Shade Okoya, a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur and wife of billionaire industrialist Chief Razaq Okoya, has shared insights into her 25-year marriage, asserting that marrying a significantly older man did not deprive her of life’s joys or opportunities.
In an exclusive interview with Punch Newspapers, published on April 27, 2025, the 47-year-old mother of four emphasized that her decision to marry the Eleganza Group chairman at age 21 has led to a life of fulfillment, growth, and shared success. Her remarks, which have sparked widespread discussion, challenge societal stereotypes about age-gap marriages and highlight her journey as a businesswoman and philanthropist.
Shade, who met Razaq Okoya, now 85, through family connections in 1999, recounted how their relationship blossomed despite initial skepticism from some quarters due to their 37-year age difference. “I didn’t miss out on anything despite marrying an older man,” she stated, crediting her husband’s mentorship and support for her personal and professional development. She highlighted their shared values, mutual respect, and commitment to family as the bedrock of their enduring union. “Age is just a number when there is love, understanding, and a willingness to grow together,” she added, noting that their marriage has produced four children—Olamide, Subomi, Oyinlola, and Wahab—who are actively involved in the family’s business empire.
As the Managing Director of Eleganza Fashion Products, Shade has carved a niche in Nigeria’s fashion and manufacturing sectors, overseeing the production of high-demand household goods like coolers and plastics. She attributed her business acumen to lessons learned from her husband, a seasoned industrialist whose conglomerate spans real estate, manufacturing, and hospitality. “Chief Okoya gave me the platform to thrive, but I worked hard to prove myself,” she said, dismissing notions that her success is solely tied to her marriage. Shade also emphasized her role in expanding Eleganza’s reach, including partnerships with international brands and initiatives to empower young female entrepreneurs through her philanthropy.
The interview, which coincided with the couple’s 25th wedding anniversary celebrations, included reflections on balancing family life with professional responsibilities. Shade described hosting lavish events at their Oluwanishola Estate in Lekki, Lagos, where she and her husband entertain dignitaries and business associates, reinforcing their status as one of Nigeria’s power couples. She also addressed critics who question age-gap marriages, arguing that societal pressures often overlook the dynamics of individual relationships. “I’ve lived a full life—traveling the world, raising a family, and building a legacy. What more could I have missed?” she remarked.
As she looks to the future, Shade expressed optimism about her family’s legacy, with plans to mentor her children to take over the Eleganza Group while expanding her charitable efforts through the Shade Okoya Foundation, which supports education for underprivileged girls. Her interview, widely shared across platforms like Pulse Nigeria, has positioned her as a voice of empowerment, challenging stereotypes and inspiring women to define success on their own terms. “I chose my path, and it’s been a beautiful journey,” she concluded, offering a testament to resilience and partnership.