TwinsFaja CEO reflects on defining moments
By Ajewole Joshua
In a rare and inspiring conversation with Deaconess Kemi Fajana, co-builder of Twinsfaja Nigeria Limited, empowerment coach, entrepreneur, and devoted woman of faith, ABNews sits down to mark a significant milestone — her 50th birthday. A celebration not just of years, but of grace, grit, and generational impact.
From humble beginnings to becoming a formidable force in Nigeria’s business landscape, Deaconess Fajana opens up about her journey — the triumphs and trials of co-building a multi-sector empire with her husband, the values that have anchored her through life’s seasons, and her deep commitment to empowering others through her foundation and mentorship programs.
In this exclusive interview, she reflects on defining moments, the genesis of Twinsfaja, their expansion across cement, retail, and oil and gas, and her unwavering belief in hard work, focus, and divine guidance. With heartfelt candour, she shares her vision for legacy — a legacy of lifting others, building leaders, and changing lives.
ABNews: Congratulations on your 50th birthday! How do you feel about reaching this milestone?
Kemi Fajana: Thank you so much! Turning 50 is a profound and humbling milestone. I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude to God — for His faithfulness, guidance, and grace.
Spiritually, it’s a sacred marker. It reminds me to walk more closely with God. Personally, I feel grounded, at peace, and content. I embrace the woman I’ve become — a wife, mother, grandmother, and builder of people and business. Professionally, 50 is not a slowing down — it’s a launching pad. I’m more focused than ever on legacy, mentorship, and purposeful impact.
Every day is a gift. This new chapter is about living intentionally, loving deeply, and leaving behind something meaningful.
ABNews: Can you share a few defining moments that shaped who you are today?
Kemi Fajana: My childhood was a huge foundation. My parents were hardworking, resilient, and instilled discipline and integrity in us. We were taught to value work, loyalty, and uprightness.
Another key moment was marrying right. Smiles. God blessed me with a partner who shares my values. We built TwinsFaja together, brick by brick. Our journey from 50 bags of cement to becoming billionaires in love, joy, and purpose is a testimony of unity, faith, and determination.
ABNews: How did the vision for TwinsFaja Nigeria Limited begin?
Kemi Fajana: I started by selling baby items in Ikotun market while my husband sold cement and iron rods. I later joined him when I realized his business needed more structure. We started with 50 bags of cement in 2000 in Abaranje. It was tough — we almost gave up.
But I believed in our dream. From 50 to 200, then 1,000 bags — today, TwinsFaja is the number one supplier of Dangote cement in Lagos and Ogun states. We also trade iron rods, nails, and more, with branches in Lagos, Ogun, and Kwara.
ABNews: How did you manage to diversify into other sectors like retail and oil & gas?
Kemi Fajana: After cement, I revisited my earlier passion and opened our first supermarket above my brother’s office. Now we have 13 branches in Lagos.
In 2015, we ventured into oil and gas — we were already buying fuel in large quantities, so we thought, “Why not buy from ourselves?” That birthed our first filling station. Our customers now patronize all three — cement, supermarket, and fuel. It’s synergy at its best.
ABNews: What strengths do you and your husband bring into the business partnership?
Kemi Fajana: Integrity is the foundation. We also bring innovation — our systems are computerized, our logistics top-notch. We value respect, teamwork, leadership, empowerment, and yes — even fun. These values sustain us.
ABNews: What were some of the toughest seasons in business, and how did you overcome them?
Kemi Fajana: Staffing has always been a challenge — especially finding reliable drivers. We work daily to improve training and retention.
The worst was during the #EndSARS protest. Our supermarket was looted and vandalized. We lost over ₦400 million in damages. It was heartbreaking. But by God’s grace, we rebuilt. That experience taught us resilience — a vital part of our journey.
ABNews: What inspired your passion for empowerment and coaching?
Kemi Fajana: It’s personal. I know what it means to start from scratch and face uncertainty. Empowerment is not a side project — it’s a calling. Whether mentoring women, coaching small business owners, or speaking at events, I want everyone to walk away feeling stronger and more confident in their purpose.
ABNews: Tell us about the empowerment programs you’ve initiated.
Kemi Fajana: Through the Kemi Fajana Foundation and TwinsFaja, we’ve launched:
- TwinsFaja Mentorship Program – Career/business mentorship + ₦100,000 empowerment each.
- Staff Appraisal & Rewards – ₦100,000 for loyal team members.
- Business Grants – ₦50,000 each for 20 entrepreneurs.
- Baking School – 20 trained, each given ₦100,000 for startup.
- Educational Support – School fees paid for staff’s children.
Our main beneficiaries are Nigerians aged 16–40, especially women and youth in Lagos.
ABNews: Can you share some touching stories from beneficiaries?
Kemi Fajana: Soneye Bukola stands out — she applied lessons from our program and opened a second shop this year. Another is a female cobbler who used our ₦50,000 grant to buy a work machine. She handcrafted a pair of sandals for my husband — that melted my heart.
ABNews: How have your values helped you build your brand?
Kemi Fajana: Dedication, hard work, and focus are everything. When excitement fades, dedication keeps you going. Hard work was ingrained in me early. Focus helps block out noise and stay on track. These values, with faith, helped me build a trustworthy, impactful brand.
ABNews: How does your faith guide your leadership?
Kemi Fajana: As a deaconess, my spiritual life is my compass. I pray before decisions, seek God’s direction, and prioritize integrity over profit. Faith influences how I lead — with compassion, humility, and service. Leadership isn’t about results alone — it’s about purpose.
ABNews: How do you manage business, family, faith, and philanthropy?
Kemi Fajana: Balance is about intentionality, not doing everything at once. God comes first. Family is my priority. My husband’s support makes the journey easier. In business, I delegate. In philanthropy, I make time because true leadership means creating impact.
ABNews: What are your long-term goals?
Kemi Fajana: For TwinsFaja, I envision a globally recognized African brand known for integrity. We aim to expand logistics, retail, and markets beyond Nigeria.
For empowerment, we want to scale up through national mentorships, business incubators, and scholarships. It’s not just about business — it’s about people, purpose, and Africa’s future.
ABNews: What legacy do you hope to leave?
Kemi Fajana: That anything is possible. I didn’t have a university degree or early education. We once lived in a room-and-parlour with our children. Yet here we are.
I want women to know they can be strong and soft. Entrepreneurs should understand that real success is built, not rushed. I want my life to be a blueprint of rising with faith, vision, and purpose.
ABNews: What’s your message to women still finding their path?
Kemi Fajana: Your journey is valid. It’s okay to start small or late — but don’t give up. You are not behind — you are being prepared. Believe in yourself, start where you are, and trust God. Your path is powerful. Your time is coming.
ABNews: Finally, what would you tell your 25-year-old self?
Kemi Fajana: I’d tell her, “You are stronger than you think. Every struggle is preparing you for greatness. Don’t be afraid of humble beginnings. God’s timing is perfect. You’ll build businesses, inspire people, and live a life of purpose.”
And to her I’d say: “Keep going — your future is brighter than you can imagine.”
Published by ABNews Interview by Ajewole Joshua. For editorial inquiries, contact: arrowboardnews@gmail.com
