In a candid interview with BBC Yoruba, Raheem Okoya has addressed criticisms branding him a “nepo kid,” firmly defending his work ethic and personal drive.
Raheem, who serves as an executive director at Eleganza Industries, a company founded by his father Razaq Okoya, explained that his role in the family business is not symbolic. According to him, he earns a salary and is actively involved in operations, learning the business from the ground up rather than relying solely on family ties.
He highlighted the journey of Eleganza Industries, which began as a modest trading outfit in 1968 and has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading manufacturers of plastics, furniture, and cosmetics, employing thousands of people nationwide.
Beyond the corporate space, Raheem also spoke about his music career under the stage name SirRaheem, revealing that his projects are supported by investors and not directly funded by the family business. His foray into music has drawn mixed reactions online, with some applauding his hustle and versatility, while others remain skeptical, often pointing to his privileged background and polished Yoruba accent.
Despite the divided opinions, Raheem maintained that having opportunity does not negate hard work, emphasizing that he is committed to building his own identity while contributing meaningfully to the legacy he was born into.
