The Chief Executive Officer of Benrotimi Farms and Executive Director of Grosvenor Global Service Ltd, Mr Benjamin Olarotimi, has shared a powerful and inspiring account of his journey into agriculture and business, revealing how passion, resilience, education, and faith transformed a small idea into a growing agribusiness..
Speaking during an interview with Golden Nation Multimedia, Mr Olarotimi reflected on how his farming journey began, the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned, and what life and business look like for him today.
Humble Beginnings in Agriculture
According to Mr Olarotimi, his decision to invest in farming started on a tiny scale. With limited financial resources, he began with catfish production, supplying fish mainly to market women. This phase of his journey lasted several years and laid the foundation for what would later become Benrotimi Farms.
“I didn’t start big,” he said. “I started with catfish production and sold to market women. I did that consistently for years.”
As time passed, he encountered challenges such as disease outbreaks in fish farming. Rather than giving up, his passion for agriculture pushed him to expand. He gradually diversified into other livestock farming activities, increasing his knowledge and capacity in the agricultural sector.
Formalising the Vision
As his operations grew, Mr Olarotimi realised that the business had moved beyond an informal venture. He reached a point where he knew he was entering another stage that required structure and accountability. This realisation led him to register the business officially, transforming his passion into a recognised company.
He admitted that the early years were difficult, marked by financial pressure, operational challenges, and uncertainty. However, he credited commitment, focus, consistency, and discipline for helping him overcome these obstacles.
Growth into Phase Two
Today, Benrotimi Farms has progressed beyond its initial stage and is now operating in Phase Two of its development. According to Mr Olarotimi, this phase represents expansion, improved systems, and a stronger foundation for sustainability and future growth.
“We are no longer where we started,” he explained. “We have moved into Phase Two of the farm, and we are still growing.”
He emphasised that Phase Two reflects better planning, increased capacity, and clearer long-term goals, positioning the farm for greater impact within the agricultural value chain.
Facing Doubts and Staying Focused
Mr Olarotimi also spoke about the emotional and mental challenges he faced, particularly the doubts and criticisms from people around him. Some questioned his decision to pursue farming as a profession.
Despite this, he remained focused on his vision, stressing that agriculture has national and international relevance and that success in any field requires unwavering passion and focus.
“In every business, there will always be ups and downs,” he said. “You just have to stand strong and keep going. Every successful business started from somewhere.”
First Professional Business Exposure
Reflecting on his early exposure to formal business environments, Mr Olarotimi described his first professional business experience as eye-opening. Walking into a structured business setting for the first time introduced him to discipline, professionalism, and time management.
Although he was already employed at the time, he made a deliberate decision to focus on learning, knowing that he needed to open his mind and acquire the kind of knowledge modern businesses require.
Lagos Business School: A Turning Point
One of the most defining moments in his journey was his decision to attend the Lagos Business School (LBS). Inspired by stories of people whose lives and businesses changed after attending the institution, he carried out personal research before enrolling.
He explained that his goal was to upgrade himself, deepen his business knowledge, and prepare his company for international relevance.
The journey was demanding, involving frequent travel between Delta State and Lagos, financial commitment, and intense academic pressure. Despite the stress, he described the experience as transformative.
“Lagos Business School changed my mindset and approach to business,” he said. “It gave me courage, clarity, and confidence.”
Redefining Success
For Mr Olarotimi, success goes beyond titles or certificates. He believes that education provides exposure, but continuous hard work and self-development are what sustain growth.
According to him, business leaders must constantly improve their mindset, systems, and leadership capacity to remain relevant.
A Message to Young People
Addressing young people who feel limited by their background or financial status, Mr Olarotimi encouraged them not to give up.
“Don’t let where you are coming from define where you are going,” he said. “It was not easy for me from the beginning, but I kept believing in myself.”
He emphasised that passion, consistency, and belief are key ingredients for success, adding that business always has opportunities waiting to be discovered.
“When your opportunity comes, your level will definitely change for the better,” he said.
The Legacy He Hopes to Leave
Speaking on the legacy he hopes his journey will inspire, Mr Olarotimi said he wants his life to serve as a testimony of hard work, integrity, and faith.
He noted that people looking up to him should see his journey as proof that the right mindset and dedication can lead to success.
“I will keep doing my best,” he said. “And I will leave the rest to God.”
Still Growing, Still Grateful
Today, Benrotimi Farms continues to expand and improve, with Phase Two already in operation and plans for further development in the future. Mr Olarotimi remains focused on growth, learning, and impact.
Reflecting on the journey so far, he expressed gratitude, acknowledging that every achievement has been made possible through perseverance and divine grace.
The story of Benjamin Olarotimi stands as a powerful reminder that small beginnings, resilience, education, and faith can build a lasting legacy.
