Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) on Wednesday, July 31st, 2024 held the official opening ceremony of its new Lagos Island liaison office strategically nestled at the Western House building, the iconic first high-rise in Lagos state.
The move was a bold step towards bringing the legacy South Western government-owned conglomerate closer to Lagos Island’s hub of business and enterprise, as part of its ongoing repositioning efforts to become a truly modern business empire with investments across energy, real estate, agriculture, technology and manufacturing.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Group Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, said the idea of a new liaison office was borne out of the need to enhance ease of access for local and international partners of the emerging conglomerate in line with its ambitious growth strategy.
The Chairman noted: “We are commissioning today our tastefully well-furnished offices and board room that will act as an information hub for gathering market intelligence, conducting research and facilitating collaboration between OICL and potential business partners. The liaison office will serve as a communication bridge between the holding company and the investing community.
“This magnificent OICL Lagos liaison office where we are all gathered today is strategic in our drive towards accelerated growth and expanding the footprint of OICL. Two of our new subsidiaries have their offices within the facility – South West Agribusiness Company (SWAgCo) and South West Innovation and Tech Company (SWIT). The facilities in the Lagos liaison office include an executive office, modern board room with teleconference equipment, lounge, meeting rooms and kitchenettes,” he stated.
Ashiru added that the facility is beyond a mere physical space but a strategic asset that will facilitate easy asses to the business community, communication, and a step towards fostering international relationships and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of global business with finesses in the drive to become a world-class conglomerate.
Meanwhile, OICL Group Managing Director/CEO, Abdulrahman Yinusa emphasised the development as a testament to the company’s resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
He stated, “The new OICL Lagos liaison office has been well structured for comfortability and ease of operation for better proficiency.”
Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), represented by the Director, SSG Office, Omotayo Gbajabiamila expressed confidence in the board and management team of OICL, noting that with Lagos state’s involvement, excellence is inevitable.
Also, Dr Seye Oyeleye, Director-General, Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, in a goodwill message titled Rekindling the Flame of Progress, enthused that “OICL holds a unique place in the heart of every Yoruba person. Therefore we are not simply witnessing the expansion of a business entity, but the continuation of a grand vision that has shaped the collective social, political, and economic aspirations of Southwest Nigeria.
“OICL carries the weighty responsibility of living up to this lofty ideal set by its founding fathers. We, the Yoruba people, look to this organisation with the same eyes that gazed upon the transformative initiatives of the Awolowo era. We expect nothing less than audacious thinking and ambitious projects that will reshape the landscape of Yorubaland and beyond.”
“This new office in Lagos, the economic powerhouse of West Africa is therefore not just a geographical expansion. It is a launchpad for greater achievements and a statement of intent that echoes the ambitions of our forebears,” he noted.
He urged the group to, “Draw inspiration from other success stories worldwide. Just as Temasek has become a symbol of prosperity for Singapore, we envision Odu’a Investments playing an even more transformative role in our region. We dream of a future where the proceeds from this organisation fund initiatives that guarantee ‘life more abundant’ for all our people.”
Other directors, staff, and stakeholders in the company group and its subsidiaries witnessed the event.