Businessman and cancer survivor Farooq Oreagba, widely known as “Mr. Steeze” after his viral appearance at the 2024 Ojude Oba Festival, has shared how his journey from wealth to hardship reshaped his perspective on money, success and life.

Speaking on The Black Table with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Oreagba reflected on his financial highs and lows, saying material wealth should never be the ultimate measure of success.

‘I Was a Dollar Millionaire at 30’

Recounting his experience, Oreagba revealed that he achieved significant financial success at a young age before facing a dramatic setback.

“I was a dollar millionaire at 30. At 35, I was working as a labourer in England,” he said.

According to him, he lost his banking job and had to take on manual labour and other jobs to survive while trying to maintain the lifestyle he had become accustomed to.

“I’d lost my job as a banker, and to maintain that lifestyle, I was hustling, doing all kinds of things, but nobody saw it. The Porsches were still outside. I had my priorities wrong,” he said.

‘Fame Didn’t Change My Life’

Oreagba also dismissed the idea that his viral fame transformed his lifestyle.

“I’m going to be 60 next month, and my lifestyle has not changed. All that has happened is a viral photo brought me to everybody’s attention,” he said.

His appearance at the 2024 Ojude Oba Festival earned him nationwide recognition, with many Nigerians admiring his fashion, confidence and elegance, leading to the nickname “Mr. Steeze.”

Health Is the Greatest Wealth

Drawing from his battle with cancer, Oreagba urged people to place greater value on their health than on financial success.

“You may have 99 problems, but the minute you have a health problem, you only have one problem,” he said.

His remarks have sparked conversations online about resilience, financial discipline and the importance of maintaining the right priorities in life.