Greatness: The Story of a Nigeria-Born Change Maker

By Chinedu Uba

In a country where opportunities are limited and full of travails, the story of a man from Offa, Kwara State, who worked his way up to change his life and strive for betterment is truly inspiring.

Coming from humble beginnings, he stayed focused on his dreams and worked hard to make them happen. Today, that man has become a respected leader, business mogul in construction and housing, and other forms of business. This man is Muhydeen Okunlola Kayode.

Muhydeen Okunlola Kayode, or MOK, as he is fondly called, is a name that resonates with ambition, resilience, and transformation in Nigeria. Muhydeen Kayode has grown to become an achiever in the construction and real estate industries, while his community impact extends far beyond his professional achievements. His life story, marked by determination and vision, is one of inspiration to young Nigerians striving to create a better future for themselves.

Born on November 15, 1986, in Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria. Muhydeen Okunlola Kayode grew up as the youngest of seven children in a modest home. His father worked as a mechanic, while his mother was a trader who managed the family’s finances and instilled the values of perseverance and integrity in her children. These lessons shaped the foundation of Muhydeen’s character.

He attended Offa Grammar School, completing his secondary education in 2004. A bright and curious student, he had a natural knack for problem-solving and design, which led him to pursue a career in the construction industry. He enrolled at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, to study Quantity Surveying, earning his National Diploma. To further enhance his expertise, he continued his education at the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, where he obtained his Higher National Diploma in the same field.

While studying, Muhydeen undertook industrial training in Abuja, gaining practical experience in construction project management and cost control. The exposure not only strengthened his technical skills but also broadened his understanding of the industry, setting the stage for his entrepreneurial journey.

In 2017, after several years of working with established construction firms, Muhydeen decided to take a leap of faith. He co-founded ‘Luxiar Construction Limited’, a company that became a prominent name in Nigeria’s real estate and construction sector. Based in Abuja, Luxiar specializes in building affordable and durable housing solutions, with a mission to address Nigeria’s growing housing deficit.

What sets Muhydeen Kayode’s Luxiar apart from competitors is its innovative approach to project delivery and output. Under Muhydeen’s leadership, the company prioritizes cost efficiency without compromising quality. The company successfully executed thousands of projects, including residential estates, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. Some notable achievements include partnerships with the ‘Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN)’ and the Ministry of Defence Cooperative Society Estate.’ Luxiar Construction has not only transformed landscapes but also improved lives. Muhydeen is particularly proud of the company’s contribution to providing affordable housing for middle- and low-income earners. He envisions a future where no Nigerian has to live without a roof over their head, setting a target of sheltering at least 5,000 families by 2025.

Muhydeen’s success isn’t without its challenges. Exploring Nigeria’s real estate sector requires more than technical skills,it demands resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking. Issues such as inadequate infrastructure, fluctuating building material prices and delays are commonplace. Yet, Muhydeen has consistently turned obstacles into opportunities.

He has consistently called for greater government intervention in the housing sector. He believes the private sector alone cannot bridge Nigeria’s housing deficit, which currently stands at over 22 million units. He urged policymakers to provide enabling environments through incentives such as tax breaks for developers, improved access to land, and better mortgage facilities for citizens. Through his experiences, he believed that housing should be viewed as a basic right, not a privilege, and called for public-private partnerships to drive impactful change.

Beyond Luxiar Construction, Muhydeen is also exploring the logistics sector, recognizing its role in Nigeria’s economic development. His innovative strategy reflects his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to addressing various gaps in the market.

Behind all these professional accolades lies a devoted family man. Muhydeen is married to Ramat Okunlola, and together they have two children. He credits his wife for being his pillar of support and an unwavering source of encouragement. He believes that family played a central role in his life, influencing his decisions and priorities. Despite his busy schedule, he makes time for his loved ones, often sharing meals and moments of laughter at their home in Abuja.

Undoubtedly, for young Nigerians, Muhydeen’s story is a lesson in perseverance and focus. He often advises aspiring entrepreneurs to dream big but start small, emphasizing the importance of patience, discipline, and continuous learning. His life is a powerful reminder that greatness can emerge from humble beginnings. From a small-town boy in Offa to a leading entrepreneur in Nigeria, his journey is fueled by hard work, integrity, and a commitment to making a difference.

Through his ventures in construction and real estate, Muhydeen is not just building structures, he’s building futures. His impact is felt not only in the communities he serves but also in the lives of young Nigerians who see in him a role model and a source of hope. And as Nigeria continues to face challenges in housing and infrastructure, leaders like Muhydeen will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the nation’s future. His story is far from over, but one thing is certain: Muhydeen Okunlola Kayode is a name that will be remembered for generations to come.