Media entrepreneur and real estate mogul, Fayemiro Olabode popularly known as Bode Buzz, has described Kase Lawal, who he identifies as his uncle, as his greatest motivation.
Bode disclosed this during a media chat with newsmen today, hinting that he is related to Lawal, who is recognised as America’s 4th richest black man and the richest black man in Texas.
Speaking on his journey to success as an entrepreneur, the Buzz CEO said, “One great moment that perpetually comes to mind was when Buzz signed a partnership deal with a Bank three years ago, to handle the nationwide marketing/activation of their newly launched digital platform.
“My dreams are my greatest motivation. Having people around me who do great things also gives me a push.
“I often tell myself, if my Big Uncle did so well in business to the level where he is America’s 4th richest black man, and also Texas’ richest black man, I can also do it. Kase Lawal is his name.
“I consider myself as my greatest competition; I always want to beat my own records. As we say, the sky is wide enough for all birds to fly, so I believe I don’t have to dim the light of others for mine to shine.”
“I think ‘self-made’ is nothing but a myth. Every successful person has definitely leveraged certain people, structures, opportunities or whatever, to rise.
“I have had the privilege of my family; my parents gave us the very best education they could afford, which really helped to mould me. Seeing my parents excel in their respective careers also influenced my desire for excellence from childhood.
“I have also been privileged to have some big brothers show me love and support when I kicked off Buzz,” he added.
While highlighting the downfalls experienced as an entrepreneur in the Nigerian market, he recalled how COVID-19 and the 2020 lockdown affected the growth of his brand.
He said, “2020 was the year where I was close to giving up. Imagine investing in major projects that were supposed to span across Africa, another one across Nigerian universities, another one across Nigerian cities – three different unique tours, then the COVID lockdown happened.
“Sadly, all the investments went down the drain. Thankfully, I bounced back, and the following year, I ventured into Real Estate, launching my own company.”
He however urged Nigerians in the diaspora to continually extend their individual contributions to the development of the country because he believes “Naija is still home”.
