Ambassador Olayiwola Taylor is a distinguished figure in the building and estate development sector, known for his contributions to business and community impact. A Certified Safety, Health, and Environment professional, he is an alumnus of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, and a respected life coach. He holds fellowships with the Institute of Chartered Human Resources and Strategic Studies, the Institute of Project Management, and the Educator Forum Initiatives of Nigeria.
As an accomplished businessman, Ambassador Taylor has founded and led numerous successful ventures, including Stonegate Engineering Ltd., Silvergate Group of Schools, Toastday Equipment and School Supplies, and Toastday International Services Ltd. He also presides over Taylor’s Foundation, dedicated to philanthropic efforts. His achievements have earned him prestigious honours, such as the Ambassador of Peace for Youths from the National Assembly in Abuja, the City People Award for Excellence in real estate, the Eko Heritage Awards, the AfricanWatch Awards for Excellence, and several others.
A devout Christian, Ambassador Taylor is an active member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. He and his wife, Dr. Adeola Taylor, a scholar and entrepreneur, are blessed with three children. Known as the Otunba Atunluto of Moba Land, Ekiti, he continues to inspire through his commitment to excellence and his dedication to uplifting others.
Can you introduce yourself to us, Ambassador Taylor?
Of course. I’m an engineer by profession, as my name suggests, and I also hold the title of Otunba Atunluto of Moba Land in Ekiti State. I’m a father, family man, and a philanthropist – though, honestly, I don’t like to call myself that. I’m someone who reflects deeply on life. Just recently, I told my wife that despite the country’s harsh economic conditions, I have peace within me. I have many projects lined up, even with the challenges we’re facing as a nation. God has been truly wonderful to me, and I can say categorically that where I am today is by God’s work, not by my power. I’m the CEO of Stonegate Company, where we primarily focus on construction and engineering services.
Can you tell us how Stonegate Company began?
I was into so many things, I was involved in Fumigation work. I was fumigating schools not even knowing that I will become a school owner today myself. I was also fumigating companies and hotels, offices etc. I also got a job at an Engineering firm where I served as the Senior Operation Manger. At that office I was doing everything even outside my areas of specialization to the extent my colleagues were calling me foreman. I used to be everywhere, even those I met at the office were shocked at the way I worked. At some point the CEO of the company had to elevate me above even people I met in ground. I was bringing projects to the company. Despite not being in training department I was joining them. I gave myself a target that I would only spend a year in the company but I ended up spending just 9 months. It was my wife who advised that I should venture into my own business after noticing how I have been working in that company.
I started by doing training for Nigerian Port Authority and many other companies. I was supplying them with health equipment, safety gloves, booth, gloves and many other safety equipment.
I was doing all that until I met a friend who advised me to look for multinationals in order to build my brand well. I went back to develop myself and company more and I went after multinational organizations like Guinness Coca-Cola etc, these companies helped us grow. Today, Stonegate is known across Nigeria for our engineering services.
Permit me to also add that I worked for RCC as a sub-contractor. I was the one that delivered drainage on their roads from Sapele to Warri that was out early beginning. I also worked for CCEC as a sub-contractor too, we supplied all their PPEs that they used for their project at LASU-Iyana Oba road in Lagos. This was part of our early beginnings.
You’re also the founder of Silvergate School. How did that begin?
Silvergate School started on a small scale, and my wife managed it at the beginning. She has a real passion for education, which helped the school flourish. Today, we have both a primary and a secondary school situated in two separate buildings that share a boundary but are divided by a fence. Her dedication to quality education has been instrumental in Silvergate’s success.”
What does it take to be a civil engineer in today’s Nigeria?
I believe everything in life requires commitment and prayer. I always put my mind fully into what I do, and it has worked for me. Sometimes, I even stop by construction sites I pass while driving, introduce myself, offer compliments, and make corrections if needed. I think it’s important to work as a team. I often consult with everyone on a project – from colleagues to bricklayers to labourers. I don’t underestimate anyone’s input because everyone has something valuable to contribute. Humility and collaboration are key.
What’s your view on the high rate of building collapse in Nigeria?
In my opinion, we have the right regulatory bodies in Nigeria, but some people ignore the guidelines. Take, for example, the high-rise building that collapsed in Ikoyi. The engineer was reportedly boasting about disregarding the regulations, and we all saw the tragic outcome. Building collapses often occur because of poor materials or ignoring safety standards. When regulatory bodies inspect a project, it’s a mark of quality for the team if they find good work – as they did on one of my recent projects. We are driven by quality, not just money.”
What changes would you like to see in engineering and education to improve the fields?
First, I would change the age barrier for university admission. This policy requiring students to be 18 before entering higher education should be abolished. Nigerians excel abroad in fields like medicine and engineering, but back home, they have to resort to self-help to overcome limitations. In our Silvergate School, we combine the British and Nigerian curricula. Our pupils start learning subjects like Physics, Biology, and Chemistry in primary school, so they’re well-prepared for secondary education. My son entered university at 14, studied Architecture, and graduated with first-class honours. I urge the government to rethink the age policy and remove this barrier.
