The immediate past chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), Dr. Segun Aina, along with the former Group Managing Director, Mr. Adewale Raji, were honored on Saturday for their instrumental roles in the company’s recent outstanding successes.
At a well attended farewell party held at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, eminent personalities and colleagues shower encomiums on them for their efforts in repositioning the company’s fortune
Distinguished Guests in Attendance
The event featured a host of notable attendees, including former Ogun State Governor Chief Olusegun Osoba, Secretary to Ogun State Government Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, Nigerian Customs Service Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, DG Dawn Commission Mr. Seye Oyeleye, former Minister of Industry Chief Mrs. Onikepo Akande, and Senator Dr. Lanre Tejuoso, among other dignitaries.
The celebration highlighted several key milestones achieved during the leadership of Dr. Aina and Mr. Raji which includes:
– Transitioning OICL real estate properties to WEMABOD, establishing it as one of Nigeria’s largest property management companies.
– Transforming OICL into a lean operating holding company with improved corporate governance and a culture of accountability and transparency.
– Achieving a significant increase in revenue and profit before tax by 107% and 370%, respectively, over ten years and consistent dividend payments totaling N3.11 billion.
– Facilitating Lagos State’s admission as a shareholder of OICL and achieving the first in-house succession planning.
– Receiving an “A” rating with a stable outlook from Augusto & Co in 2023.
– Creating three new entities: West Agriculture Company Limited (SawgCo), South West Innovation and Tech Company (SWIT), and BITA Exploration Limited.
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.
Chief Olusegun Osoba, in his remarks, recognized the significant contributions of both leaders to OICL’s growth and development. Chief Mrs. Onikepo Akande and former KPMG Director Engr. Joseph Tegbe, Ogun state SSG Tokunbo Talabi and other echoed similar sentiments, noting their outstanding performances during their tenure.
The Director General of Dawn Commission Mr Seye Oyeleye in his remark said history will be kind to them for their tranfornatiry role, ‘in 70 years time when all of us would have long gone they will still be talking about them. we are proud of you’
In his words, Dr Segun Aina 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.
He said, “dedication and commitment are very key, we can’t achieve these feat without commitment and dedication to our jobs, in the next ten 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 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 honor two remarkable leaders, Dr. Segun Aina, OFR, and Mr. Adewale Raji.
“We have all borne witness to their immense contributions to
the growth and transformation of Odu’a Investment Company. Their leadership, vision, and passion have laid a foundation upon which we continue to build.
Dr. Segun Aina shared his thoughts on the importance of dedication and commitment in achieving success, encouraging young Nigerians to embrace these values. Mr. Adewale Raji expressed fulfillment and honor at the reception, emphasizing the need for OICL to maintain its pace of growth.
In closing, Group Managing Director Abdulrahman Yinusa expressed heartfelt appreciation for the leaders’ contributions, noting that OICL’s current strength is a direct result of their efforts.
He reiterated the commitment to uphold the standards set by them as they move forward.
