I’m on a mission to make lasting impact in Nigeria – Obateru

Nigerian entrepreneur Bisi Obateru said he is is on a mission to create lasting change in his home country through innovative solutions and a commitment to empowering others.

From humble beginnings in Lagos to leading a thriving tech company in the United States, Bisi’s journey is a remarkable story of resilience, creativity, and vision.

In a recent interview, Bisi shared his deep desire to make an impact in Nigeria. “I want to do something meaningful and impactful with my life. It starts with giving a helping hand where and when I can,” he said. This passion for impact is the driving force behind his work, particularly with his tech company, Relo, which has already made waves in the industry.

Relo, a platform designed to solve real-life challenges, received over 7,000 user requests within 48 hours of its launch and has grown to over 10,000 users. The startup has participated in two prestigious Silicon Valley accelerator programs and continues to generate steady revenue. Despite the challenges of bootstrapping a startup, Bisi remains undeterred, drawing strength from his upbringing in Lagos. “Growing up in Lagos taught me resilience and resourcefulness,” he said. “Constraints force you to be creative.”

Bisi’s leadership style is deeply rooted in his Yoruba heritage. He often references the saying Ọṣin tó wà níwájú, làwọn yòókù máa ń tẹ̀lé—“The horse in front is the one others follow”—which reflects his belief in leading by example and empowering his team. From his early days as a school prefect to his current role as a CEO, Bisi has embraced teamwork and shared success as key elements of his leadership philosophy.

His vision for Nigeria goes beyond business. Favour strongly believes in the country’s potential and advocates for rewriting its narrative to unlock a brighter future. “There are so many hidden stories in our history that can inspire us to do more. We need to explore them and tell these stories in new ways,” he said.

Bisi said his entrepreneurial journey is guided by a set of core principles: increasing access to opportunities, fostering diversity, and promoting continuous learning. He also places a high value on open communication and giving credit where it is due. These principles have helped him build a company culture that thrives on collaboration and growth.

Philanthropy is another significant aspect of Bisi’s life, inspired by the generosity of his parents. He believes in the power of giving back and encourages others to do the same. “Sometimes, what you hold on to can change someone else’s life in a big way,” he said.

An avid reader and lifelong learner, Favour draws inspiration from books such as Good to Great by Jim Collins and Scaling People by Claire Hughes. For him, personal growth and meaningful work are essential for living a fulfilling life.

Looking to the future, Bisi envisions playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s development. He plans to return and invest in initiatives that will drive innovation, create jobs, and inspire the next generation of leaders. “I’m excited about what’s ahead for Nigeria and Africa. There’s so much untapped potential here, and I want to be part of the story,” he said.

With his unwavering focus on impact and his deep connection to his roots, Bisi Obateru is poised to make a lasting difference in Nigeria’s tech space and beyond. His journey is a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership and the importance of staying true to one’s values.