One of the defining moments that shaped Stephen Akorede’s career was a drastic shift in his family’s fortunes during his childhood. His family went from a comfortable life in Lagos to struggling in another city, forcing him to transition from private schooling to the public school system. The shift was jarring; he recalled, “Within just two weeks, I was beaten by my peers. That was when I understood how much our world had changed.” That experience marked the beginning of a journey that instilled resilience, independence, and grit.
As the family adjusted, Akorede’s mother began making snacks to help support them. Eager to contribute, he convinced her to let him and his younger brother sell the snacks after school. Initially hesitant, she eventually agreed. The young Akorede found himself walking up to 30 kilometers daily to make sales—a taxing routine that tested his endurance but also ignited his entrepreneurial spirit. “Those years weren’t just about making money,” he reflected, “they were about survival, grit, and resilience.”
Akorede’s dedication and determination eventually earned him a scholarship to a secondary school, where he met Reverend Tobby Emmanuel, a figure who became a significant mentor in his life. Reverend Emmanuel, founder of the Tobby Emmanuel Foundation, guided Akorede in both personal development and business acumen. “He helped me see that no matter where you start, with the right guidance and determination, you can rise above your circumstances,” Akorede shared.
Over time, Akorede explored various industries, including forex, stocks, agriculture, and fintech, before settling on real estate. His decision to focus on property development stemmed from a desire to create something tangible, something he could directly engage with every day. Real estate appealed to him as it represented stability. “No matter the ups and downs, I knew the assets would retain value,” he said, explaining how the industry offered him both security and peace of mind.
However, his drive to succeed in real estate wasn’t solely for personal gain. Akorede observed how difficult property ownership could be for many Nigerians, a challenge he sought to alleviate through his company, Rest Realty. “We wanted to make property ownership accessible and hassle-free,” he said, underscoring his commitment to building trust and simplifying the path to property ownership.
The foundation of Rest Realty wasn’t easy, so was his journey into entrepeneurship; it began in an unfinished building, with staff laughingly questioning if they had arrived at a fintech office or a warehouse. Despite the challenges, the company persevered. Just as they gained momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, temporarily stalling operations. “Ironically, it allowed us to regroup and complete our office,” he recalled. Starting from scratch with limited resources, Akorede often had to downplay his role, saying, “I’m just the coordinator; the CEO is out of the country,” to gain clients’ trust until he realised he have to own up.
Today, Rest Realty stands as part of Chrestos Holdings, a conglomerate Akorede co-founded. This accomplishment is his most cherished, as it symbolizes resilience and trust from clients and partners, even after setbacks. “Every time I stumbled, there were people willing to believe in us,” he said, noting how this reinforced his conviction that no failure is ever in vain if you learn from it.
Beyond real estate, Akorede is also in the process of revamping a previous brand, aiming to serve the unbanked population. This venture aligns with his goal of making a social impact. Alongside his professional work, he mentors a network of “Kingdompreneurs,” faith-driven entrepreneurs pursuing purpose alongside profit. For Akorede, helping others achieve their potential is deeply rewarding.
Akorede draws significant inspiration from leaders such as Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Olakunle Soriyan, and Apostle Toluwalogo Agboola. They have shaped his journey and strengthened his resolve to stay positive and grounded. To those facing difficulties, he advises patience and faith: “DON’T DIE! JUST GIVE IT TIME.”
Despite his successes, Akorede has faced significant losses, including a major setback in 2021, where a failed partnership left him nearly $96,000 in debt. The ordeal tested his resilience. “Imagine watching everything you’ve built crumble, then struggling to pay debts while barely affording a meal,” he recounted. He learned from the experience, emerging with renewed strength and determination, with hopes to share his story once his debts are cleared.
Over time, Akorede’s concept of success has evolved. He defines it as fulfilling one’s God-given purpose and as Winston Churchill aptly said, “going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.” His outlook reflects both faith and resilience, characteristics he hopes to pass on to future generations.
Looking back, he wishes he had asked more questions in the early stages of his career. Akorede believes there is “safety in a multitude of counsel” and encourages young entrepreneurs to seek guidance. His journey has been about perseverance, but he acknowledges the value of mentorship and informed decision-making.
Ultimately, Akorede envisions a legacy centered on impactful living. He hopes to be remembered as an advocate of change, someone who lifted others and brought “quality smiles” to people’s faces. His life is a testament to overcoming adversity, and through his ventures, he aims to inspire and enable others to rise beyond their circumstances.