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In this exclusive post-birthday interview with StarTrend Int’l Publisher – AbuSatar Hamed, in Manchester, UK, Alhaji (Chief) Waidi Haruna, fondly called Wadoye, the Bobagunwa of Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State, and Chairman/CEO of Wadoye Express Ltd, reflected on his 64-year journey (Tuesday, December 10, 2024), his humble beginnings, and his views on Nigeria’s economic and social issues. Excerpts.
How has life been for you over the past 64 years?
I would like to thank Almighty Allah for the journey so far. Though there were rough moments, being 64 on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 – is a blessing. I am very grateful to God for keeping me alive, guiding my business, and safeguarding my family. Many things have happened, but Allah has kept me going, allowing me to build my empire. For this, I am eternally grateful.
Life has been extremely challenging. I did not come from a wealthy family, and growing up, it was often difficult to have enough to eat. I vividly remember a time when my father and I went into the bush near Itolu in Ilaro-Yewa to search for snails or mushrooms to make soup because we had nothing else.
I was about 10 years old at the time. We searched the forest for hours without finding a single snail but eventually found mushrooms. My mother cooked them into a soup, which we ate with cassava flour (elubo lafun). It was our only meal that day.
This is why I always begin any public speech with “Alhamdulillah” three times. People might not understand, but it is my way of acknowledging Allah’s mercy.
Despite these struggles, I financed my education myself after my parents could not afford to send me beyond secondary school. My gratitude to Allah for this journey is endless.
When and how did you relocate to Lagos?
A: After finishing my WAEC examinations, I decided to move to Lagos and stayed with a friend in Agege. He was a commercial driver, so I worked as his conductor, collecting fares and enduring harassment from the police.
Later, in 1983, I got a job as a patrol officer with Global Security Company, where I used a motorcycle to monitor guards at Union Bank, First Bank, and other locations. I saved part of my salary and eventually secured a better job with IMNL Cargo in 1985, a company led by Chief Alani Bankole at the time.
At IMNL, I worked as a dispatch rider, later advancing to cargo supervisor after obtaining a degree in Shipping Management.
How did you establish Wadoye Express?
After years of working in logistics and gaining experience, I registered Wadoye Enterprises, which later became Wadoye Nigeria Ltd in 1992. Initially, there were challenges, including unfavorable government policies and economic instability, but we persevered.
Today, Wadoye Express operates over 62 branches globally, including offices in the U.S., England, Dubai, and Singapore. Reflecting on this journey, I know it’s not by my power but by God’s grace.
How lucrative is the cargo business?
In the 1980s, the profit margin in cargo business was enormous, and people accused us of being involved in money rituals. However, competition has increased significantly over the years, reducing profit margins.
Do you think Nigeria’s government policies on shipping are favorable?
Not at all. Nigeria’s policies are among the worst in the world. There is excessive bureaucracy, and the processes are burdensome. Unlike countries like the UK, China, or the U.S., where logistics policies encourage businesses, Nigeria’s policies stifle growth.
Policymakers in Nigeria seem indifferent to the suffering of ordinary people. They create policies that favour the elite while blocking opportunities for the poor.
What are your thoughts on Nigeria’s border closure policy?
The policy doesn’t favour the poor; it benefits the elite. Running Nigeria like an enterprise hurts the masses. As someone who grew up poor, I understand the struggles of the people. We cannot close our eyes to their suffering.
As a successful grandfather, what advice do you have for and their married life?
Marriage requires endurance and patience. Accept your partner’s flaws and learn to forgive. No marriage is perfect, but understanding and tolerance keep it strong.
How did you meet your wife?
I met Memunat (my wife) during an inter-school sports event when I was about to leave secondary school. She was in class two at Egbado High School, Igbogila. We connected after the race, and though we lost contact for five years, we reunited when she came to Lagos looking for me. Despite humble beginnings, we started life together, and I am grateful to Allah for the blessings we now enjoy.
What are your final reflections?
Looking back at my journey, I see God’s hand in everything. From poverty to building a global business, it’s clear that success comes from resilience, faith, and gratitude – Alhamdulillah!
