Raheem Okoya, the son of billionaire industrialist Rasaq Okoya, has declared his financial independence, emphasizing that he generates his own income and has successfully attracted investors to fund his music career.

In an interview with BBC News Yoruba, the young executive and aspiring musician addressed the public’s perception of his wealth, making it clear that his lifestyle and creative ventures are backed by his own efforts rather than just his father’s fortune.

“I earn my own money. I have a salary. People are investing in my music because they believe in what I’m doing,” he stated, emphasizing that he has secured independent investors for his music career.

Raheem attributes this drive for self-reliance to the values instilled in him by his father, who built a business empire from modest beginnings.

According to Raheem, his father never intended for his children to simply rely on inheritance, but rather to understand the mechanics of wealth creation. “My dad wasn’t born rich. He worked for everything he has, and he wants us to understand that we must also build, not just spend,” he explained.

This philosophy reportedly guided Raheem’s decade-long preparation for his current corporate role, which he insists was the result of mentorship rather than an overnight appointment. “I’ve been learning and preparing for this position for about 10 years. I’ve followed my dad closely and studied the business,” he said.

However, holding a high-level position at a young age brings a unique set of challenges and intense public scrutiny. Raheem admitted that the pressure to perform is magnified by his age and the skepticism of others.

“It’s definitely challenging. It’s a heavy responsibility. People already look at you. You’re young. They already want to doubt you. You always have to prove that you know what you’re talking about,” he noted.

Beyond the boardroom, Raheem’s passion for music was cultivated in a household where Fuji legend King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal was a frequent guest, yet even this personal pursuit has been met with media narratives he finds frustrating and inaccurate.

The young executive expressed deep disappointment with how he is often portrayed in the press, accusing certain outlets of deliberate misrepresentation.

“I don’t like fake news. I hate fake news. It cuts in my head. The media likes to put me up as a villain. They know what gets people riled up and moving. It’s not always the truth,” he remarked, adding that “they will take a little thing or completely change the narrative and perspective on me. It’s not nice. It’s painful.”

Despite these hurdles, Raheem remains focused on his primary goal: honoring his father’s legacy through his own achievements. “I love my dad so much. He’s my number one hero, my mentor. I just hope I can really, really make him proud one day,” he concluded. (Vanguard)