Folashade Nimota Okoya, popularly known as Shade Okoya, was born on 25 April 1977 in Lagos State, Nigeria, to Alhaji Tajudeen Adeleye and Alhaja Nimota Adeleye. She is of Yoruba heritage with ancestral roots in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. Her early upbringing in Lagos exposed her to commerce and family enterprise, which played a significant role in shaping her future business career.
Shade Okoya grew up in a family environment that combined strong cultural values with an appreciation for education and entrepreneurship, traits that later influenced her approach to leadership in the industrial sector.
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Education
Shade Okoya attended Lagos State Polytechnic, Isolo, where she earned an Ordinary National Diploma in Banking and Finance. She then pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology at the University of Lagos. Her academic background combines financial understanding with social insight, equipping her with the skills to manage complex business environments and lead large teams effectively.
In recognition of her contributions to business leadership, she has also received an honorary doctorate in Business Management and Corporate Leadership from the European American University, an honorary distinction awarded for her impact in industry.
Business Career
Shade Okoya is the Managing Director of Eleganza Industrial City Limited, a prominent Nigerian manufacturing company and part of the family-owned Eleganza Group. The group was founded by her husband, Chief Rasaq Akanni Okoya, a leading Nigerian industrialist, and it has grown to become one of the most recognised indigenous manufacturers in the country.
Under her leadership, Eleganza Industrial City produces a wide range of products, including household wares, plastics, chairs, tables, coolers, and other fast-moving consumer goods. The company employs thousands of workers, contributing significantly to local employment and the development of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
Her role focuses on executive leadership, overseeing strategic decisions, corporate management, and overall business growth. Shade Okoya’s leadership reflects the broader importance of indigenous family-owned conglomerates in sustaining and expanding Nigeria’s industrial base.
National Recognition
Shade Okoya is a recipient of the Member of the Order of the Niger, MON, a prestigious national honour awarded by the Federal Government of Nigeria. She received the award in 2022 in recognition of her contributions to industry, national development, and leadership within the manufacturing sector.
Her national honour places her among other notable Nigerians recognised for their impact on the country’s economy. Beyond official awards, she has also been celebrated at academic and professional events, including alumni recognition from the University of Lagos, which further highlights her prominence as a business leader.
Context in Nigerian Industrial History
Nigeria’s manufacturing sector evolved from colonial dependence on raw material exports to post-independence initiatives that sought to establish indigenous industry. Family-owned conglomerates like the Eleganza Group have played a critical role in these developments by producing essential consumer goods, creating employment opportunities, and reducing reliance on imported products.
Shade Okoya’s leadership exemplifies the increasing involvement of women in executive roles within Nigerian industry. While women have historically been active in trade and informal markets, her position in a major manufacturing enterprise illustrates the growing recognition of female leadership in sectors traditionally dominated by men.
Personal Life
Shade Okoya married Chief Rasaq Akanni Okoya in May 1999, and together they have four children. The family resides in Lagos, and their union is widely recognised in Nigerian social and business circles. Her personal life, while noted in media coverage, complements her professional achievements rather than defining them, with her public recognition primarily centred on her leadership and national contributions.
Legacy and Significance
Shade Okoya represents a modern generation of Nigerian industrial leaders who balance executive responsibility with public engagement. Her contributions to the Eleganza Group have strengthened local production, improved operational efficiency, and provided sustainable employment for thousands of Nigerians.
Her career demonstrates the vital role of indigenous manufacturers in Nigeria’s economic development and highlights the increasing visibility of women in top management roles. Shade Okoya’s achievements serve as a benchmark for both aspiring industrialists and emerging female leaders in Nigeria.
Shade Okoya, MON, is a Nigerian industrial executive whose verified accomplishments are closely tied to her leadership at Eleganza Industrial City. She embodies the growth of indigenous manufacturing, the strategic importance of family-owned enterprises, and the evolving participation of women in corporate leadership. Her story reflects the progress of Nigeria’s industrial sector and the ongoing contribution of private enterprise to national development.
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Author’s Note
Shade Okoya’s life and career highlight the importance of education, family enterprise, and strategic leadership in Nigeria’s industrial landscape. Her achievements demonstrate the growing prominence of women in executive roles and the sustained impact of indigenous manufacturing on national economic development. Readers can take away that leadership, commitment to industry, and the cultivation of local talent are central to advancing Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
References
- National Honours for Folashade Okoya, Independent Newspaper Nigeria
- Shade Okoya: The Elegant Entrepreneur Behind Eleganza, THISDAYLIVE
- Double Celebration: Rasaq Okoya and Folashade Mark 25th Wedding Anniversary, National Daily
