In the heart of Nigeria’s bustling city of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nifemi Temiloluwa Eitaio-Alao, affectionately known as Omo Afonja and Flawless during his university days, embarked on a journey that would see him rise to the pinnacle of entrepreneurial success.
His academic pursuit in Accounting at the University of Ilorin, followed by an MBA in Finance from Ladoke Akintola University laid the foundation for his future endeavours.
As a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Eitaio-Alao’s expertise in finance is undeniable. But it is his entrepreneurial spirit that truly sets him apart. Married with beautiful kids, Eitaio-Alao is not just a family man, but also a seasoned entrepreneur, currently serving as the CEO of Home and Art Designs.
Under his leadership, Home and Art Designs has become a household name in the furniture industry. Eitaio-Alao’s passion for producing quality furniture and his desire for financial independence drove him to start his own business. His mission was to make luxury furniture accessible to all, regardless of their income bracket.
Eitaio-Alao’s business acumen extends beyond furniture manufacturing. He is also the proud owner of Deutsche and Franklin Properties, a property development company; Henkel and Harris, a furniture hardware and accessories company; and Bulk and Cheese, a financial consulting and loan brokerage firm. With 52 employees, his companies specialise in a range of services from manufacturing furniture items for various spaces to property remodeling and space planning.
The choice of Lagos, Nigeria as the company’s base was strategic, given its status as a rapidly growing mega-city with a population of over 20 million people. Eitaio-Alao’s goal is to position his company as the leading furniture manufacturing entity in Nigeria, contributing to the economy by providing jobs and generating revenue through the manufacturing and sale of furniture products.
The booming construction and real estate industries in Nigeria, coupled with a growing middle class, presented a lucrative opportunity for Eitaio-Alao to venture into the furniture business. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to embrace sacrifice, determination, hard work, and tenacity, recognising that failure is not the end but a valuable opportunity for growth and learning.
Eitaio-Alao’s approach to dealing with fear and doubt is to face them head-on, build a supportive community, and maintain a positive mindset. He envisions expanding his business by opening branches in three strategic locations in the country within the next five years.
Outside of his business endeavours, Eitaio-Alao is a sociable and friendly person who enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out five days a week and traveling. He is also a fitness enthusiast and loves to network and build solid partnerships. With his birthday on February 14, he looks forward to his annual celebration with family, friends, and business partners, marking another year of achievements and blessings.
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Eitaio-Alao’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance and strategic planning. His success story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with the right mindset and dedication, one can achieve greatness in the world of business.
