Prominent Nigerian businesswoman and society figure, Shade Okoya, has opened up about her decision to marry billionaire industrialist Chief Razak Okoya at the age of 21, describing the experience as one that brought her “happiness and fulfilment.”

Speaking in a recent interview with BBC Yoruba, the Deputy Managing Director of Eleganza Industries reflected on her life choices and the rewards of early marriage, especially to a significantly older man.

According to her, despite the noticeable age gap, she never felt deprived or that she missed out on life’s experiences due to marrying young.

“My husband has been very generous to me and defends me everywhere. God said this is where I will be. We met each other, and he liked me,” she said.

Now 48, Shade married Chief Okoya in 1999 when he was already an established industrial magnate. Today, the 85-year-old is renowned as the founder of Eleganza Group, a household name in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

“I’m happy in my marriage to him. He is far older than me, but I don’t think I ever missed out on anything because I didn’t marry a younger man. I remember when he expressed his interest in me – it was straightforward, and he got down to business by meeting my parents and doing the needful in no time.”

Over the years, Shade Okoya has grown into a respected figure in Nigeria’s fashion, business, and social elite, often admired for her poise, loyalty, and elegant lifestyle. She emphasized that her choice to marry early was led by divine direction rather than societal pressure.

She described her marriage to Razak Okoya as one of her “greatest blessings” and encouraged young women to embrace their path with confidence, whether in business, love, or life.