The immediate past Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), Dr Segun Aina, and the former Group Managing Director, Mr Adewale Raji, have been described as two iconic figures that have brought significant transformation to the Odu’a conglomerate during their tenure.
Some of the niches carved by the duo include achieving a significant increase in revenue and profit before tax of 107 per cent and 370 per cent, respectively, over 10 years and consistent dividend payments totalling N3.11 billion.
Facilitating Lagos State’s admission as a shareholder of OICL and achieving the first in-house succession planning.
Other feats include receiving an “A” rating with a stable outlook from Augusto & Co in 2023, transforming OICL into a lean operating holding company with improved corporate governance and a culture of accountability and transparency. and creating three new entities: West Agriculture Company Limited (SawgCo), South West Innovation and Tech Company (SWIT), and BITA Exploration Limited, etc.
Captains of industries and dignitaries from all walks of life made the commendation during a farewell dinner organised in honour of the duo by the management of the OICL at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, on Saturday.
The celebration, which highlighted momentous accomplishment of the duo, had in attendance former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Director-General, Dawn Commission, Mr. Seye Oyeleye, former Minister of Industry, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande and Senator Dr. Lanre Tejuoso, among other dignitaries.
Speaking at the farewell, Chief Olusegun Osoba thanked everyone who has kept the image and legacy of Odu’a alive and also recognised the significant contributions of both leaders to OICL’s growth and development.
According to Osoba, “I want to thank all that has been involved in sustaining the Odu’a image. Among other businesses in Nigerian regions, we are the only one that is doing well. I thank the management, board and staff for keeping the legacy of Awolowo and Odu’a; the Yoruba people, alive.
Former Minister of Industry, Chief Mrs. Onikepo Akande, who congratulated the duo also describes Dr Aina as a visionary chairman while congratulating Mr Raji for his good works at Odu’a, wishing them the best in their future endeavours.
In his remarks, the Director-General of Dawn Commission, Mr Seye Oyeleye, said, “We are gathered here to celebrate Dr Aina and Mr Raji, and I must say that history will be very kind to them. That in 70 years time, we will be talking about them for their good job in Odu’a, just as we remember and talk of the founding fathers. We will not forget you both for your immense contribution to the turnaround of Odu’a.
General Manager, Mr Folashade Awe, said in her remarks, “With their visionary leadership roles, Dr. Aina and Mr. Raji, the Lagos Airport Hotel remains one of the few Indigenous hotels in Nigeria that is still standing after 82 years. Many of its contemporaries have gone into extinction.
“Your guidance and direction are truly inspirational and such a blessing to us at the LAHL.”
In his welcome address, OICL Chairman Otunba Bimbo Ashiru praised Dr. Aina and Mr. Raji for their vision and commitment, emphasising that their leadership set a standard for excellence in the company. “Today, we honour not just their remarkable achievements but also the values they have instilled,” Ashiru stated.
Former KPMG Director Engr. Joseph Tegbe, in his remarks, said the journey to the success we celebrate in Dr Aina and Mr Raji was tough at the initial stage but their expertise and doggedness to make the desired change stand both of them out in their separate obligation to sustain Odu’a Investment Company Limited.
Ogun state SSG Tokunbo Talabi and others echoed similar sentiments, noting their outstanding performances during their tenure.
In response, Dr Segun Aina linked dedication and commitment to work as keys to his successful career. He urged the young Nigerians who are aspiring to be great in their various endeavours to be more committed and dedicated to their chosen profession.
“We can’t achieve these feats without commitment and dedication to our jobs; in the next 10 years, I see Odu’a Investment Company Limited at an enviable height.”
Adewale Raji said, “I feel fulfilled, I feel honoured; this reception shows how impactful our tenure was under the Odu’a Investment Company, I look forward to seeing Odu’a Investment Company Limited sustaining the legacies of our forefathers and moving forward with this enviable pace.
In his closing remarks, the Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Mr Abdulrahman Yinusa, said this is an evening filled with deep reflection, fond memories, and, most importantly, heartfelt appreciation. As we draw this memorable celebration to a close, I would like to thank everyone who took the time to be here today to honour two remarkable leaders.
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