Olusoji Oyawoye is the Co-Founder and MD/CEO, Resource Intermediaries Limited, a leading HR Outsourcing organization. He sits on the board of 5 other companies in Nigeria, UK, Ghana and Kenya, three as non-executive Chairman. Outside professional pursuits, he is a Conference Speaker, a certified member of The Maxwell Leadership Team, and a certified Maxwell DISC Behavioural Analysis Specialist, a Life and Business Coach and Mentor to many. Olusoji has authored seven books, on Relationships, Entrepreneurship, Personal Branding, Finding one’s Purpose in life and Leadership. He is married to Olabisi, and they have two wonderful Millennial children.
He speaks to Sunday Oyinloye, Publisher Green Savannah Diplomatic Cable about House 12 Workspaces and Lifestyle
Excerpts:
Why did you site House 12 in llorin, why not Lagos, Abuja or any other city in Nigeria?
I get to be asked this question a lot and my answer is always first a question of my own, why not Ilorin? Well, I am from Kwara State, an Igbominan from Iludun to be precise. A good part of my life was spent in Ilorin where I also did my A-Levels and attended University of Ilorin. So, I know the town. Secondly I saw an opportunity to disrupt the workspace business in Ilorin with revolutionary solutions for remote workers, techies and increasing number of people travelling into Ilorin for business or family events and visits. Lastly, the establishment of best in town No. 8 boutique Hotel by Alhaji Abdulrasaq Oniyangi in October 2023 inspired me greatly on what was possible in Ilorin. It was proof of an exciting enlightened and well-travelled group of people with service needs in the hospitality and lifestyle space that are not being met in Ilorin. That is the gap House 12 Workspaces and Lifestyle seeks to satisfy.
Part of the things that make House 12 stand out is its design, facilities and beauty, how were you able to come up with such imposing structure?
Well, I must first give all the praise and accolades to God, and that’s not a cliche. House 12 Workspaces and Lifestyle is a Faith and Fate project in every respect of those two words. Thereafter the House 12 our growing community experience is the product of my children, both Architects. The facility was designed by my daughter Anjolaoluwa, while my son Oluwadamilola and I joined in final stages of functional spaces uses, furnishing and interior decor. Again, on scale, it is a Faith and Fate project enabled all through by God.
What makes House 12 different from other workspaces?
House 12 is a high Value versatile All-in-One Solution for Modern Desk Workspaces, Private Serviced Offices, Meeting and Training Rooms, Event Hall, Photoshoot Studio, Short let self-catering studio apartment and a Cafe all on site. Then we have bush hut sled situs Garden area with colourful outdoor wall graphics carefully blended with natural garden flowers for outdoor lovers. This is one of my personal best parts of House 12 by the way. These coupled with our carefully selected best in town staff are what makes House 12 different by far from other workspaces. This is what our customers say by the way. And what’s more? We open 7 days a week, proving great high value services, ambience, FREE WiFi and solar powered electricity back up. Power is therefore guaranteed amongst other benefits.
You also have an apartment within, would you like to talk about its uniqueness?
The House 12 2-Bed Studio Apartment is a self-catering short let space for max 7 days. Each space in the apartment is carefully curated for the guest that is used to global standard short let services. The living Room that opens up as you work through the door is expansive with wall to wall comfortable chairs that could also serve as bed for 4 additional guests for large groups (max capacity for the 2-Bed space is 10). Then you have a large fully kitted Kitchen space with Washing Machine, and all you need to cook and serve your meals provided. The bathrooms are global standard finished, one with large shower space and bathtub and a balcony overlooking the expansive facility. You really need to experience House 12 Studio Apartment fully appreciate the beauty and yet functionality of that space. And you don’t have to take the two rooms. You can book either of the two rooms, and you will still have full access to the expansive living room and studio kitchen.
One of the challenges of businesses in Africa is the inability of companies to outlive their owners; do you entertain any fears with that?
No I don’t have such fears. In actual fact, I will soon be retiring from a business I co-own and have led as MD/CEO for about 19 years now. We have been intentional from day one to build appropriate corporate structure, institute proper corporate governance models and succession planning strategies into our operations. These three, corporate structure, corporate governance and succession planning from my experience, ensures that the business, which is a legal entity in its own right independent of the owners, would continue long after I’m gone. Many businesses owners fail to invest in developing themselves in critical areas of leadership and communication, which ultimately affects the fortunes and or survival of their businesses overt time.
You are no doubt a successful businessman. What advice do you have for your fellow Kwarans who might not see the need to invest in their state?
I have watched Kwara State and Ilorin in particular grow with many entrepreneurs, sadly greater number non-indigenes. Clearly those people see an emerging economy with huge untapped potentials that many indigenes don’t see. With Federal and State Universities and many other tertiary institutions in Ilorin, you also have enlightened millennials and Gen Zs who though choosy on what they spend money on, are great consumers once they see value that meets their needs. The state is also peaceful with relatively good roads especially in Ilorin. And the people and environment are welcoming. I urge as many indigenes as possible to join the movement and explore what needs they can provide solutions for to do so now sooner than later. I am a Life and Business Coach and I help people get clarity and grow their businesses. So, as a pathfinder who has gone ahead, I am amiable to guide such people to achieve successful business operations in Ilorin.
What have you done in the past years to empower the youth?
Our Resource Intermediaries Limited runs a highly subsidised two day training targeted at Youths called the RIL Finishing School, now in its 99th edition since 2011. In the last one year alone about 100 youths have gone through the program and over 11,000 since inception. The 100th Edition is coming up in Ilorin December 3 to 4, 2024. In addition to this I mentor quiet a good number of Youths though my Esojailudun Mentoring Community Group.
Would you like to tell me your big dream?
Well my Baptismal name is Joseph, so I do have dreams. One of my strengths is ability to move from dreams to Ideas to Execution with positive outcomes within short periods. So, rather than my dreams, I’ll like to share my life goals. I aspire to create a thriving community of empowered individuals through coaching and mentoring. My commitment to lifelong learning and innovation fuels my new business ventures like House 12, shaping a legacy of resilience and shared success. By fostering strong relationships and inspiring growth, I strive to leave a positive impact on the world around us.
What is the origin of the name House 12?
I come from the John Olayinka Olumuyiwa Oyawoye family of Iludun in Kwara State made up of 5 siblings all boys. We and our late parents have lived at 12 Onikanga Road, GRA, Ilorin, since 1971. Inspired by the nostalgic memories of the address 12, Onikanga Road and in honor of the John Olayinka Olumuyiwa Oyawoye family heritage, the business was named House 12 Workspaces and Lifestyle.
