In a nation brimming with entrepreneurial spirit yet grappling with economic challenges, visionaries like Hon. Damilola Seun Ola-Adeoti stand out as beacons of innovation. After a successful 15-year career in the United Kingdom, where he led multiple companies in recruitment and healthcare, Ola-Adeoti returned to Nigeria in 2025 with a bold mission: to combat unemployment, contribute to National development, elevate everyday lifestyles through groundbreaking business ventures. His flagship project, Martland, a comprehensive lifestyle destination mall—has rapidly expanded, symbolizing a fresh wave of investment in health, retail, and entertainment sectors. Ola-Adeoti poised to transforming Nigeria’s business landscape.
Hon. Damilola Seun Ola-Adeoti’s story is one of global ambition rooted in Nigerian heritage. Born to a father from Agbonda in Irepodun Local Government, Kwara State, and a mother from the Akoko Oyin area in Ondo State, Ola-Adeoti pursued a robust education in technology and business. He holds a Diploma in Computer Science from the University of Lagos, a BSc in Business Software Development from Bolton University in the UK, an MSc in Information Technology from Salford University in the UK, and an Advanced Diploma in ACCP from Aptech in India.
After establishing himself as CEO of Golden Recruitment GRRS LTD, Heather Carehome LTD, and Ashleigh Carehome LTD in the UK, Ola-Adeoti made the pivotal decision to relocate to Nigeria. He moved home in a bid to create job opportunities, reduce unemployment, contribute his quota towards Nation building, and to improve the lifestyle of the Nigerian citizen. This move culminated in the launch of Martland in Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos, in January 2025. Within the year, branches in Ikoyi and Abule Egba were added, showcasing rapid growth. Martland integrates nine departments under one brand: gym and aerobics, pharmacy, bakery, supermarket, spa, beauty lounge, hair salon, and game arcades. Ola-Adeoti envisions expanding to 20 new branches annually across the country.
He’s a recipient of several credible recognitions from reputable institutions. His UK accolades include being named the Best IT Supporting Firm in Bolton in 2019, a testament to his expertise in leveraging technology for business efficiency.
Ola-Adeoti’s return to Nigeria was driven by a desire to address systemic issues like joblessness and quality of life. Drawing from his professional experiences abroad, he identified health and wellness as sectors “ripe for disruption.” In recent years, more people are now more conscious of their health, and giving them all packages that are unique and cater for their health is a very good sector to tap into is a core driving force for him. Martland’s gym, for instance, attracted 400 members in just three months, thanks to high-quality equipment and an all-in-one model.
He approaches untapped opportunities by prioritizing quality, savings, and affordability. For utmost efficiency, for him, having all in one place you are saving by not burning fuel to go to three different locations to get what you want. If you can get it in one location at an affordable price, then that’s a saver. This strategy differentiates his investments from traditional ones by consolidating services, reducing customer inconvenience, and fostering loyalty.
With a strong IT background, Ola-Adeoti has digitized Martland’s operations extensively. Leveraging on the functionality and experience, all of his businesses have largely been digitalized, ranging from the CMS software to CCTV, which are advanced and help speed up sales and reduce bottlenecks. This allows real-time tracking of customer traffic and spending habits, enabling targeted marketing and data-driven decisions.
What sets Martland apart is its self-contained model? Martland is still the only lifestyle destination that offers all nine departments under one brand without leasing or contracting other companies to run it. This uniqueness ensures control over quality and innovation, incorporating local talent to drive operations.
Navigating Nigeria’s business environment hasn’t been without obstacles. Ola-Adeoti cites high electricity costs as a Band A consumer, reliance on alternative power sources, and issues with dishonest workers as major hurdles. Economic volatility, including currency fluctuations and policy changes, has also impacted operations. “It reduces purchasing power; the lesser the inflation, the more patronage we get. But with currency fluctuations, we adjust by selling what we buy in low quantity and try not to overstock,” he advises.
To mitigate risks, Ola-Adeoti recommends agile inventory management and a focus on essential, high-demand items.
For Ola-Adeoti, success transcends financial metrics. In Martland’s first month, over 60 workers were employed, all paid above minimum wage, with some on graduate salary structures. “Some of them are breadwinners in their families. By reducing unemployment, you are creating economic growth and a sustainable environment,” he emphasizes. This approach underscores his commitment to job creation, community development, and long-term societal benefits.
It is important to note that Martland as a thriving venture operates with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. The staff are a dedicated team that ensures that every operation is managed efficiently and ethically, while our secure facilities provide a reliable environment for all stakeholders. The customer relations are top-notch. One would not expect anything less from a business owned by a man whose watchword is high ethical standards and who pays keen attention to detail in all of his dealings, be it in private life or public service.
Looking ahead, Ola-Adeoti is excited about the fitness industry’s potential, citing high interest and low competition. He plans to capitalize on this by expanding Martland’s wellness offerings.
To aspiring investors, in his usual style, he offers pragmatic guidance: “Build a solid structure that relies on technology and that can run on its own without much of your presence. Try to expand your geographical reach and create branches; having one location will limit your customer base.”
Hon. Damilola Seun Ola-Adeoti’s ventures exemplify how strategic innovation, rooted in local needs and global expertise, can drive Nigeria’s economic revival. As Martland continues to grow, it not only redefines lifestyle destinations but also inspires a new generation of entrepreneurs to invest in the nation’s future.