…Says business she started with ₦150,000 has grown steadily
Hajia Hadrat Omolola Omipidan is an Abuja-based business woman. She runs the Omi World children’s Place, located in Kubwa, Abuja.
Founded in 2009 in Kaduna, this thriving business began as a humble venture with a startup capital of just ₦150,000. Built on determination, resilience, and a clear vision to meet the everyday needs of families, it has steadily grown into a trusted destination for quality children and adults’ clothing and accessories.
A graduate of Agricultural Economics and Extension from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Omolola had initially set her sights on a career in banking. However, her path took a different turn after she met her husband in 2007.
“I graduated in 2005 and did my NYSC in Abuja, and that was where I met my husband in November 2007. We were both members of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Youth Association of Nigeria (ADYAN) at the time, although we weren’t particularly close initially. We only began interacting in November, and by February of the following year, we had our introduction. By April of that same year, we were already married.
“From the very day he proposed to me, he asked about the kind of job I wanted. I told him I was already being assisted with a banking job. However, he said he preferred to have either a teacher or a businesswoman as a wife, someone who would have enough time to help raise the kids, given that his work as a journalist would often take him away from home. That was how his wish changed my career path,” Omolola explained.
Based on that understanding, Omolola began her business journey from the booth of her car in Kaduna in 2009, before later settling into a shop in Barnawa Shopping Complex, Kaduna.
In its early years, the journey was not without challenges. Following the post-presidential election crisis in 2011, coupled with the threat to her husband’s life by non-state actors, the husband decided to relocate them to Abuja while he remained in Kaduna. They moved to Abuja in September 2012 but she was still operating her shop in Kaduna since she had sales girls.
On November 2nd, 2012, tragedy struck when the shop was consumed by fire, resulting in a devastating loss. However, rather than marking the end, this moment became a turning point for her business. With unwavering perseverance, the business owner rebuilt from the ground up and opened another shop in Abuja, seeking new opportunities and access to a broader market.
Today, the business stands as a testament to perseverance. It has evolved into a well-established retail hub catering to both children and adults.
The store specialises in children’s wear, offering a wide range of clothing for ages 0 to 18 years. Beyond apparel, it provides an extensive selection of children’s accessories, including watches, hair accessories, toys, bicycles, and ride-on cars. In recognition of the needs of the entire family, the business also deals in adult wears, maternity items, and essential products for breastfeeding mothers.
Additionally, the shop serves as a reliable destination for back-to-school needs, stocking items such as school bags, shoes, socks, tights, and other essentials, making it a one-stop shop for parents and guardians.
From a modest beginning in Kaduna to becoming a big enterprise in Abuja, this business exemplifies resilience, growth, and a deep commitment to serving families with quality products and care.
Hajia Omolola Omipidan, born in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, is a dedicated businesswoman and community leader, who hails from Ede, in Osun State.
Her strength and determination continue to inspire those around her, reflecting a life shaped by resilience, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to growth and impact.
She further said: “Alhamdulillahi! I am happily married to Ismail Omipidan, a consummate journalist of repute, an author and a Public Affairs analyst. Our marriage is blessed with three children, and I place my family at the centre of everything I do. I am always excited when family and friends call to say they watched him on television or send me links to his interviews.
“The only time I asked him to come home to us and leave the job he was doing in Osun was during the EndSARS protest. When I read the lies being told about him, I felt bad. But we thank God, we have put that behind us. I am glad that the marriage turned 18 this year. It has survived this long because of communication, tolerance, understanding, mutual respect and prayers. “
Hajia Omolola is also a founding member and the current coordinator of the Amani Muslim Women Empowerment Initiative, where she is committed to uplifting women and promoting community development. She previously served as the Amirah of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Youth Association of Nigeria, Abuja Branch, from 2016 to 2022, demonstrating strong leadership and dedication to community service.
Her life reflects courage, faith, and a commitment to empowering others.
