Kemi Oladunni Fajana, the CEO of TwinsFaja Nigeria Group of Companies, is a remarkable businesswoman.
Alongside her husband, Taiye Fajana, she has grown their business from humble beginnings into a respected conglomerate. They have also successfully raised three children, balancing family and business life with great skill.
Taiye Fajana started his journey in the building materials industry by working under a boss in Abule-Odu, Alimosho, Lagos. After four years of learning the trade, he gained his independence in 1993 and began his own business on Abaranje Road. With support from his former boss, Taiye received 50 bags of cement and iron rods on credit, allowing him to start his venture. Initially known as ‘Taiye Onirin’ and ‘Taiye Abaranje,’ the business eventually adopted the name TwinsFaja.
Kemi, who was selling baby products in Ikotun Market, joined her husband to help with the business’s growing challenges, including finances, recruitment, and distribution. She didn’t like how the business was running and believed her involvement could make a difference.
In 2007, the couple incorporated TwinsFaja Nigeria Limited. They started with selling just 50 bags of cement but, through perseverance and hard work, increased their sales significantly.
Today, they buy directly from manufacturers and sell millions of bags monthly. Kemi’s exposure to various markets, gained from traveling to countries like Ghana, Dubai, the US, and the UK, brought fresh ideas to their business. She began importing baby products and other goods, which diversified their offerings. Her travels also inspired her to introduce staff uniforms made from Ankara materials, a practice she saw in Ghana.
The journey wasn’t without challenges. The business faced staffing issues, accidents, insurance problems, and fluctuating exchange rates. During the EndSARS protests, one of their supermarkets in Ikotun was completely looted. Despite the significant losses, they only received N4.5 million in compensation. Taiye acknowledges Kemi as his backbone, crediting her with pushing him to achieve his dreams.
Together, they have built TwinsFaja into a million-dollar company. Taiye started the building materials business before Kemi joined him after their marriage.
Over the past 20 years, they have grown the business, connecting millions of buyers and sellers across Nigeria, empowering people, and creating economic opportunities.
TwinsFaja Nigeria Limited has expanded from building materials to become a conglomerate with interests in supermarkets, oil and gas, real estate, and more.
The company now boasts over 100 trucks with a 60-ton capacity each, as well as smaller buses for distribution.
TwinsFaja’s success may be attributed to Kemi Fajana’s passion and innovative attitude, as well as Taiye’s fundamental business talents.Their journey from selling baby items and building supplies to operating a broad and prosperous conglomerate is an encouraging illustration of what is possible through hard work, perseverance, and collaboration.
