Osoba, Akande, Oyeleye laud Dr Aina, Raji tenures at Odu’a

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 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 by 107 percent and 370 percent, respectively, over 10 years and consistent dividend payments totalling N3.11 billion.

It also includes 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 the 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 Lanre Tejuoso, among other dignitaries.

Speaking at the farewell, Chief Osoba thanked everyone that has kept the image and legacy Odu’a alive and also recognised the significant contributions of both leaders to OICL’s growth and development.

Said Osoba, “I want to thank all that have been involved in sustaining the Odu’a image. Among other businesses in Nigeria 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 described Dr Aina as a visionary Chairman while congratulating Mr Raji for his good works at Odu’a, wishing both 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.

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.

The General Manager, MrFolashade Awe in her remarks said “With their visionary leadership role DrAina  andMrRaji, Lagos Airport Hotel remains as one of the few of the indigenous hotel in Nigeria that is still standing after 82 years. Many of it’s 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, emphasizing that their leadership set a standard for excellence in the company. “Today, we honor not just their remarkable achievements but also the values they have instilled,” Ashiru stated.

In response, DrSegunAina linked dedication and commitment to work as a key to his successful career. He urged the young Nigerians that are aspiring to be great in their various endeavors 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 in an enviable height.”

Adewale Raji, said, “I feel fulfilled, I feel honored, this reception shows how impactful our tenure were 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, MrAbdulrahmanYinusa 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 honor two remarkable leaders.

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