For Aare Dr. Raymond Adeyinka Adewale, the Chairman and CEO of ARYFAD Travels and Properties, the journey to building a reputable travel agency has been marked by challenges, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to integrity.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with WesternLifeNewsNG, he recounted his three-decade experience in the industry, highlighting the trials he faced and the values that have set ARYFAD apart from its competitors.
“It’s not an easy journey. “There have been challenges, harassment, and even arrests of agents. I was hesitant at first, afraid of being labeled a fraud if things didn’t go as planned. But after years of hesitation, I embraced my calling fully, and things started changing for the better,” he admitted.
The name “ARYFAD”, he revealed, came through divine inspiration.
“After stepping away from the business for a while, people kept reaching out for visa assistance. I sought spiritual guidance, fasted, and had a vision where the name was revealed to me. Each letter represents a family member, and since adopting it, our fortunes have turned around.”
Addressing the rising trend of Nigerians, especially the youth in Ibadan, seeking opportunities abroad, Aare Adewale linked the surge to economic hardship.
“When there is suffering, people naturally look for better options. If someone has a relative abroad, they have a source of support back home.”
What makes ARYFAD different? According to him, honesty and transparency. “We don’t guarantee visas. That’s why some call me ‘Baba Ko Sure’ (Father Not Sure). Only death is certain. We don’t promise what we can’t deliver.”
Beyond business, ARYFAD runs a humanitarian initiative. Dr. Adewale is also committed to philanthropy. He has set up a foundation dedicated to supporting widows, children, and the less privileged.
“We have been assisting people, but we refrained from making it public until our official registration was completed,” he noted. With the registration process almost finalized, the foundation is set to operate more formally.
“For those with serious health conditions like kidney or heart problems, and even people with disabilities, we process visas for free—no deposit, no balance. It’s our way of giving back.”
Looking ahead, Aare Adewale plans to expand ARYFAD’s impact while maintaining the principles that have sustained it for three decades.
“Trust and fairness will always be our foundation,” he affirmed.
With ARYFAD Travels and Tours marking 30 years of operation, Adewale has steered the company beyond traditional travel services.
“We realized that we couldn’t rely on travels and tours alone, so we expanded into real estate and Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage services,” he said.
Born in Owo, Ondo State, Adewale was honored with a Doctorate of Science from Winchester University in England. Despite his success, he maintains a disciplined lifestyle. Married to one wife with three children, he believes that stability is key.
In his limited free time, he enjoys socializing with close friends and is a member of several clubs, including a golf and recreation club.
With a blend of business acumen, faith, and philanthropy, Aare Raymond Adeyinka Adewale continues to shape ARYFAD Travels and Tours as a company with a mission beyond profit—one that thrives on blessings, service, and a vision for the future.
