Sujimoto celebrated IWD, emphasise commitment towards embracing equity

Commemorating International Women’s Day, Managing Director, Sujimoto Group, Dr. Sijibomi Ogundele, has reiterated the company’s commitment towards embracing equity in a male dominated industry.

He explained that the firm would continue to embrace equity by constantly looking for assets in talented women whose dedication to excellence supersedes the norm, with our mission to create a level playing ground for everyone to strive irrespective of gender, tribe or religion.

His statement read, “This is why In a world where the construction industry is populated by 80 per cent of men, we as a company have intentionally positioned ourselves to welcome women because “Wherever you find a great man, you will find a great mother, great wife or great woman standing behind him.” Women’s attention to details skill are phenomenal, we believe that amongst our women today, you can find a Zaha Hadid, Margaret Thatcher, Dere Awosika, Maiden Alex Ibru and Lady Ibru. This is why we value diversity, inclusivity in delegation, and gender equality in opportunity.

“My attraction to women comes from my enormous experience dealing with the gender and because our brand is focused on excessive luxury, I find women to pay more attention to details and have a higher level of credibility and empathy. The success of our brand is because of the quality of women we have in our company.”

According to him, Women empowerment is an integral part of Sujimoto’s ethos, as they believe in the power of women, who shall be respected and celebrated for their talents, achievements, and contributions.

“Many times during interviews people don’t illustrate their true potential through conversations, some speak greatly and perform poorly, and others speak poorly but perform greatly. Our HR department has a directive to put passion over CVs because passion many times supersede skills. When we started 8 years ago, I didn’t have a powerful uncle or a rich aunty, but I had my mother who was always there to assist me emotionally and financially, I also had my first customer Dr. Dara, who saw beyond an uncompleted building and invested heavily at a time we most needed. My life is filled with stories that don’t make sense to the common eye, but people always took a chance on me, and this is why I am committed to always finding diamonds where many see dirt,” Ogundele said.

He noted that the firm has seen people rise rapidly, as it gives everyone equal opportunity to do so.

“We have learned from Queen Amina of the 16th century, women who challenge the norm and expanded territories to the present-day Awosika, Ibru, Lady Ibru, who continuously inspires young women to embrace equity and also inspire us to not only talk about it but also practice it in our daily life, because where there is no equity there is no justice and that is why we at Sujimoto have made it our DNA to make sure we give everyone the opportunity to rise above their true potential.

“Looking at our flagship project – LucreziaBySujimoto, which was inspired by the noblewoman Lucrezia de’ Medici, Duchess of Ferrara, Italy, who was a pillar of admiration and inspiration to women in the 15th century, helping them gain more confidence from her beauty and lifestyle.

Today the project is fast becoming the most gossiped about luxury condominium where we also elaborated on the work of another great woman Zaha Hadid, whose unique and limited-edition sanitary wares, which can only be found in 5-star hotels in Dubai, reside in our edifice,” he added.