Why There is No Business Person I Look Up to in Nigeria - Toke Makinwa

Nigerian media personality Toke Makinwa was recently interviewed by the Sun in promotion of her perfume line, and during the course of the interview, Toke was asked who her influences are. While she was able to give 2 names: Rihanna and Kim Kardashian, Toke Makinwa was unable to think of a Nigerian person she'd put into the same category, and she explained her reason why. Here's what Toke Makinwa had to say.

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During her interview when asked "Is there any personality that inspires you, someone like an icon you admire in any way or form to do the things that you do?" Toke Makinwa responded saying:

TOKE MAKINWA: I think there are quite a number of people that I’m really inspired by their journey. But I would definitely say Kim Kardashian and Rihanna. I absolutely love them.

For Kim, obviously, she has overcome every obstacle that was thrown her way and somehow she has turned her lemons to lemonade. I feel that resonates deeply with me, I just love how business-savvy she is. I love that she is that underdog people don’t necessarily think much of. If you see her you think of fashion. She loves to appear naked on the Internet, but she has built an empire. She’s a billionaire doing things that she loves.

Also, Rihanna, for someone who is from Barbados topping the charts all over the world, not necessarily with her music, but always thinking more. I always say to my colleagues in the industry, God’s willing and God being faithful to me, as hard as I work, 10 to 15 years left of being the baby girl for life, what then happens afterwards? I love my career. I have evolved from being a musician to being a businesswoman and now I create products that are closer to the grassroots as well. Everyone will be able to buy things, from lip gloss to shoes. They should say, “she is just very versatile.” I think I admire that.

Then, speaking about influences from Nigeria, Toke Makinwa thought about it, then said:

TOKE MAKINWA: In Nigeria, who do I look up to as a business person? No one is doing what I’m doing. I pat myself on the back.

What do you think about what Toke Makinwa had to say, and do you agree with her? Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment either below or on my Jide Okonjo Facebook post.

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