‘I don’t have any regret at 70 because I always take life easy’

From a storied career, which started at the then Standard Bank, now First Bank, to First Trustees Nigeria Limited and much later to Olufemi Talabi & Co., a law firm founder by him, Olufemi Talabi’s life at 70 years is one lived beautifully, amid a legacy etched in purpose.

Talabi, a lawyer, seasoned administrator, certified arbitrator of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK, and founder and CEO of Citi Hotel Group, an indigenous brand with four hotels, rolled out colourful drums on September 15, 2025, to celebrate his platinum birthday in Lagos.

In this interview, the celebrant, who is also the author of “Be Your Best”, published in 2022, shares with Obinna Emelike his life, principles that have sustained him in career and business over the years, his legacy at 70 years, place of family in his success, among others. Excerpts:

Congratulations on your milestone birthday. How has life been for the past seven decades?

I will say that life has been up and down. But life and opportunity go hand in hand and I have tried to seize the opportunity to God’s glory. I will say that life is not a bed of roses.

So, I am so happy with myself, particularly when I look at how I started and how God has been so gracious to me with a great family; good wife and awesome children, God has given to me. I truly thank God for his mercy upon me.

Many at the occasion are admiring your virtues, especially humility, why?

Look, we came into this world with nothing, and shall return to the dust with nothing. Here on earth, we try to acquire wealth, powers and influence so much. But when we die, we leave everything. We leave everything, including the wealth we have laboured for.

But while we are still alive, we should try to help humanity so that the country and world will become a better place for us to live.

How has your legal profession impacted your success and life?

Oh yes, thank you very much. The advantage of law is that law is very versatile. As a lawyer, the legal profession has laid a foundation for you to veer into any vocation or profession. As I am talking to you, I know my right. I know what I should say or should not speak. I know my limits and boundaries. The law sharpens your mind to understand the rules in everything.

So, these are some of the major advantages of being a lawyer. Law has helped me so much particularly in business, real estate and hospitality ventures.

Considering the sincere praise by family members, friends and guests, how can one imbibe such virtues?

Well for me, first and foremost, hard work pays. I am an advocate of hard work. Anything you acquire without hard work does not last. So, hard work goes with patience. When you are patient, you can attain any height, following the right principles.

I have learnt to be very patient and never to be in too much in a hurry. Of course, you need to apply some speed, but still do not run faster than your capacity, otherwise you will crash.

You need to maintain your integrity. People must know you for who you are. People will trust you on account of your integrity if they know you for who you are. When you make promises, keep to it even if you struggle to maintain your standards. Also, people should know you for good reasons. Be a man of your words and of good character, then everything will fall gradually in place for you.

How has your family influenced your life?

Oh yes, my wife has been very much nice to me. We have known ourselves for a very long time and have been able to raise a family of good sons and daughters.

All my children are doing very well in their chosen professions. Some of them are PhD holders. Three of them are first-class university degree holders. Some of them are lawyers, engineers and accountants. My children give me joy. What is it that I want that God has not done for me? I praise him for his mercy and grace upon me and my family.

Do you have any regrets at 70 years?

No, I do not have any regrets at 70 years old because I have always taken life easy. God has always been my guide and strength. In difficult times, God has been there for me. I consulted God in all my decisions and business and the results had been great. But life is not a bed of roses, I must tell you.

I am so grateful to God for his faithfulness and love for me. His mercies upon me have been constant. And I dedicate my successes to him. Despite my challenges, God has been faithful to His word.

What is your advice to the nation?

I urge everyone, young and old to be patient and follow the due process. Decency and honesty pay. To fix the country Nigeria, we must kill corruption. Our leaders should lead by good examples to get things right.