Chairman, Toyota Nigeria Limited and founder, Elizade University, Chief Michael Adeojo, has reflected on a pivotal moment that reshaped his life and laid the foundation for one of Nigeria’s most enduring business empires. Recounting his early foray into automobile sales, he revealed that he sold 40 Toyota vehicles in just four weeks, an experience that convinced him he could succeed beyond paid employment.

That bold decision to test his abilities outside salaried work became the springboard for what would later evolve into Toyota Nigeria and the Elizade Group, enterprises that have played a defining role in the growth of Nigeria’s automotive industry. In a special feature, Youth Engage profiles the celebrated industrialist, drawing out timeless lessons on resilience, discipline, and purpose for young Nigerians.

Born on June 14, 1938, Chief Adeojo hails from the family of Chief Solomon Ojo of the Lamelonlisa Chieftaincy House and Chief Mrs. Burchat D. Moawe Ojo of Ilaramokin, Ondo State. He described his childhood as modest, shaped by responsibility and hard work from an early age.

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“I grew up knowing that work is essential,” he said, recalling years of hawking goods, trekking long distances to fetch water, and supporting his mother to make ends meet.

He attended St. Michael’s Anglican Primary School in Ilaramokin and Imade College, Owo, before gaining admission to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he studied Business Administration, an unconventional choice at the time.

“Back then, business was seen as a course for school dropouts,” he recalled. “But I believed it had a future.”

His university years were marked by sacrifice and the unwavering support of his late wife, whom he met while still a student.

“She was on scholarship and received an allowance,” he said. “She gave me all of it and even shared her meal ticket with me. Without her, I might not have graduated.”

In his final two years at the university, Chief Adeojo received a sponsorship from CFAO, which enabled him to complete his studies in 1965. Out of gratitude, he turned down other job offers and joined the company after graduation.

“I wanted to show appreciation,” he said. “Their support changed my life.”

After brief stints with the Federal Inland Revenue Service and later British Petroleum, where he emerged as one of the company’s top sales performers nationwide, a professional decision became a turning point in his career.

“When I was asked to report to someone I had outperformed, I knew I had to make a choice,” he recalled.

That choice led him to RT Briscoe, then Nigeria’s sole distributor of Toyota vehicles. During a one month leave from BP, he sold 40 cars in four weeks on a commission of 2.5 per cent per vehicle, an amount that exceeded his annual salary at BP.

“That was when I knew I could stand on my own,” he said.

Even before resigning from paid employment, Chief Adeojo had registered Elizabeth Trading Stores in 1968, naming the company after his wife, Elizabeth. Through discipline and focus, he reinvested his earnings, sold personal assets to raise capital, and narrowed his business attention to Toyota alone.

“Spreading myself across brands was a waste of time,” he said. “Focus was everything.”

His outstanding performance soon made him the largest Toyota seller in Nigeria, earning him dealership status. Years later, he acquired controlling shares in RT Briscoe, the same company that once gave him his first major opportunity, and still retains a 45 per cent stake.

“You should never think anything is impossible,” he said.

Chief Adeojo defines business in simple, people centered terms.

“Business is about identifying needs, improving what exists, or creating solutions that make life better for people,” he explained.

He cautioned against complacency and emphasized discipline, integrity, and delayed gratification as essential values.

“Never be satisfied with where you are,” he said. “Satisfaction kills progress.”

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Beyond commercial success, Chief Adeojo remains deeply committed to human capital development. Since 1991, he has funded scholarships, established a university in his hometown, and created employment opportunities for thousands.

“Whatever God gives you is meant to be shared,” he said. “It is not for you alone.”

Addressing young Nigerians, he urged them to sharpen their minds, observe their environment, and act with courage and decisiveness.

“Opportunities are everywhere,” he said. “Your duty is to discover them and act.”

Youth Engage describes Chief Michael Adeojo’s journey as a compelling reminder that greatness is built through hard work, clear vision, and unwavering commitment. From humble beginnings to national impact, his story continues to inspire a new generation of builders and leaders.