It’s not every day that a man rises from the harsh streets of Lagos to become a tech entrepreneur, real estate mogul, and now, a jetsetter chasing a Guinness World Record. But Saint Joseph Bilal Ovensehi isn’t every man.
Once a homeless boy sleeping under a bridge in Lagos, Saint Joseph is now on a daring mission: to become the Nigerian with the most countries visited in a single year using a Nigerian passport. As of July 2025, he has already travelled to 90 countries each stamp in his passport telling a story of grit, ambition, and reinvention.
Born in Edo State, Nigeria, Saint Joseph’s life was defined by hardship from the start. At just 10 years old, he left home and lived under a bridge in Lagos, surviving day to day. At 15, he embarked on a perilous solo journey through Kano, Niger Republic, and across the Sahara into Libya a trek often spoken of in hushed tones due to its brutality. In Libya, amid the chaos, he found discipline, converted to Islam, and discovered a strength that would fuel his rise. By the time he returned to Nigeria, he had become someone entirely new focused, relentless, and hungry to build.
And build he did. Starting with basic street trading, he saved enough to launch his first company, Ovensehi Technologies, which offered smart tech devices such as LED power banks and home automation systems tailored for the African market. His tech brand soon gained recognition for affordability and innovation, with Ovensehi often reinvesting every naira of profit to scale the business quietly.
He didn’t stop there. Realizing the potential of Lagos’ emerging luxury short-let market, he founded Kinzbell Homes, a premium network of serviced apartments. What began as renting out his own bedroom while sleeping on the couch has today become a powerhouse brand, managing over 70 luxury units across Lagos, used by high-profile clients, expats, and celebrities alike. The venture now rakes in millions annually and has earned him a reputation as one of the city’s most respected young real estate players.
But perhaps what makes Ovensehi’s story even more compelling is the way he’s diversified. He is not just a tech entrepreneur and real estate mogul; he’s a private investor, startup mentor, and employer of labour. He’s also a man of systems he reportedly maintains meticulous schedules, leads with military-style discipline, and avoids unnecessary media attention. His wealth is self-made, rooted in long hours, detailed planning, and a commitment to playing the long game.
Despite his multimillion-dollar success, Ovensehi lives simply. He avoids parties and social media fanfare. He has no known scandals. Even when he was briefly detained by the EFCC in 2022 over alleged financial irregularities, he was released within hours, his records clear. “I was born poor, not corrupt,” he stated after the incident a quote that went viral and further deepened public respect for his journey.
Alongside his business pursuits, Ovensehi is also known for his philanthropic work. Through his foundation, he funds school tuition for children, provides housing for the homeless, and supports widows and elderly citizens with basic needs. Much of this is done quietly, with little public attention consistent with his belief that impact speaks louder than publicity.
His current Guinness World Record attempt may be his most visible move yet. But even this is rooted in purpose. For him, it’s not about jet-setting for luxury or bragging rights. It’s about proving what’s possible for the average Nigerian especially those carrying the weight of a green passport. “This isn’t about stamps,” he’s said. “It’s about inspiring belief.”
From Lagos streets to global cities, from a bridge to boardrooms, from a barefoot boy to a businessman crossing borders Saint Joseph Ovensehi is more than a record-chaser. He’s a symbol of transformation. A testament to resilience. A living documentary unfolding in real time.
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