Why I chose to sell Yoruba caps over office career — First-class Mechanical Engineering graduate

Qoyyum Mayowa Oladokun, a first-class graduate of Mechanical Engineering, says his passion for preserving Yoruba culture inspired him to establish Dé Fìlà, a premium Yoruba cap brand dedicated to redefining traditional headwear for the modern African man.

Rather than viewing entrepreneurship as a departure from engineering, the Okeho-born entrepreneur from Oke-Ogun in Oyo State said both pursuits are connected by the same drive to solve problems and create lasting value.

“I am a thoroughbred Yoruba boy. I understand the role clothing plays in our culture. In Yoruba tradition, attire carries exceptional material and spiritual value. Selling traditional Yoruba caps is because I see an opportunity to ensure Yoruba cultural values do not go into extinction,” he said.

Oladokun explained that his journey into engineering began with a childhood fascination for machines and problem-solving, adding that graduating with a first-class degree was never part of a carefully laid-out plan.

“I never knew I would graduate with a First Class. I simply focused on understanding what I was taught and getting excellent results,” he said.

According to him, the challenge became greater once he realised the academic milestone was within reach.

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“Once I realised I could actually graduate with a First Class, I had to become more disciplined. I read consistently and pushed myself even when I didn’t feel like it. That discipline remains with me today.”

The entrepreneur said Dé Fìlà was created to address what he describes as an overlooked aspect of Yoruba fashion, noting that many people invest heavily in bespoke agbadas and senator outfits for weddings, festivals and Eid celebrations but often settle for poorly finished traditional caps.

According to him, his engineering education continues to shape the business by influencing everything from product design to problem-solving.

“The beauty of engineering is the power to turn abstract ideas into functional realities. Entrepreneurship presents new challenges almost every day, and engineering has equipped me with the discipline to tackle them,’ he added.

He also urged young Nigerians to pursue careers and businesses they genuinely believe in, regardless of public perception.