Manny Ita –
Dr. Suji Ogundele, Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Holdings, has described his recent meeting with the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), Segun Julius Agbaje, as “a conversation worth billions.”
Ogundele disclosed that the 25-minute meeting with Agbaje focused on entrepreneurship, resilience, banking relationships, and brand positioning amid prevailing economic headwinds.
According to Ogundele, he shared the journey of his company over the past 12 months, highlighting the operational and financial challenges faced, and how the business remained focused despite the economic storm.
Agbaje, in response, offered strategic advice on banking relationships, stressing that many successful entrepreneurs thrive by building strong, focused partnerships with one or two banks rather than spreading their business across multiple institutions.
“One of the reasons many successful entrepreneurs succeed is because they do not spread their banking relationships across ten banks,” Ogundele quoted Agbaje as saying. “You don’t need twenty banks to run a business. You need one strong banking relationship. Work with them and grow with them. When issues arise, they will be there.”
He further explained that many leading business figures maintain relationships with only two or three banks, uphold transparency, and honor their financial obligations — a practice that builds trust and ensures sustained institutional support during difficult periods.
Beyond banking structure, Agbaje also advised Ogundele to remain committed to his core brand identity. While endorsing Sujimoto’s expansion into manufacturing, he reportedly cautioned against losing focus on the company’s luxury positioning.
“This is my first time meeting you, but I know Sujimoto. I have been seeing the brand everywhere for years,” Agbaje told him, underscoring the brand’s strong market visibility.
Ogundele said the GTCO chief emphasized the importance of consistency, innovation, and measured growth.
“No matter the economic storm, stay true to your brand and keep pushing boundaries. Do things that have never been done before,” he quoted Agbaje as advising.
The banking executive also encouraged entrepreneurs not to overstretch themselves and to view bankers not only as financiers but as strategic advisors capable of serving as an entrepreneurial compass.
Reflecting on the encounter, Ogundele said the wisdom shared during the brief meeting would remain with him for a long time.
“For me, it was a conversation worth billions,” he stated.
