It was a night of encomium as notable Nigerians graced the farewell party for Dr Segun Aina, OFR, immediate past Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), and the former Group Managing Director (GMD)/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Mr Adewale Raji.
The farewell party held at the Oranmiyan Hall of the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, over the weekend was organised by Odu’a Investment Company Limited to celebrate outstanding performances of Dr Aina and Mr Raji during their tenure at the company.
The farewell party has in attendance members of the Board of Directors of Odu’a led by the Group Chairman, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, subsidiary Companies board of directors, government parastatals, associate Companies, Captains of industries, leadership team of OICL and management team of Odu’a subsidies, among others.
List of milestones achievements under the tenure of the duo of Dr Aina and Mr Raji as reeled out by Odu’a Investment Company Limited includes transitioning of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) real estate properties to WEMABOD, making it one of the largest properties management companies in the country by asset under management.
Other include the transformation of OICL into a lean operating holding company, pioneering of a new corporate governance framework for OICL, Stimulation of a work culture of accountability and transparency, remarkable ascent in revenue and profit before tax(PBT) by 107% and 370% respectively in 10 years and consistent dividend payment in the history of OICL, with a total dividend payment of N3.11billion in 10 years.
Dr Segun Aina and Mr Adewale Raji were also celebrated for their achievements in ensuring the landmark admission of Lagos state as a shareholder of Odu’a Investment. Achieved the first in-house succession planning, achieved the first assignment of an “A” rating with a stable outlook by Agusto & Co in 2023.
Part of the milestones of OICL under the visionary leadership of Dr Segun Aina and Mr Adewale Raji also includes the creation of the three new entities into Odu’a Group; West Agriculture Company Limited (SwagCo), South-West Innovation and Tech Company (SWIT) and BITA Exploration Limited, which secured the BITA marginal oilfield.
In his welcome address, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru said, “It is my great pleasure to welcome you all our distinguished guests on this special occasion as we gather to celebrate and honour two remarkable leaders, Dr Segun Aina, OFR, our Emeritus Chairman and Mr. Adewale Raji, our immediate Past Group Managing Director who have left an indelible mark on Odu’a Investment Company (OICL).
“Tonight is not only a farewell to these distinguished gentlemen but also an opportunity to express our deepest gratitude for their immense contributions. In the time we have spent working together, both have inspired us with their vision, dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence and their relentless pursuit of growth which have significantly shaped the success and reputation of OICL.
“Their tenure has set a standard for leadership, integrity and innovation. Under their leadership, OICL has grown stronger, more resilient and positioned for greater success.
“The theme of today’s event is “Celebrating years of legacy – a journey of transformation and growth”. No doubt, the two distinguished personalities timeless efforts, strategic insights, and ability to navigate both opportunities and challenges with grace, have left an indelible mark on the great legacy – Odua Investment Company Limited. Both have helped in the transformation and repositioning of our great company, improving the productivity of the business, while delivering significant impacts during their tenures.
“Today, we honour not just their remarkable achievements, but also the relationships they have fostered, the values they have instilled, and the culture they have helped create. We are honoured that you all could join us this evening as we celebrate their dedication, achievements, and the lasting legacies they leave behind.
In his remarks the former governor of Ogun State, an elder statesman , Chief Aremo Olusegun Osoba described the duo (Dr Segun Aina and Mr Adewale Raji) as a distinguished Nigerians that contributed greatly to the growth and development of the Odu’a Investment Company Limited.
Also in her goodwill message, the first female minister of Industry, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande commended the outstanding performances of Dr Segun Aina and Mr Adewale Raji which has resulted to the enviable height that Odu’a investment Company Limited occupied in the country and Africa at large.
The Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr Olatokunbo Talabi lauded the celebrants for their visionary and leadership roles.
Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Mr Abdulrahman Yinusa said it’s an evening filled with deep reflection, fond memories, and, most importantly, heartfelt appreciation to the two remarkable emeritus leaders, Dr. Segun Aina, OFR, and Mr.
Adewale Raji who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of OICL
The Former Director at KPMG, Engr Joseph Tegbe in his words described the duo as thorough well breed administrators, noting that their tenure witnessed a lot of developmental achievements.
He said, “today we are celebrating the outstanding performances and quality leadership role of Dr Segun Aina and Mr Adewale Raji, both of them of whom l have worked with have delivered excellently at their various capacities while in active service at Odu’a Investment Company Limited and that is why the management and staff of OICL is celebrating them tonight.
Managing Directors of OICL subsidiary companies took turn to appreciate the leadership of the two celebrants in turning around the growth of their companies.
In his remark, Dr Segun Aina linked dedication and commitment to work as a key to his successful career. Nigerians that are aspiring to be great in their various endeavours to be more committed and dedicated to their chosen profession.
He said, “dedication and commitment are very key, we can’t achieve this feat without commitment and dedication to our jobs, in the next ten years I see Odu’a Investment Company Limited in an enviable height.
Mr Adewale Raji, said, “I feel fulfilled, I feel honored, this reception shows how impactful our tenure was 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.
Roll-calls at the event include the Comptroller General of Customs, CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Ogun State Secretary to the State Government Mr Tokunbo Talabi, Director General DAWN Commission, Mr Seye Oyeleye, Senator Dr Lanre Tejuoso, Mr Kunle Adedigba, Niyi Makanjuola, the Raji’s immediate and extended family . Odu’a Board of Directors and Subsidiaries Board of directors.