By Ahmed Salami
In the bustling heart of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, one enterprise has steadily risen to become a beacon of innovation, quality, and excellence. *The First Class Center,* a culinary and hospitality institution, is more than just a bakery, eatery, or academy it is the living testament to the vision, passion, and perseverance of gentle young man: *KOLAWOLE Michael Anifowose.*
For many, success is measured in numbers, profits, or expansion. But for *Kolawole Michael Anifowose*, success begins in the mind, takes shape in the hands, and touches lives through action. From his earliest encounters with the culinary arts, he nurtured a love for baking, cooking, and hospitality not as a fleeting interest, but as a calling. That passion would eventually transform into a multi-dimensional enterprise that continues to redefine the culinary landscape in Ado-Ekiti.
*Kolawole Michael Anifowose’s* dedication to baking is not coincidental; it runs in his blood. He is the son of the *late Aduralere,* a renowned baker and businessman in Ado-Ekiti during the 1980s and 1990s, whose specialty was the *legendary Aduralere bread*. It is perhaps no surprise that his son would continue the dream, carrying forward the family legacy with modern vision, innovation, and ambition. The values of craftsmanship, resilience, and quality that defined Aduralere bread are alive today in *The First Class Center*.
After years of managing his brother’s bakery business, Kolawole decided to strike out on his own. In 2017, he founded *First Class Bread*, a small but ambitious venture built on his philosophy of precision, quality, and innovation. Starting with modest operations, Kolawole grew the business gradually, leveraging his experience, skill, and relentless dedication. Over time, *First Class Bread* became a household name in Ado-Ekiti, synonymous with quality, consistency, and culinary excellence. Today, the brand is a symbol of how vision, perseverance, and hard work can turn humble beginnings into remarkable success.

At the core of *The First Class Center* is a simple but powerful philosophy: excellence is non-negotiable. This principle is visible in every loaf of bread, every custom-made cake, and every gourmet delicacy produced at the bakery. Each creation is not just food; it is a carefully crafted experience that reflects precision, quality, and creativity. Patrons of the bakery have come to expect nothing less than mastery, and Kolawole has ensured that the brand consistently exceeds expectations.
Yet, The *First Class Center* is far more than a bakery. Recognizing that quality service must extend beyond products, *Kolawole Michael Anifowose* built The Eatery, a premium dining experience that combines global flavors with local culinary sensibilities. The eatery is designed not just for meals, but for experiences spaces where families, friends, and business associates can gather, enjoy exceptional cuisine, and leave with lasting memories. Through this arm of the business, Kolawole has demonstrated a keen understanding of customer needs and a commitment to delivering world-class service right in the heart of Ekiti State.

Perhaps the most remarkable facet of his enterprise is The Academy, a professional vocational training hub dedicated to baking and culinary arts. *Kolawole Michael Anifowose* understands that true legacy is not built merely on profits or accolades it is built by empowering others. Through The Academy, aspiring bakers and culinary professionals are equipped with practical skills, certified training, and the confidence to turn their passions into viable careers. In doing so, Kolawole is not just creating business success; he is creating economic opportunities, nurturing talent, and inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs.
The growth of *The First Class Center* is a testament to Kolawole’s visionary leadership. What began as a dream has become one of Ado-Ekiti’s fastest-growing enterprises, capturing the attention of patrons, young professionals, and even competitors alike. His approach combines strategic planning, innovation, and a deep respect for quality, ensuring that every product, service, and program reflects the highest standards. In his hands, passion is never left to chance—it is harnessed, directed, and elevated to excellence.
*Kolawole Michael Anifowose’s* journey is also a lesson in resilience and determination. Like many entrepreneurs, he faced challenges market competition, operational hurdles, and the high demands of running a multi-faceted enterprise. Yet, he viewed each challenge as an opportunity to innovate and improve. His relentless pursuit of excellence has not only strengthened *The First Class Center* but has also inspired confidence among employees, students, and customers who see in his leadership a model of integrity and vision.

Strategically located at Shop 1, beside Mojere Market on Adebayo Road, Ado-Ekiti, the enterprise enjoys visibility, accessibility, and a steady flow of clientele. But beyond location, it is Kolawole’s meticulous attention to detail, unwavering commitment to quality, and ability to anticipate trends that have set *The First Class Center* apart from ordinary businesses. The enterprise is not only a place to enjoy food it is a destination for learning, innovation, and inspiration.
Today, *The First Class Center* is more than a business; it is a legacy in motion. It stands as evidence of what happens when passion is combined with vision, discipline, and a desire to impact lives.
*Kolawole Michael Anifowose* has turned what many would consider a simple love for baking into a platform that empowers people, elevates standards, and leaves a lasting mark on Ado-Ekiti’s commercial and cultural landscape.
As the brand continues to grow and influence, one thing remains clear: this is a story of purpose-driven leadership, where every loaf baked, every meal served, and every student trained is a reflection of a man’s commitment to excellence. In *Kolawole Michael Anifowose*, Ado-Ekiti has more than an entrepreneur it has a visionary, a mentor, and a builder of legacies.

In the end, *The First Class Center* is aptly named. Here, passion is transformed into skill, dreams into reality, and vision into a first-class legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Ahned Salami, a journalist and public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja


































