Mashood Mustapha: From Hotel Cashier To Successful Business Mogul

By Jacob Oyewale

Harriet Tubman’s popular word of wisdom says, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world”.

This aptly captures the personality of Hon. Mashood Mustapha from Isale-Aluko, Alanamu ward, Ilorin West Local Government in Kwara State. Mashood Mustapha, fondly called MM, was not born into affluence; therefore, he needed to work smart to create a path towards greatness with total reliance on Almighty Allah.

In following his passion, MM studied Business Administration and Management at Kwara State Polytechnic (then Kwara State College of Technology) and later proceeded to Lagos State University to pursue a Masters degree in Legal Studies with specialization in International Law & Diplomacy.

As a responsible citizen, he participated actively in the one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kontagora, Niger State. A few months after the NYSC program, luck smiled at young Mashood when he secured employment at Eko Hotels (Eko Holiday Inn) as Account Officer II.

He later left the company to join the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), where he recorded outstanding performance for seventeen years (17) before his voluntary resignation.

MM’s passion for business and desire to turn his dream into reality made him establish his personal company. He ventured into Car dealerships, hospitality, tourism and real estate businesses.

Hon. Mashood Mustapha never despised the days of little beginnings but kept excelling by acquiring knowledge in management and business development within and outside Nigeria.

The one-time Account Officer at Eko Hotels is now a proud owner of Hotels/Apartments in Ilorin, Lagos, Abuja, Ghana and other parts of the world. He is flourishing to the admiration of well-wishers, and he often shares knowledge as a Consultant to help others strengthen/develop their businesses.

MM, through investment- Crystal Group of Companies, have created employment for many Nigerians and Kwarans, thereby giving them a sustainable means of livelihood. The Ilorin-born Business Mogul is blessed with fantastic allies; no wonder MM is thriving amidst adversities.