By Balogun Kamilu Lekan
Biography
Tayo Ayeni was born in Ibadan on December 28th, 1962 in Ibadan, Oyo State, to the family of Chief Isaiah Sunday Ayeni and Mrs Mojisola Alice. He hails from Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria.
His father, Chief Isiah is popularly known as Baba 10-10.
His father’s nickname then earned Ayeni a moniker, “Omo Baba 10-10.”
He is a businessman, auto magnate, socialite and the CEO of Skymit Motors Limited.
Education
Tayo Ayeni attended African Church Grammar School, Ilesa, and later moved to Ilesha Grammar School, Ilesa, Osun State for his A-level. He proceeded to Italy where he studied Electrical Engineering.
Career and How he started Skymit
Upon his return to Nigeria after studying in Italy, he started his own company, Skymit Motors Limited.
His goal when he returned to Nigeria after completing his education was to “revolutionize the way (automobile) commerce was done back home in Nigeria.”
His sojourn in Italy inspired him to start an automobile business. In an interview, he said he had access to information on the automotive industry and European vehicle dealerships when he was schooling in Italy and this gave him the confidence to excel in auto business..
Skymit, according to him, is the contraction of ‘Sky is the limit.’
The company was incorporated as a private limited company in 1986 with an initial capital of five hundred thousand naira (N500). The company has grown to have a yearly turnout at present.
With just two vehicles, Skymit launched its business in January 1987. It presently has offices and showrooms in Ikeja and Victoria Island (Lagos).
Its sales are aimed at “a selected group of corporate companies in Nigeria and high net worth people who are in severe need of corporate, elegant but durable cars at affordable costs, packaged and catered towards their financial standing and personality.”
Additionally, he serves as chairman of Affordable Cars Limited, his younger brother’s low- and medium-priced automobile sales and service business.
He is chairman of Space Properties, a real estate company, Moontrends Holdings, a project financing and management company, and Limoserve, among other companies. He is also the head of Space Ventures Ltd., which deals in photographic materials.
Marriage
Tayo is married to Adetutu Ayeni, a professional attorney who he met when she was 17-year-old and a student of Law at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
She is currently the director of Skymit Motors Limited and the managing director of Space Properties and a representative on the Grange School advisory council.
Net worth
Ayeni’s net worth is reportedly valued at about $1 million – $2 million.
Achievements
In recognition of his business endeavours, Ayeni has won numerous national and international awards which include:
- Ikeja City Award (four consecutive years)-Best Entrepreneurial CEO
- On-Wheels Magazine (2006/2009)-Best Multi-Stock Showroom
- Excellence Recognition Awards-(2008)-Auto Company of the Year
- Niteshift Coliseum-King of Luxury
- Best Car Dealer of the Year – LEAD AFRICA (2013)-Best Car Dealer of the Year
- Ikeja City Award-Outstanding CEO of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award ‘-LEAD AFRICA (2014)
- Most Outstanding CEO of the Year ‘-Pan African International Magazine (2018).
All-white party
Tayo Ayeni in 2019 celebrated his 56th birthday with an all-white party that has politicians, technocrats, business leaders, among others present at his Banana Island residence in ikoyi, Lagos.
Disclaimer
The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.
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