Bashir Fakorede: Breaking Glass Ceilings

Bashir Fakorede did not inherit the business empire he now commands. He built it from the ground up, starting with modest beginnings in Obalende market. His mother, a trader, taught him the value of hard work and resourcefulness. After his father abandoned the family, Bashir moved to Apapa to live with his uncle, where he began his apprenticeship in the petroleum industry.

He learned the ropes of the business through practical experience, dealing with customers and managing supply chains. At 26, Bashir was offered the opportunity of a lifetime to operate an African Petroleum station in Obalende, with a capital requirement of N1.2 million. He managed to save N700,000 and secured the remaining N500,000 through a loan from his mother-in-law.

This marked his first major step in entrepreneurship. Initially, Bashir faced challenges with unreliable third-party transporters. To address this issue, he gradually assembled his own transportation by purchasing components such as the truck head, tank, axle, and tyres. This innovative approach allowed him to reduce problems related to delayed deliveries and increased his profit margins.

As the business expanded, Bashir focused on preserving and growing his wealth. He invested in landed property, land, real estate, agriculture, and dredging, in addition to his petroleum business. Despite the breadth of his portfolio, Bashir remains focused on the fundamentals of the petroleum industry, particularly supply chains, transportation, and trade operations.

In 2025, Bashir returned to the United Kingdom to pursue a master's degree in Business and Entrepreneurship at Northumbria University. He chose this path for self-development and personal growth, marking a significant milestone with a full Aso-Oke Danshiki and matching Kembe during his convocation at Central Hall, Westminster.