful children. Oluwatumininu Okeowo, their eldest, serves as the CEO of the organization. He graduated from UCL with a B.Eng in Civil, Environmental, and Geomatic Engineering, along with a minor in finance and a Masters in International Real Estate and Planning. Their youngest son, Ibukun Okeowo, is a well-known performer who goes by the stage name DJ Mufasa. Sir Olu Okeowo is a knight of John Wesley and a devout Christian.
Philanthropy:
Olu Okeowo is not only a successful businessman but also a dedicated philanthropist. One of his charitable acts includes the donation of the Sir Olu Okeowo Physiotherapy Centre to the College of Medicine at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). In recognition of his contributions, he received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Wesley University in Ondo State in 2018.
FAQs about Sir Olu Okeowo:
- What is Sir Olu Okeowo’s net worth?
- Sir Olu Okeowo’s net worth is estimated to be $250 million.
- What is the name of Olu Okeowo’s business?
- Olu Okeowo is the founder and CEO of Gibraltar Construction Nigeria Limited, a prominent construction and real estate development company.
- What notable project is associated with Olu Okeowo’s business?
- One of the most renowned projects by Gibraltar Construction is the Palacio de Okeowo, a lavish three-story Victorian mansion within the Parkview Estate in Ikoyi.
- What philanthropic activities is Sir Olu Okeowo involved in?
- Sir Olu Okeowo has donated the Sir Olu Okeowo Physiotherapy Centre to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and received an honorary Doctor of Science degree for his contributions to Wesley University in Ondo State.
In conclusion
Sir Olu Okeowo’s journey from a disciplined upbringing to becoming a prominent figure in the Nigerian business and real estate industry, while also giving back to the community, is truly inspiring. His commitment to both business and philanthropy serves as a testament to his remarkable life story.
