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One year ago, the Board of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) launched Project DEFINED, a digital literacy initiative under their non-profit social impact arm, the Odu’a Investment Foundation. Project DEFINED, which stands for Digital Education for Innovation and Economic Development, aims to equip students in public schools across South-West Nigeria with essential digital skills to thrive in a world driven by technology. Since its inception, the project has made significant strides in preparing young minds for the digital age. In a virtual event on October 30, 2024, OICL’s board members, the Odu’a Foundation’s Advisory Council, the project stakeholders, and members of the public convened to celebrate the project’s achievements after 1 year of initiation. The event also marked the inauguration of the “College of Mentors”, a group of 12 accomplished professionals from Nigeria and the diaspora dedicated to guiding young learners through their digital journeys. A major initiative of the DEFINED Project is the Byte Busters after-school Coding Club, an initiative created to make computing accessible to young minds, aiming to dispel the myth that technology is inherently difficult by providing students in public secondary schools with hands-on experience in coding, and essential computer skills. The coding club has over 1,000 club members with 662 fully onboarded participants, spread across six local government areas in Oyo, Osun, Ogun, and Ekiti states. The initiative hopes to expand to all 137 local government areas of south west Nigeria. Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, Chairperson of the advisory council, Odu’a Investment Foundation and daughter of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, lauded the vision of the DEFINED project. “The future belongs to those who are digitally savvy. It is my hope that this initiative is the seed for our own Silicon Valley,” she remarked. She also likened the project to one that reinforces the position of the South-West as a pace-setting region in Nigeria. “This project ties into the spirit of forward-looking selflessness that built our region into the pace-setter it is today,”Dr. Dosumu expressed her gratitude to the College of Mentors and praised Professor Seun Kolade’s leadership who has worked tirelessly at no cost to the foundation by rallying so many people into the foundation, from the recruitment of project officers on the project to the nominations of professionals into the college of mentors to be inaugurated, emphasizing that “the community spirit of the Yoruba people lives on through this project.” The College of Mentors, who are accomplished figures in fields such as technology, data science, and cybersecurity, include: Mr. Toye Soladoye – Chief Technology Officer, Union Bank of Nigeria Dr. Ayodeji Ibitoye – University of Greenwich, United Kingdom Dr. Abiodun Egbetokun – Senior Lecturer, De Montfort University, United Kingdom Dr. Babatunde Olorisade – Head of Operations, Edgestride Ltd Mr. Femi Adeleke – Director, 3DMA Technologies Limited Mr. Joshua Olufemi – Chief Executive Officer, Dataphyte UK Dr. Adebunmi Odefunso – Data Science Manager, Athenahealth Dr. Fola Bolaji – Manager, Cybersecurity & IT, DeepHow Dr. Adebowale Owoseni – Senior Lecturer, De Montfort University, United Kingdom Mr. Michael Toyinbo – Director, Chowdeck Mr. Ayoluwa Oyewo – Senior Software Engineer, Spearbit Labs Mr. Ibukun Atoro – Digital Transformation Manager / Managing Partner, Oyo Tech Hub Speaking at the event, Otunba Bimbola Ashiru, The Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited expressed pride in how the program is a continuation of the legacy of our founding fathers. “In just one year, the coding club has made incredible strides. We’re witnessing a continuation of legacy of empowerment started by our fore fathers. This time, it is through digital education. I appreciate the Advisory Council’s commitment and dedication, especially for the fact that they are doing this service without collecting a dime.”Odu’a Investment Company Limited’s Group Managing Director, Abdurahman Yinusa, also addressed the attendees, highlighting the vision behind DEFINED and comparing it the historic free mass education propagated by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. “When free education was introduced, many thought it a pipe dream; history has proven otherwise. Today, our commitment to a digitally literate South-West reflects that same forward-thinking mindset. Together, we will equip our youth to adapt to an ever-changing digital landscape.” During the event, Professor Seun Kolade, the accomplished project director of DEFINED project, thanked the board of OICL and the advisory council for their extensive support and dedication in ensuring the success of the project. In his address, he announced an upcoming Project Showcase, where students will present capstone projects they have built with skills acquired through the Byte Busters Coding Club. Kolade also shared expansion plans, noting that there are ongoing conversations with the relevant stakeholders to establish Byte Busters centres in Ondo and Lagos states, in addition to the current locations in Oyo, Osun, Ogun, and Ekiti.He also shared his excitement for the impact of the project and acknowledged the tireless efforts of the project officers Temilorun Okediji and Yinka Babalola. “It’s a privilege to work with these dedicated professionals, and our goal now is to expand into Ondo and Lagos states.”The virtual celebration was also marked by testimonials from Byte Busters, who shared the transformative impact of digital literacy on their lives. Emmanuel Israel, a participant, said, “I’ve learned so much. From knowing little about computers, I’ve progressed to creating projects, quizzes, and even multiplayer games.” Another participant, Abdulganiyy Abdulhaqq, shared his pride in creating educational games that helps children learn alphabets and working with his team to win prizes for innovative projects. You’ll be interested: Best Pills for Erection – Your Guide to Optimal Sexual Health

In a landmark event on Thursday 24 October 2024, Odua Investment Company Limited (OICL) officially commissioned the newly renovated Cocoa House Car Park, its surroundings, and the ground floor reception area, marking a significant upgrade to the Central Business District of Ibadan. This renovation reflects OICL’s commitment to revitalizing key infrastructure within its assets to benefit the business community and the general public. The commissioning was performed by His Excellency, Engr ‘Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, who expressed his admiration for the transformation and commended OICL for its vision and foresight. Speaking at the event, the Governor represented by the Chief of Staff, Hon Segun Ogunwuyi, underscored the importance of such developments in fostering economic growth and ensuring that Cocoa House maintains its status as a symbol of progress and innovation in the region. “This renovation not only elevates the aesthetic and functional value of Cocoa House but also reaffirms our administration’s dedication to enhancing the infrastructure that drives commerce in Oyo State. Cocoa House is a historic monument, and these improvements will enable it to continue playing a pivotal role in the commercial activities of our people,” the Governor stated.’ In his remarks, Otunba ’Bimbo Ashiru, Group Chairman of OICL stated that the renovation project, undertaken by OICL, is aimed at improving accessibility, safety, and the overall experience for visitors and tenants of Cocoa House, which remains a central hub for businesses in Ibadan and across the southwest region. Enhancements include expanded parking facilities, improved landscaping, and modernized reception areas, all designed to streamline the movement of goods and people while maintaining the cultural and historical essence of the building. The Group Managing Director, Mr Abdulrahman Yinusa highlighted OICL’s broader vision to be world world-class conglomerate and enhance the legacy for younger generations, noting that the renovated car park and surroundings will contribute positively to the efficiency of the entire district. The Hon Commissioner for Land, Housing and Urban Development, Mr Williams Akin-Funmilayo in his goodwill message reiterated the Ministry’s support for initiatives that enhance economic activities and create a conducive business environment. “This is a great example of public-private synergy, and we look forward to more projects that strengthen the economic fabric of Oyo State,” he said. The event was attended by the OICL board of directors, chairmen and directors of Odu’a subsidiary companies, DG Dawn Commission, dignitaries from the private sector, and business partners who all lauded the project as a step forward in the ongoing efforts of OICL in renovating its legacy assets for more business potentials. Past GMDs of OICL, Mr Adewale Raji and Dr Adebayo Jimoh praised the current Board and management of OICL for the achievement stressing that the renovated Cocoa House and its surroundings will continue to serve as a symbol of pride for the people of Oyo State and a beacon of economic vitality in the region.

The Board of Odu’a Investment Company Limited has commended Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his administration’s support to the growth and repositioning of the group while seeking more partnerships with the state. The board, through its Chairman, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, gave the commendation when the OICL board paid a courtesy call to the governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja. Ashiru who applauded the state government for being proactive in the area of infrastructural development, quality education and good health services called on the governor to continue to support the group to achieve its vision of ‘being a world-class conglomerate’ While introducing the new Group Managing Director, Mr Abdulrahman Yinusa to the governor, Otunba Ashiru mentioned that the group has been growing in leaps and bounds, creating new businesses, receiving Agusto upgrading from A to A+ and making significant progress in its renovation work at Premier Hotel which is being upgraded into a word class hotel with modern facilities. He appreciated the six south-west governors for the calibre of individuals appointed to the board of Odu’a and its subsidiaries describing them as people of high integrity and unblemished records. In his response, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the Ashiru-led board for its leadership in the group’s repositioning drive. “ I appreciate the Odu’a group’s leadership for making the right decision which has always taken the organisation to an enviable height and for supporting DAWN Commission. He promised the state government’s support for the group to compete favourably as a regional and a world-class conglomerate. “Odu’a Group is a group that brings memories to the South West. We are proud of what you have done. We know that each of you has distinguished yourselves in your career. We believe Odu’a Group will be able to compete with other international companies,” Sanwo-Olu said. While promising of his government’s support, Gov Sanwo-Olu said “We are ready to help you realize the vision for the group. As a state, we are happy we have made the right decisions and you should see us as a willing partner,” The Governor called on other South West governors to work together to strengthen the region noting that “as South West governors, we should strengthen our collaborative efforts and see to the growth and development of Odu’a enhancing the legacy for future generations.

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

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima commended the Odu’a Investment Group for its sustainability and business initiatives while emphasizing that investment in agriculture, digital economy and MSMEs which the Group focuses on were pivotal to the growth and development of the nation’s economy. According to Senator Shettima, these key sectors remain critical to the nation’s future development and youth empowerment. The Vice President, gave this commendation when the Board of Odu’a Investment Company Limited led by its Group Chairman, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday. Senator Shettima said, “The shareholder States of Odu’a, the Southwest region of our country, has enormous capacity to revolutionise the country given its endowment with large arable farmland, human capital and natural resources just as the policies of the Federal Government will, in no time, manifest as the greatest milestones crossed for the development of Nigeria.” While assuring the Company of his support, the Vice President, restated the firm resolve of President Bola Tinubu-led administration to revolutionise Nigeria’s Digital Economy, saying it was on course and fully backed by the necessary support, initiatives and partnerships. To this effect, he said the Federal Government would continue to open its doors to all willing partners and stakeholders who continue to believe and invest in the Nigeria project, adding that it was just a matter of time before the nation takes its rightful position across the globe. Earlier, the Group Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, commended President Tinubu’s administration for promoting ease of doing business in Nigeria, expressing optimism that this initiative will help businesses to thrive even as he called on citizens and investors to take advantage of the opportunities that abound in Nigeria and invest in the country. Otunba Ashiru appreciated the encouragement his team received from Vice President Shettima, as he mentioned that Odu’a Investment Company Limited, as the investment hub of the South West will continue to make forays into new profitable ventures and create more employment opportunities for young graduates in the country. He mentioned that Odu’a will continue to seek collaboration with the federal government in areas of agriculture, information technology and skill acquisition programs across the six south-west states. Speaking to journalists, the Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Mr Abdulrahman Yinusa expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the emphasizing the need for private and public sector collaboration to drive economic growth. He highlighted the company’s passion for agriculture and information technology.He further said the Vice President assured the delegation that the government is focused on positioning Nigeria as a leader in these sectors, which is in alignment with the company’s goals. “We are passionate about agriculture and we are passionate about information technology because that is the fourth industrial revolution and the Vice President has assured us, including the President, that they are actually focused on making sure that Nigeria takes its rightful place in the comity of nations in those two fields.” He said

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.

Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) and the Nigerian Office for Philanthropy and Impact Investing has signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) towards the provision of grants for MSMEs in the South-West states. The MoU was signed yesterday by officials of both organisations at the Job creation and MSME Secretariat, BOI Building, CBD, Abuja The MoU is geared towards providing funding for startups in order to develop and grow businesses in critical sectors, including Agriculture, renewable energy , fashion and furniture manufacturing. It intends to ensure parties work together towards providing funding for businesses in the six south-west states to spur socio-economic growth of the region for enhanced contribution to national economy. Mrs Thelma Ekiyor-Solanke, Chairperson of the Nigeria Office for Philanthropy and Impact Investing, said the MoU was part of roadmap towards ensuring the office fulfill its mandate by working with relevant stakeholders. “We are pleased to work with our first batch of partners, engaging in different areas of interest, so that when each person brings what they are good at we get a whole” “We hope that through this partnership we will be able to unlock skills and capacity-building advantages. “After this, we hope it will encourage more and more people to partner with the government in this area because the high rate of unemployment has caused social problems and insecurity. Mr Abdulrahman Yinusa, Group Managing Director/CEO, Odu’a Investment Company Limited who signed on behalf of the group, said the execution of the MOU was very important to achieve “impact investing” in the South west states. “We see economic development as an essential combination between meeting statistics and also achieving social goals,so this partnership is supposed to give us an opportunity to actually have what we call impact investing. “In impact investing, you want to go beyond the profit and loss, and go into how much people are getting employed and how sustainable are the developments. “This partnership is supposed to help go beyond making money but to get jobs for our people and also look after the environment. “ You will recall that Odu’a Investment is owned by the six South West states, and first thing we are going to do is to create a platform whereby we will be able to engage all the economic agents within the South West. “This will enable us to participate in activities that will not only grow the economy, but will also create jobs for our people,” he said. Earlier in his remark, Mr Tola Johnson, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Job Creation and MSMEs, said the MoU was a milestone towards realising the president’s commitment to job creation. He, therefore called for commitment from all partners to ensure that the targeted sectors benefit from the presidential intervention for a better life for Nigerians. The Nigeria Philanthropy Office (NPO) is a private-led coordinating office, situated in the Office of the Vice President to drive philanthropic support for MSMEs for targeted sectors that have high job creation potential. The Office is aligned with the job creation vision of President Tinubu and the administration’s ongoing work with MSMEs in terms of job creation by working with donors, impact investors, financial institutions and foundations.

The Group Managing Director/CEO of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), Mr Abdulrahman Yinusa has commended the good work that is being carried out by the Odu’a Investment Foundation (OIF), particularly with the Digital Education for Innovation and Economic Development (DEFINED) project which was officially inaugurated in October 2023 at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos State. The GMD while on an official visit to the OIF Chairperson, Ambassador Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu at the Chief Obafemi Awolowo Ikenne Residence on Wednesday, 10th July 2024 said the decision of the OICL Board in appointing men and women of vision, pedigree, commitment and compassion into the Advisory Council of the Foundation was a right step in the right direction judging by the successes recorded The GMD also use the occasion to present progress updates to the Yoruba Leader on developments in the Odu’a Investment Group particularly efforts being made to enhance the legacy for future generations. He cited the ongoing Premier Hotel redevelopment project and said the project was to revamp, remodel and reposition the hotel to become the preferred hospitality destination in the southwest. He spoke also on the stability in OICL with the new strategy of the organization and corporate governance structure put in place by the Board. He praised the commitment of the immediate past GMD, Mr Adewale Raji in laying a solid foundation for business. Earlier the Project Officers of the Foundation, Mr Temilorun Okediji and Mr Yinka Babalola reported the first endeavour under the DEFINED project is the Byte Buster After School Coding Club aimed at public secondary schools in the Southwest States. The pilot phase is now operational in Oyo State at Government College Apata Ibadan with 100 students enrolled. In Ogun State, suitable centres have been identified and OIF has conducted a pre-admission assessment to shortlist and admit 100 students. There are ongoing engagements with state education ministries and stakeholders in Ekiti, Lagos, Osun and Ondo states for the selection of suitable facilities in those states ahead of the new academic session in October 2024. In her response, Amb, Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu thanked Prof. Seun Kolade of Sheffield Business School UK, the initiator of the DEFINED project and consultant to the foundation for his steadfast support and commitment towards the project. He assured the OICL GMD and OICL Board that the target is to enlist a total of 1,200 students for the DEFINED project before the 1st anniversary of the OIF in October 2024. She stated the other Area of Focus which is on healthcare will be focusing on non-communicable disease prevention and control. On behalf of the members of the OIF Advisory Council, Amb Dr ‘Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu thanked the OICL Board for appreciating the contributions of the Advisory Council and congratulated the OICL GMD, Mr Abdulrahman Yinusa for his new appointment. She expressed her concerns about the high food prices and inflation in the country and wanted OICL to give food security and agriculture development a high priority. The OIF Chairperson advised the GMD to ensure diversity, equality and inclusion guide his leadership style and that he should imbibe Papa Awolowo’s principles of moderate lifestyle while in office and out of office. Check this: Best Pills for Erection – Your Guide to Optimal Sexual Health

Odu’a Investment Company Ltd.,(OICL) and the Nigeria Philanthropy Office, has concluded plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU)in providing grants to spur industrialisation in the South-west zone. Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Group Chairman, Odua Investment Company Ltd., confirmed this at a meeting between OICL and the Office of the Philanthropy held in Lagos to discuss areas of collaboration and partnership between the two organizations. He said the project which is designed to cater for between 500 and 1000 persons is geared towards growing businesses, alleviating poverty, promoting agriculture and education. According to him, the parties would sign the MoU on the partnership tentatively by July 15 to guarantee OICL to take ownership of the project in the South-west zone. Ashiru said that the amount of the fund for the grant is still under discussion and would be announced when finalised. The chairman explained that the South-west Governors who are owners of Odu’a Investment Company Limited are involved in the project, while OICL is the flagship company for the initiative. ” The collaboration between the parties would spread across several areas, but particularly, to support businesses of the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises(MSMEs), agriculture and education that would lead to industrialisation. “We have so many companies, banks, that are partners too on the project, but Odu’a is the flagship for South-west zone, while there are other companies for the South-East and the North,” he said. “MSMEs are the drivers of any economy in the world; “they are about 90 per cent, while the multinationals are just about 10 per cent. “They create about 90 per cent of jobs across the world, but have a problem with funding; this partnership is geared towards addressing the problem and alleviating poverty,” he said. According to him, if the Government focuses on such empowerment, it will reduce the level of poverty and create more jobs. He expressed the willingness of the parties to ensure that everybody that are qualified benefit from the initiative, hence, the ongoing fine tuning of the MoU before it is finally signed. Ashiru said: “we will ensure that people that are qualified get the fund and the right calibre of people are put at the helms of affairs of the project. “That is why the Government is not handling it so that people with vested interest would not hijack it.

Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa assumed office as the 9th GMD/CEO of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) on Monday, 3rd of June, 2024. He was up till the time of appointment the Group Chief Financial Officer of the Company. He took over from Mr. Adewale Raji who retired from the service of OICL on 31st May 2024, after serving meritoriously as the GMD/CEO for 10 years. Mr. Yinusa was appointed GMD/CEO having passed through a transparent and competitive selection process carried out by KPMG. He is a thoroughbred finance professional with over 3 decades of quality industry experience. Prior to coming on OICL board as the Group Chief Financial Officer, he was the ED/CFO in Diamond Bank, where he coordinated the capital raising exercise of over $500m in a combination of four different Tier I & Tier II standard and bespoke Financing Instruments as well as raising of a 7-year $200m Senior Eurobond Debt Instrument listed in Europe. He also participated actively in the M&A process that led to the acquisition Diamond Bank UK. He was the ED, Finance & Strategy, where he coordinated the strategy for the successful merger of Finbank with FCMB. Prior to that, he was pioneer CEO of UBA subsidiary in Sierra Leone where he established the Head Office and five branches within two years. And prior to his offshore assignment, he was the CEO of UBA Asset Management and he was responsible for the launch of four Mutual Fund products within two years. Before that, he functioned as Treasurer and CFO at different times during his 13-year career within the UBA Group. He held the position of Financial Controller/Head Strategy in FSB International Bank (now part of Fidelity Bank) as at a relatively young age of 26 years old. He had a record of being promoted three times during his 3-year career in Citibank. Beyond the massive successful feats achieved in the financial services and consulting space, he had served two terms on the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) where he functioned as Chairman of its Capacity Building and Certification Committee and the Chairman of the Membership Development and Services Committee. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and equally holds MSc. Economics and MBA degrees from the University of Lagos. He is a certified member of many professional institutions, including being Fellows of both ICAN and CIBN. He is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Chartered Institute of Taxation and Nigeria Institute of Management. He also holds the Treasurer Dealership Certificate of MMAN (now FMDA). He has attended a wide range of general management development courses in prestigious institutions across the world, including Cambridge, IMD and INSEAD. He is an industry expert whose views and commentary on both Fiscal and Monetary Policies are well sought after on the efficacy of the periodic MPC decisions. He will be in charge of the overall management and operation of the OICL and its subsidiaries

Group Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru has expressed the company’s readiness to partner with the Ondo State government for more business opportunities in real estate, tourism, hospitality, and agriculture. Otunba Ashiru stated this during the visit of the Board of Directors of Odua to the governor’s office in Akure, Ondo state capital on Monday. He implored the State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa to promote the real estate sector owned by the Odu’a group in the state and also appealed to citizens of the state to support and patronise Odua’s various businesses. The Group chairman, who said the move would further enhance the vision and mission of the founding fathers, commended the Governor for his leadership style and the peace and harmony the state has witnessed. Responding, the Governor expressed gratitude for the group’s efforts in fostering prosperity over the years, emphasising the importance of top-notch packaging to attract global customers. The governor specifically expressed interest in the agriculture sector saying that agriculture used to be the country’s primary source of wealth before oil. He extended his heartfelt thanks to the board of Odu’a for her continuous efforts in sustaining the vision of Odu’a progenitors over the years. “Your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed and are greatly appreciated” the Governor said. On state patronage, the Governor said so far high standard is being maintained and the importance of high-quality packaging is put into consideration, the state will be willing to patronise the conglomerate goods and services. “By maintaining top-notch standards in this area, you can expand your reach and increase market share internationally while the state will also be willing to patronise your services” He noted that agricultural business, requires patience and time unlike some other sectors. The returns on agricultural investments are not immediate ‘They depend on various factors, including seasons and growth cycles. Historically, before the discovery and exploitation of oil, agriculture was the main source of wealth for our country. It provided economic stability and food security” He maintained The Governor emphasised that revitalising and investing in agriculture is essential, as it remains a vital sector with the potential to contribute significantly to our economy once again.” Earlier the Group Chairman, Otunba Ashiru has introduced Mr Abdulrahman Yinusa  to the Governor as the incoming Group Managing Director/CEO effective from June 2nd, 2024. He takes over from Mr Adewale Raji who retires meritoriously from the service of Odu’a on May 31st, 2024, having spent 10 years as GMD/CEO

 We wish to announce a significant addition into our executive management team in person of Mr. Yemi Ajao, who has been appointed as our new Group Chief Investment and Business Development Officer (GCIBDO). The Group Chief Investment and Business Development Officer is joining the group with his extensive background in oil and gas operations – engineering, strategy, and corporate finance functions, boasting a track record of successful investments and exits in early-stage technology ventures and commercial real estates. He brings a wealth of expertise in investment strategies, business development, corporate finance, portfolio management, among other areas. This will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of Odu’a Investment Company Limited In his new role, Mr. Yemi Ajao will be responsible for overseeing our investment initiatives and spearheading our business development strategies. His leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence align seamlessly with our corporate values. HIS PROFILE Mr. Ajao is an experienced Investment Executive with over 20 years of work experience spanning Oil & Gas, Financial Services, Technology and Commercial Real Estate.  Previously, he worked as the Business Development and New Ventures Director at CAMAC International, a Texas based Family Office with a focus on Africa. Prior to that, he led the commercial workstream for Afren/FHN’s acquisition of OML 26 from Shell/NNPC JV and the first locally arranged Reserved Based Lending (RBL) in Nigeria, for the acquisition and re-development of OML 26.   Earlier in his career, Mr. Ajao worked as a Drilling Engineer and in the early days of shale, planned and designed wells for E&P clients in the Barnette Shale, Texas. Altogether, Mr. Ajao spent over a decade in the oil industry, in Engineering, Corporate Finance and Commercial Strategy roles. Since 2013, he has also been an avid supporter of the early-stage technology ecosystem in Nigeria and an adviser to quite a number of early-stage ventures in Nigeria and Kenya.   Yemi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, a Master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Houston and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Jones Graduate School of Business, at Rice University, Houston TX.  Mr. Yemi Ajao will play a crucial role in driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the continued success of our Company. We are confident that he will make a significant impact, and we look forward to the fresh perspectives he will bring to our team.

Odu’a Investment Company Limited on Friday, January 19, 2024 began discussions with the Nigerian Exchage Limited(NGX) to be listed and raise capital from investors. Group Chairman of the company, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru said this at the closing gong ceremony by the firm at the NGX in Lagos. Otunba Ashiru said the move would not only strengthen the company’s financial position but also provide opportunities for investors to participate in its growth. The Group Chairman also said that many dealing investors would be willing to partner with the company without hesitation, due to its diversified investment portfolio. He mentioned that the company would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NGX, to seal the partnership. “We are at the Exchange to let the market stakeholders know that we are willing to be part of them and be a partner in progress. “I want both parties to be part of a success story by working together as a team, and I believe we can be an achiever,” he said. Commenting,  Mr Jude Chiemeka, Acting Chief Executive Officer(CEO), NGX, expressed delight to have Odu’a Investment on the floor of the Exchange. Mr Chiemeka commended the company for the initiative to list on the NGX while expressing optimism that the capital market would further improve. He said that the NGX is a major contributor to the revenue drive of the Nigerian economy. According to him, the top five listed companies on the NGX, in 2023, paid N262 billion as tax to the Federal Government and paid N926 billion as dividends to investors. “The narrative shows that listed companies are more transparent and tax compliant. “It is our hope that the government would continue to push policies in a bid to encourage companies to list and raise revenue.

ODU’A INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED “Odu’a Investment” announces the retirement of the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Adewale Raji, and the appointment of Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa as the Group Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer effective 1st of June, 2024. Mr. Adewale Raji’s retirement follows ten (10) years of dedicated service as Group Managing Director of the forty-seven (47) year old conglomerate. As Group Managing Director, he oversaw the Group’s return to a growth and profitability trajectory through strategic restructuring of the operating structure of the group to improve efficiency. During his two (2) tenures, the company grew Profit Before Tax (PBT) from N378 million (2013) to a high of N2.2 billion (2021), paid a total of N2.56 billion in dividends so far. The Company diversified into Agribusiness, Oil and Gas and other sectors through strategic partnerships, and repositioned the group’s key subsidiaries and assets. He also helped improve the group’s corporate governance framework, and culture of accountability and transparency amongst management and staff. Prior to his appointment at Odu’a Investment, Mr. Raji was the Managing Director, Distribution Services at PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc where he served for 8 years on the Board. Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa currently serves as Executive Director, and the Group Chief Financial Officer of Odu’a Investment. He is a thoroughbred finance professional with over three (3) decades in-depth experience in the Financial Services Industry. He will be responsible for implementing the Group Board’s shared vision and plan, as well as ensure continued execution of existing strategic projects. Prior to joining Odu’a Investment, he retired from Diamond Bank (now part of Access Bank) as an Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer. In the course of his over thirty (30) year career, he demonstrated unique leadership skills, versatility and excellence, and developed expertise in several areas including asset management, local and international capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, strategy, treasury and business transformation. Mr. Yinusa graduated with a B.Sc. Accounting from the Ahmadu Bello University, and holds both M.Sc. Economics and MBA (Finance) degrees from the University of Lagos. He is also an alumnus of the University of Cambridge, IMD, Switzerland and INSEAD, France where he attended top management programmes. Odu’a Investment has also appointed Mr. Yemi Ajao as Executive Director, and Group Chief Investment and Business Development Officer, a role he will assume on the 15th of January 2024. Mr. Yemi Ajao has over twenty (20) years’ extensive experience in oil and gas operations (engineering), strategy, corporate finance, real estate, venture capital and private equity. He graduated with a B.Sc. Chemical Engineering from the Obafemi Awolowo University, and holds an M.Sc. Petroleum Engineering from the University of Houston, and an MBA from the Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice University, Houston, USA. Commenting on these leadership changes, the Group Chairman of the Board, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, stated; “Today we announce the retirement of a Group Managing Director who superintended over a pivotal period in Odu’a Investment’s evolution into a world class conglomerate. On behalf of the Board, I will like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Adewale Raji for his exceptional leadership, and for steering the ship with such vision, courage and professionalism during his tenure. We are also delighted about the smooth leadership transition, and I will like to congratulate the Shareholders and the Board on Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa’s appointment. I have no doubt in my mind that he will take Odu’a Investment to another level of growth, especially with the foundations laid over the past few years”. Commenting further, the outgoing GMD, Mr. Adewale Raji said: It has been a great honour to have been entrusted by the Group’s Shareholders and the Board to superintend over the affairs of the business from June 2014. The period witnessed remarkable changes in the financial performance and corporate governance standing of the Group. I am delighted that the modest successes recorded in portfolio rebalancing and asset optimization in our notable chosen sectors of Real Estate, Hospitality, Financial Services, Agriculture, Energy, etc are going to receive accelerated transformation under my worthy successor (Mr Yinusa) and the excellent crop of talent that the Group has attracted under the support of the Board in these past few years’’ 11th January 2024 Media Relations Victor Ayetoro 08035645584 victor.ayetoro@oduainvestment.com.ng

Odu’a Investment Company Limited end of year 2023 party took place at Best Western Hotel, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan on Thursday, December 21, 2023. It was a time to unwind, celebrate achievements, embrace the joy of the holiday season, cherish memories and look forward to new beginning in the year 2024. Entire staff and Management were in a relax mood savouring different delicacies served with chilled drinks and good music going on at the background. The Group Managing Director, Mr. Adewale Raji and the Group Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa who were full of joy and excitement appreciated members of staff for the company’s performance in the year 2023 and encouraged all not to rest on their oars but continue to give their best to the Company. In his word, the GMD/CEO said “As we gather here tonight, let us reflect on the incredible journey we have shared over the last one year. Your dedication and efforts have been instrumental in our collective success” GCFO charged members of staff to harness the energy of this achievements and set out on an even greater accomplishments noting that ” staff dedication and hard work have been the foundation of the Company’s success, but there is always room to do more” 9 categories of awards were given out to members of staff at the event. Below are details of the awards. Outstanding Contributor Award (Profitability Category) This award recognizes Mr. Olusola Ojeniyi for demonstrating an unparalleled commitment to excellence by reversing a major shortfall in dividend and revenue decline through impressive equities investment choices. Recognition also goes to the individuals who were also part of the team that recorded the milestone: Mrs. Joke Ayeni; Mr. Oluwaseyi Shodunke; Mr. Anudamola Ajala. Outstanding Contributor Award (Project Team Category) This award recognizes Mr. Olukayode Olutimayin for the outstanding contribution he made to the successful delivery of the modernization of the 21st Floor, Cocoa House. Recognition also goes to the individuals who were also part of the team that recorded the milestone: Mrs. Kikelomo Ajayi; Mr. Oluwaseyi Shodunke and Mr. Abiodun Gbade. Outstanding Contributor Award (SRC Transitional Project Revive Category) This award recognizes Engr. Olusoji Sangobiyi for his exceptional and invaluable contribution to SRC Revive Strategy in the redevelopment of Premier Hotel. Recognition also goes to the individuals who were also part of the team that recorded the milestone: Mr. Ade Ajayi. Outstanding Contributor Award (People and Capability Category)This award recognizes Mrs. Odunayo Adeniji For her outstanding contribution and exemplary efforts in managing the industrial relations issue at Lagos Airport Hotel. Recognition also goes to the individuals who were also part of the team that recorded the milestone: Mr. Ololade Shin-Aba and Mr. Abiodun Gbade Outstanding Contributor Award (Process Improvement Category)This award recognizes Mr. Abiodun Gbade For his tireless work ethic in anchoring the deployment of a stable internet infrastructure and successful migration from Google Workspace to Microsoft Office 365. Recognition also goes to the individuals who were also part of the team that recorded the milestone: Mr. Oluwatoba Ogunsakin and Mr. Oreoluwa Taiwo. Punctuality Award This award recognizes Miss Damilola Owoeye For her exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment to compliance with the biometric attendance management process. Most Helpful Employee Award This award recognizes Mr. Ololade Shin-Aba For his commitment towards fostering a positive and collaborative work environment with profound impact on the morale and productivity of the OICL team. Best Dressed (Male) Award This award recognizes Mr. Adeola Adedoyin For his outstanding commitment to professionalism, style, and the positive image he consistently project for our Company through his dressing. Best Dressed (Female) Award This award recognizes Mrs. Funmilola Ogunkoya For her attention to detail, sense of fashion, and consistent adherence to the Company’s dress code which has truly distinguished her as a role model for other colleagues.

The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has passed a vote of confidence on the board and management of Odu’a Investment Company Limited on its record of accomplishment in recent years. The governor who stated this, when he received the board and management of the Odu’a Group led by the Group Chairman, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru in his office, expressed delight in the practical effort and uncommon commitment invested by the company in re-engineering economic growth in the south-west states. He commended the new board for their unmatched sense of creativity, direction, and sincerity of purpose in repositioning the conglomerate to reflect the true vision and worth of the people of the southwest states. “I want to commend your sense of creativity, direction, sincerity of purpose, and commitment to your mandates and we are very happy with the results we have seen. “You have been saddled with the responsibility to be a developmental vehicle to attain an accelerated regional economic growth in the south-west states by the six states’ governors and your organization has been walking the talk,” the governor said. He noted that all the owner-states’ governors adopted a non-interference approach in the running of the conglomerate and this has paid off as the board made up of professionals and people of impeccable character with private sector experience, coupled with qualified management staff has been running the affairs of the company and doing exceedingly well. “We as south-west governors have decided that no longer would we want an Odu’a where members that represent the various states are just politicians, that we would ensure we have directors that are technocrats, fit for purpose and also ensure that the management itself is professionally recruited so as to complement the board. These decisions are sacrosanct and paid off as Odu’a is now a complete departure from what it used to be in the past.” Earlier in his remarks, Otunba Ashiru commended the Governors of member states of Odu’a Investment Company Limited for appointing competent and capable hands to the various board of the conglomerate saying that the issue of diversification is a key factor to the growth and sustainability of an organization. The Group Chairman disclosed that the company has been given a license for the Marginal Oil Field and the company is on the verge of becoming an oil-producing organization. “Hopefully, we should be able to move into field by the first or second quarter of next year, and by this, Odu’a will be one of the oil-producing organisations in Nigeria,” He said. On the Hospitality business, Otunba Ashiru noted that the company currently has a joint venture (JV) partner and work ongoing in remodeling, renovating and upgrading the Premier Hotel structure from an 87-room hotel to a 150-room state-of-the-art five-star hotel. The Group Chairman who said that the company is looking at having an industrial park along the interchange added that a Chinese Company is on the verge of investing in the power sector of the Southwest with an interest in 1000 megawatts per state. The Group Managing Director/ CEO, Mr. Adewale Raji while appreciating the southwest states’ governors for their all-around support in the smooth running of the organization, noting that the future of the company is bright. He said that the company over the last few years has attracted lots of talent and become a brand and a business entity that everyone admires.

The Odu’a Investment Company Limited 2023 Annual Board Strategy retreat was held from Wednesday, October 25 to Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the International Institutes of Tropical Agriculture, IITA, Ibadan, Oyo State. The two-day strategy retreat was organised to redefine the company’s strategic aspiration and evaluate OICL overall business environment.The retreat among others, also reviewed OICL performance and identified new opportunity areas for the Company’s businesses. The Strategy session which was facilitated by B. A. Adedipe Consult. provided platform to achieve a common understanding and aspiration of the progress of OICL in the execution and achievement of its shareholders’ aspirations and revalidate the strategic direction for OICL. Chairman of OICL, Otunba Ashiru in his address appreciated all participants for their promptness and commitment in attending the two-day retreat, emphasising significant progress made along key areas of focus for the board which included governance, people culture and Growth.Participants at the retreat included the Board and Management of OICL, Subsidiaries Board Chairmen and Managing Directors.

Barely three months of its inauguration, the Odu’a Investment Foundation under the Chairmanship of Ambassador Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu has launched Digital Education for Innovation and Economic Development (DEFINED) for both primary and secondary schools across the South-west states.  In her welcome address at the official launching of the innovation, held at the Ikeja Airport Hotel on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu maintained that members of the foundation have taken a significant step in achieving the mandate of the Foundation with the formal launch of Digital Education for Innovation and Economic Development (DEFINED)  She maintained that DEFINED project is the introduction of Byte Busters coding clubs in all our primary and secondary schools across the Southwest, stressing that this is another significant digital step towards having a smart, globally competitive youth population.  Dr. Dosumu in her words further said, “Our young ones are our future. The youth are the drivers of development all over the world. A well-trained and properly kitted youth population will not only birth an economically viable society but will also engender the safety of all. As the Foundation grows, we pray that we are able to harness the talents and enthusiasm of all well-meaning members of the South-West towards accomplishing the best from this developmental initiative.  “As we can see from the name of the initiative we are launching today, it is about using education and innovation to drive economic development for the good of all. Our young ones cannot hunt the bird of tomorrow with yesterday’s stones. This is the age of digital learning and smart jobs.  “We need to ensure that our youths are equipped with the right education and the right skills which, we believe, will make them not only relevant but competitive in an increasingly technology-driven world. You must have what the market needs before you can sell. That is why we must give our young ones the skills and the opportunity to compete and excel on the global stage. That is the whole essence of today’s event.”  While stressing the importance of the DEFINED innovation, Dr. Dosumu said, “The initiative targets pupils and students but also, quite naturally, incorporates the potential for the creation of tech hubs for appropriate skills acquisition for young adults. The entire project focuses more on children within the public-school system and the less-privileged.”  In his remarks, the Group Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru said “Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), and its predecessor the Western Nigeria Development Corporation (WNDC) were established with the objective of promoting economic growth and development. The investments of our founding fathers made helped transform the lives and livelihoods of the people in our various communities.”  Otunba Ashiru further said that Odu’a Investment Foundation was therefore established to achieve significant socio-economic impact with a focus on weaving sustainable growth into the fabric of our communities and region in general. As a result, we identified very credible individuals with a track record of impact in their various spheres of influence, and fully empowered them to steer the affairs of the foundation in the right direction.”  “Our objective is for the Foundation to achieve the highest possible impact, for the highest possible number of people. A dream that is one step closer to reality today as we launch this exciting and high impact Odu’a Investment Foundation Project. The results we are seeing in such a short period of time are a testament to the great success we believe the Advisory Council will achieve.”  “In line with the mission of the Odu’a Investment Foundation which is to expand educational opportunities and promote youth development and information technology in Southwest Nigeria,” the foundation is therefore launching the “DEFINED’ project today. The Project which is an ambitious campaign, will take digital education and opportunities to all the 137 local government areas in southwest states of Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, and Lagos.”  “The youth are at the forefront of the adoption of digital technology and have the highest potential to benefit from what has become an increasingly evolving, and fast-paced digital world. This Project will help position Yoruba youth for the digital age, by providing digital education and creating opportunities for them to hone these skills in a supportive environment. With your support, we can achieve these objectives. With your support, this program has the potential to provide an opportunity of a lifetime to many young people across the region by creating our own digital revolution.” Ashiru said.  The keynote speaker, Professor Seun Kolade, who conceived the project idea maintained that Digital Education For Innovation and Economic Development is a timely project aimed at upskilling southwest Nigerian youth, captivating them for digital revolution.  Professor Seun Kolade highlighted some primary objectives of the DEFINED initiative as to develop a comprehensive curricular that spans the first 12 years of education, from Primary 1 to Senior Secondary School 3, in line with the Nigerian education system and in partnership with the relevant state agencies.  He maintained that the curricula will integrate digital skills and technology across subjects, ensuring that Southwest youths are equipped with relevant knowledge and competencies from an early age. Launch coding clubs in primary and secondary schools across western Nigeria, which will serve as platforms for integrating the curricula contents with extracurricular activities, these clubs will immerse young minds in the world of digital technologies, fostering enthusiasm and interest in digital skills.  The highlight of the programme was when students presented their work in programming and showcased their skills.  Representatives of the six southwest states pledged their support and promised to put the region first and make it an enviable region in Nigeria. Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo and the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun was represented by the State SSG, Chief Tokunbo Talabi, Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji was represented by Mrs. Habibat Asubiaro, Lagos

Odu’a Investment Foundation, a non-profit-making arm of Odu’a Investment Company Limited is set to launch its educational intervention project, ’Digital Education for Innovation and Economic Development (DEFINED), an initiative aimed at upskilling South West youths and preparing them for digital revolution. The launch of ‘DEFINED’ is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the Oranmiyan Hall of the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The objective of the project is to take digital skills to all the 137 local government areas of the South-West states of Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Lagos. The launch of the project will involve active participation of secondary schools and students across the six south states. While some will be physically present at the launch. Others will connect with the programme through the Internet. DEFINED initiative seeks to revolutionise digital skills education in South-West Nigeria, empowering Yoruba youths with the knowledge and competencies required to excel in the 21st-century knowledge economy. The project will involve the development of comprehensive curricula, establishing coding clubs, organising coding competitions and setting up innovation hubs, we aim to create a thriving ecosystem that fosters innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development in the region. Click here to Join The Official Launch

In furtherance of its commitment to promote and drive sustainable Culture Change, Oduá Investment Company Limited organized a Change Management retreat titled “Oduá Culture Transformation Awareness’ for all cadre of staff from top Management down to the junior staff. The objectives of the retreat which was facilitated by Excel Professional Services were to re-energize the corporate culture and institutionalize best work practices that align with OICL core values and to assess the extant corporate culture, ascertain the extent to which “we live our values” and determine the changes that we need to make in institutionalizing a groupwide corporate culture. The Odu’a Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Adewale Raji at the retreat charged staff on the need to inculcate corporate culture and institutionalize best practices in the discharge of their duties towards the attainment of SRC 2025 objectives. The retreat which commenced on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, with top Management staff from the Group and Subsidiary Companies continued on Thursday, October 12 with managerial cadre and Friday, October 13, 2023, with Junior staff. It focussed on the imperatives of change management and what OICL must do to survive in its markets. Syndicate Group discussions were held to address where the emphasis should be in creating change awareness in the different OICL strategic businesses. The elements of corporate culture and the impact of corporate culture on business performance were also learned. The Company’s Group Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa at the retreat spoke on the role of the Manager in embracing corporate culture, with emphasis on efficient leadership, leading by example, employee engagement for unified purposes, and modeling staff behaviour.

Odu’a Investment Company Limited Group Managing Director/ CEO, Mr Adewale Raji on Friday, October 6, 2023, received the Management team of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), led by its Chairperson, Chief (Mrs) Dotun Laitan. The BCOS team was on a courtesy visit to the Group Headquarters of OICL. The team was received by the GMD and some of the MANCOM members at the company’s Board room on the 23rd floor of the Cocoa House. Chairperson of BCOS, Chief Mrs Laitan appreciated OICL management on its strategic drive to reposition the group and keep the legacy of our progenitor, the founding fathers alive to date.The aim of the meeting is to see how a symbiotic relationship could be established between OICL and BCOS. The BCOS team looks ahead to a veritable partnership between the two organizations. The OICL GMD/CEO, Mr Adewale Raji appreciated the BCOS Management team visit and congratulated the Chairperson on her new position, and prayed for wisdom to excel. He promised OICL support to the Management of BCOS and promised to see to their request of building a fruitful business relationship that could help grow the two organizations. MANCOM members at the meeting included the Group Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa; Company Secretary/Head of Legal, Mrs. Abiola Ajayi; Head of project and evaluation, Mr. Olusoji Sangobiyi, Head of Branding and communication, Mr Victor Ayetoro; and the Commercial Manager, Mr Ade Ajayi. Below are some of the pictures of the event.

Staff of Odu’a Investment Company Limited has been charged to be more committed, and dedicated and be ready for collaboration in the discharge of their duties The Group Managing Director/CEO of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Mr Adewale Raji gave this charge at the 2023 OICL staff forum held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at the Training Centre of the Company on the 22nd floor of Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan. Mr Raji said that “to enhance the performance, profitability and sustainable growth necessary in achieving the expectations of the shareholders, every member of staff must put on their thinking cap on how to contribute to the growth of the business”. He noted that all hands must be on deck working assiduously towards achieving the mandate set by the shareholder states to make “OICL the engine room for economic development of the South West” While reiterating that the mandate from the shareholder states is fundamental, he emphasized the need for staff support to make the company achieve its set goals. “Our survival is dependent on the human resource that we have, and that human resource should continue to enhance her capability to deliver efficiently so that the company can remain a thriving entity” He mentioned.The Group Chief Financial Officer, Mr Yinusa Abdulrahman in his address reechoed on the need to brace up and jack the performance of the group to an enviable level. ” It behoves us all to look for ways to increase our revenues” he noted.He stressed the need for business collaboration among departments and subsidiaries in other to move the company to a greater height citing that no man is an island, hence, the place of teamwork cannot be over-emphasised. The staff forum which was organised by the Human Resources department serves as an avenue for Staff and Management to share ideas on the activities of the company, rub minds together and throw more light on grey areas. At the meeting, members of staff were taken through business performance which includes details of the Company’s financial performance, Human Resources update, ICT awareness tips and business review update.Both Management and Staff of OICL were present at the meeting.

As part of the ongoing  strategic plan to ensure continuous growth and sustainability, Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) has supported one of her subsidiary companies, GLANVILL ENTHOVEN INSURANCE BROKERS & PENSION with a strategy retreat for better performance,  how the company can launch into other sectors that contribute majorly to the GDP and also expand her future expectations on income projections for 2024-2028 (5 years strategic plan)The retreat also captured how the company can actively implement micro-insurance and micro-lending platform using the present industry knowledge of Glanvill Enthoven insurance brokers. The workshop held on Friday, September 22, 2023, at the Olokun Hall, Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja have in attendance some members of the Board of Odu’a and Glanvill board which included the Group Managing Director/ CEO, Mr Adewale Raji, OICL oversight director on Glanvill,  Chief Segun Ojo, OICL Group Chief Financial Officer, Mr Yinusa Abdulrahman. Representing Glanvill were the Chairman, Glanvill, Hon Amire Kolade, and Glanvill Managing Director, Mr Supo Falana. Others included HR team from OICL led by Mrs. Odunayo Adeniji, the Transformation & Strategy team led by Mr. Olutimayin Kayode, and Mr. Abiodun Bamiduro of Finance dept, OICL. Glanvill’s Management and staff were also in attendance.The strategy was facilitated by Biodun Adedipe Associates (AAA).

This is to notify the general public that the deadline date for the application of roles for PROJECT OFFICER and PROJECT ASSISTANTS has been extended to the 26th of September, 2023 as published in the Nigerian Tribune of September 18, 2023. Shortlisting and interviewing of candidates comes up within two weeks after the advert has been closed. Kindly share with interested candidates to apply.

This is to notify the general public of an advert inside the Nigerian Tribune of today, September 11, 2023, on Page 5. The advert is seeking for dynamic and dedicated PROJECT OFFICER and PROJECT ASSISTANTS. Shortlisting and interviewing of candidates comes up within two weeks after the advert has been closed. Kindly share with interested candidates to apply.

Shareholding states of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) at its 41st Annual General Meeting held recently in Lagos, approved the recommended gross dividend of N428 million, a 2.2 percent increase over the N418 million paid for the 2021 financial year. Despite all odds, the 2022 dividend made it a sum of N2.56 billion consistent dividend payment by the Group over the last nine years. The Board of Odu’a Investment Company Limited(OICL) has given assurance that with the renewed business strategies and expansion drive, the company would indeed keep the legacy of the founding fathers alive while on the pathway to becoming a global conglomerate. This was disclosed recently while receiving commendations from shareholding states – Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, and Lagos, at the 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja. Chairman of OICL, Bimbo Ashiru, while speaking to the Nigerian Tribune on the sideline of the AGM, was confident that with the reforms, among which is the oil license approval, the company will compete globally as it bids to become a world-class conglomerate. With its business transactions and potential investments in energy, power, agriculture, and real estate, among others, OICL is indeed expanding its portfolio into uncharted business sectors that could move the company as a global player in the future. In June 2022, the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) handed over the license for the BITA Marginal Field covered by PPL 249 to Bita Exploration & Production Company (BEPL), the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) jointly owned by Odu’a Investment Company Limited and Pioneer Global & Resources Limited. Having received its oil and gas exploration and production license with its production subsidiary, BITA Exploration, and Production Limited, OICL aimed to start drilling by the second quarter of 2024, the chairman said, noting that this would be a game changer for the company. Recently, the conglomerate revealed plans to partner with the governments of the six South-West states on power generation and distribution in the region, following President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the Electricity Law, which authorized states, companies, and individuals to generate, transmit and distribute electricity. This indeed reinforces the company’s commitment to be the engine room of the business in the South-West. Ashiru, during the AGM, noted that as part of fulfilling its responsibilities of steering the company towards achieving its potential, the board has remained committed to the execution of our Five-year Strategy, referred to as SRC (Sweat, Revive and Create) 2025. The central thrusts of the strategy include sustainably improving returns by sweating existing assets, reviving moribund businesses within its portfolio or optimizing its assets, and creating new businesses across our priority sectors (Agriculture, Healthcare, Real Estate, Hospitality, Financial Services, Energy, ICT and Transportation and Logistics). “During the year in review, we made significant progress in the area of business development. We developed a significant pipeline of business transactions and potential investments, some of which will translate into viable businesses and partnerships. He noted that in the year 2022, the board worked tirelessly to improve the quality and depth of engagement with the board and management of subsidiaries across the group. “Our emphasis was on setting the foundations for improved shared service arrangements and deriving intra-group synergies. We plan to leverage our shared service programs to drive group-wide culture and standardized business practices. We expect that these efforts will result in increased efficiency and effectiveness of our operations. Our conversations with the subsidiaries have also extended to improving cross-selling of products and services within the Group.” Recalling engagements held in 2022, Ashiru noted that the board intensified engagements with stakeholders, including shareholders, investee companies, developmental finance institutions, and bilateral institutions. “These engagements, some of which were with international institutions and forums such as the Canadian Council (Nigeria-Canada & Investment Business Forum), International Finance Corporation, the Commonwealth Business Forum, and the African Export-Import Bank, were aimed at positioning us for opportunities locally and internationally. We also engaged our shareholders more closely with the hope of enhancing points of mutual value creation between the states and our businesses.” In its hospitality business, to achieve a world-class, OICL, in December 2022, reached an agreement with a strategic partner to remodel, renovate and upgrade the existing Premier Hotel from an 87-room hotel to a 150-room five-star hotel. The redeveloped hotel will be equipped with world-class conferencing facilities, restaurants, recreational facilities, and ample parking. The project is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2025. Looking ahead, Ashiru is optimistic that 2023 would be rewarding. “I believe that the year 2023 will be pivotal for the business. Several transformational initiatives in our operations will be completed or nearing completion, and it will therefore be a year of consolidating on the significant shift that the Board and Management have worked so diligently to achieve over the last three years. The multiplier effects that we expect on our revenue and asset base have begun to appear, and the trajectory of the business can only be upwards.” Speaking on the real estate business of the conglomerate, the General Managing Director of OICL, Adewale Raji, noted Wemabod Limited, the full-fledged real estate business, has made significant progress in line with the board’s strategic thrusts. “In the areas of property and facility management, Odu’a Investment Company Limited’s properties were officially handed over to Wemabod for management, making it one of the largest property management companies in the country by asset under management,” he said. For its Agriculture and Agribusiness, South West Agricultural Company Limited (SWAgCo), working with Odu’a Investment Company Limited, has commenced work on the revitalization of agricultural assets across the South West region, Raji noted. “These efforts include seeking partnerships for the development of Group land assets of about 40,000 hectares, operationalizing land assets, and partnering with third parties players to develop other critical agriculture infrastructure assets in the region. In 2022, its operations cut across the rice, maize, soybean, and cassava value chains,” he added. Speaking on the financial result for the year ended

Odu’a Investment Company Limited has approved the payment of a N428 million dividend to its shareholders, a 2.2 percent increase compared to the N418.4 million paid in the 2021 financial year.  The assets of the company also grew by 3.6 percent from N110.56 billion in 2021, to N114.51 billion in 2022.” The dividend declaration was made at the 41st Annual General Meeting of the company held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja on Thursday, July 27, 2023. Odu’a board chairman, Otunba Ashiru who gave the financial performance of the company stated that Odu’a Investment Company Limited’s operating revenue decreased by 8.5% from N4.01 billion in 2021 to N3.67 billion in 2022. Otunba Ashiru also said, “The company posted a profit before tax of N4.08 billion in 2022, 56.5% lower than the N9.37 billion in 2021and that this was driven largely by lower revaluation gains. “Despite the socio-economic challenges we faced as a business, I’m happy to report that the board has recommended a dividend of N428 million for your approval, this is higher than the dividend of N418 million paid in 2021, and indicative of our commitment to delivering sustainable returns, he said. Otunba Ashiru further maintained that in December 2022, Odu’a Investment Company Limited reached an agreement with a strategic partner to remodel, renovate and upgrade the existing Premier Hotel from an 87-room hotel to a 150-room 5-star hotel. He said, “The redeveloped hotel will be equipped with world-class conference facilities, restaurants, recreational facilities, and ample parking. The project is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2025. He spoke further on the registration and setting up of the office for the Odu’a Investment Foundation. He assured shareholders that the outlook for 2023 remains positive, we expected some of the critical changes in the monetary and fiscal policy environment that will drive activities in real estate and construction, agriculture, and the power sector amongst others.” “I believed that the year 2023 will be pivotal for the business, several transformational initiatives in our operations will be completed or nearing completion, and it will therefore be a year of consolidating on the significant shift that the board and management have worked so diligently to achieve over the last three years. The multiplier effects that we expect on our revenue and asset base have begun to appear, and the trajectory of the business can only be upwards.” Ahsiru said. In his report, the Group’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr Adewale Raji also noted that the year 2022 started on a positive note globally, as the world appeared to be on the path of recovery in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr Raji further said, “The recovery from Covid-19 was soon interrupted by the escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, whilst the effect of the war on Ukraine was particularly devastating, the impact of the war on global energy and commodities markets was also significant. Sanctions imposed on Russia, which is a major oil and gas producer, contributing about 17% to global gas production only seemed to worsen the impact of the war on the global economy.’ “The impact of the war was felt in the commodities market as a significant portion of the global supply of wheat, rye, corn, barley, sun oil, coal, aluminium and nickel is attributable to the two countries.  Central Banks across the globe raised interest rates with the intention of curbing inflation even though economic growth was on a decline. Consumer prices in advanced economies grew by 7.3% in 2022 according to the International Monetary Fund, with prices rising by 8.4% in the Euro Area and 8% in the United States.” Price increases in the United States hit a high of 9.1% in June, and 11.1% in the United Kingdom in October.  Outside of the Euro Zone, the United States, and East Asia, on average price increases hit double digits in most regions. Banks such as Silicon Valley Bank, Credit Suisse, and Signature Bank failed in 2022, in what appeared to be the beginning of another global financial system crisis. Luckily, the fears of contagion were not realised as these bank failures were contained. Crude oil prices rose throughout the first half of 2022, with the OPEC Reference Basket (ORB) Price hitting $120 per barrel by June 2022 from about $78 per barrel at the beginning of the year.” Bearing this operating environment, Odu’a Investment Company recorded a revenue of N3.68 billion in 2022 which was an 8.5% decrease from the 2021 amount of N4.01 billion.  Profit Before Tax was N4.08 billion compared to the 2021 figure of N9.37 billion. This was driven mainly by a reduction in revaluation gains on investment properties from N7.11 billion in 2021 to N2.98 billion in 2022. “These gains do not occur on all our properties all at once and will typically vary from one year to another. If these Accounting gains are removed, the normalised Profit Before Tax for 2022 will be N1.1 billion compared to N2.26 billion for 2021 Based on this modest profitability, the Board of Odu’a Investment Company Limited proposed for the approval of the Shareholders a gross dividend of N428 million.” “This is a 2.2% increase over the N418 million paid for the 2021 Financial Year. Should this recommendation be approved and paid out, it will bring the total dividend paid to shareholders over the last 9 years to the sum of N2.56 billion.” the GMD said

Stakeholders including South West Governors and Leader of ‘Afenifere’, the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Pa Ayo Adebanjo on Thursday 27th July, 2023 applauded the Management of Odu’a Investment Company for sustaining Awolowo’s Legacy with the Establishment of Odu’a Investment Foundation. Odu’a Investment Foundation(OIF) was incorporated at the Corporate Affairs Commission(CAC) in 2021 to serve as an independent social corporate arm of the Company to give back to society and improve the life and livelihood of the citizenry of the Owners’ States and launched on Thursday 27th July 2023 in Lagos. Apart from the official launching of the foundation, the company also inaugurated members of the Advisory Council, which includes Amb. Dr Tokunbo Dosumu Awolowo, (Chairman) Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Dr Victoria Adunola Samson, Dr Segun Olugboyegun, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande, Mr Aderemi Makanjuola, and Dr Biodun Shobanjo Representatives of the Governors of Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states, in their separate remarks, commended the Odua Investment company for the initiative. Inaugurating the Advisory council at a well-attended event at the Banquet hall of Lagos Airport Hotel, Odu’a Group Chairman, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru said the members are expected to use their influence and network to actualise the priority focus areas of youth empowerment, Education and Health. “Odu’a Investment Company Limited has committed 1% of its Profit After Tax in addition to external funding sources to finance the Foundation programs. According to Otunba Ashiru, our hope is that this will provide the Foundation with the seed money required to attract additional external funding and resources needed to achieve the necessary impact and reach. “To achieve its objectives, the Foundation will rely heavily on collaborations and partnerships with individuals, businesses, and public and private institutions, including non-governmental organizations, development agencies, multilateral bodies, etc.” We believe that with your support, the Foundation can tap into the vast collective economic and social capital available to the Southwest Region, and direct the resources pooled together into projects and initiatives that will improve the welfare of our people, he said. Leader of ‘Afenifere’, the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who commended the management of the Odu’a group for sustaining Awolowo’s legacy said ‘ I can’t miss anything related to Oduduwa So, I want to thank all you directors of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) because you are inheritors of a good heritage, God bless you for establishing the Odu’a Investment Foundation (OIF). Chairperson, OIF, Ọlatokunbọ Awolọwọ Dosumu, said: “Beyond the role of the conglomerate in the business of adding value to the economy, as well as its statutory obligation of enhancing the revenue of its various shareholder governments, Odua Investment have now decided to deploy a further percentage of its income to an initiative that offers a wider latitude to impact lives through creative, inventive and effective philanthropy that cannot be accomplished by other means. “By setting up this Foundation, therefore, this Board has intentionally introduced an additional avenue through which the company can further impact the lives of the people positively. In other words, rather than neglect or erase the legacy of our founding fathers, they have elected to maintain and, even, propagate it. I commend them once again for taking this bold step. “I note with great joy that several decades after the investment group was set up, and more than three decades after the transition of the prime legator, Chief Awolowo, the legacy has remained in very safe hands. The journey may not always have been particularly smooth. Still, it is important to note that in spite of all odds, and as a testament to the solid foundation upon which it was built, coupled with the commitment of its board, management and staff over the years, the house of Odu’a Group is still standing tall, sturdy and safe. Also, Chief Wole Olanipekun, in his remark, said he is ready to work with other members of the council to project the ideals and vision of the Odu’a investment foundation. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who the SSG represented, Bimbo Hundeyin, said: The name “Odu’a” is deeply rooted in our culture and history, reminding us of our noble heritage and the virtues of resilience, innovation and love for fellow mankind. As we launch this foundation, which will serve as the corporate social responsibility arm of the company, weinvoke the spirit of Odu’a to guide us on this transformative and empathetic path. It is a well-known fact that the primary goal of any business-oriented organization is profit-making. However, in the pursuit of this legitimate goal, it is expected that organizations must commit part of their resources to cater/to the welfare needs of the community and the people that patronize their business. I am therefore excited that our company, by this initiative, is showing commitment to its corporate social responsibility, focusing on education, health, and youth empowerment. “Indeed, these areas of focus for the Foundation are critical and fundamental to improving the human capital development profile of our region for sustainable growth and development In Lagos State, the activity of this Foundation will complement our efforts, especially in the successful implementation of our T.H.E.M.E.S+ developmental agenda.

The Chairman, Odu’a Group, Bimbo Ashiru, said on Tuesday that plans were underway to partner the governments of the six South-West states on power generation and distribution to improve power generation and distribution in the region. Ashiru also said the group would soon begin oil exploration and production as part of efforts to boost the potential of the group, reposition it and as well sustain the legacies of the founding fathers. The Odu’a boss, who spoke in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, during a visit to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, also assured that the board and management were working round the clock to revive the group’s investments and establishments which had been abandoned. He said that the decision to partner with the South-West governments on power followed President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the Electricity Law, which authorised states, companies and individuals to generate, transmit and distribute electricity. This, he said, was to “boost electricity supply to the South-West and by extension enhance the commercial activities in the region”. Ashiru said, “Odu’a won the marginal field OML 95 on Ondo State. That is one of the things we are working on,” adding that the group had entered into a partnership with an oil company for deeper and marginal exploration and production of oil with the aim of boosting fuel supply in the country. “We are here to let you know what we are doing. Our focus is to be the engine room of the business in the Southwest. Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji emphasised on collaboration initiatives to boost industrialisation, improve agricultural productivity and attract investments to Ekiti State. These partnerships he said would generate employment and enhance the overall prosperity and well-being of the state.

The Group Chairman of Oduá Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru was the Guest speaker at the June Members’ Evening/ Business Cocktail of the Nigerian- British Chamber of Commerce held on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at the British Deputy High Commission residence in Lagos.  Playing Host at the cocktail was Mr Ben Llewellyn Jones, the British Deputy High Commissioner. Otunba Ashiru spoke on the need for private sectors to continue collaborating with the government to enhance the quality and overall performance of business prosperity and economic development. He noted the need to ensure continuity in our business approach saying that ‘it is not bringing investors that matter but what matter most is the sustainability of the relationship’ Guests from respective business organisations were present. OICL team includes the Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr Adewale Raji, Odu’a Director, Mr Segun Olujobi, Mr Olugbolahan Mark-George, Group Chief Investment and Business Development Officer, Mr Abulrahman Yinusa, Group Chief Financial Officer, Mr Ade Ajayi, Commercial Manager and Mr Victor Ayetoro, Head Branding and Communication. See moments captured of the event below:

In its repositioning drive to be a world-class company, Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) has moved a step further to remodel the 21st floor of Cocoa House into a world-class office aimed at fostering a positive and productive work environment for its staff.  The floor underwent a significant redesign and renovation process that gave room for an open space workstation with a modern architectural design which guarantees a suitable working and conducive environment for better collaboration and flexibility.  The remodelled floor has major sections like breakout meeting rooms, a digital video conference room, relaxation corners and a kitchenette, all of which allow for creativity, exchange of ideas through collaborative planning and enhanced energy of working together openly.  Other key equipment like CCTV to enhance the security network within and outside the office premises, and a biometric system to capture checking-in and out-of-staff are in place. These initiatives support better risk management in case of emergency and all are in line with OICL organizational transformation plans.  The remodelling and transformation work on the 21st floor which took up to 3 months to complete is now functional and occupied by staff of various departments and units. The Management believes that the new modern office will further boost staff morale and enhance productivity towards the attainment of the organization’s ambitious 2025 strategic aspiration of Sweat, Revive and Create (SRC). 

Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday, February 9, 2023, commissioned Phase 1 of the 67 residential units of Westlink Iconic Villa in Ibadan. Westlink Iconic Estate is a joint venture project between ODU’A Investment Company Limited and Chapter 4 Estates Ltd. The Estate has located opposite Nigerian Breweries, Alakia, Ibadan, Oyo State. Speaking, Prof Osinbajo said that there is a huge opportunity for investments in the real estate industry in Nigeria, urging stakeholders to leverage the existing gap to create wealth and drive development.\ The Vice President in an address delivered during the commissioning harps on the importance of public-private partnership for development. Prof. Osinbajo said, “I am delighted with what I’m seeing here today. This is no doubt, creating a new and vibrant neighbourhood in this part of the country; Oyo State. I am hopeful that the example Odu’a Investment has set, can serve as a model for many others to follow. “The Nigerian business environment has been coloured and polarized with lots of challenges spawning fear as a result of insecurity, uncertainty, political, environmental and cultural disparities. “In spite of these challenges, Nigeria is slowly but surely checking the boxes when it comes to the ease of doing business, resulting in the country being one of the topmost hubs for business.No doubt, the Ease of Doing Business reforms in Nigeria and appeal to Nigerians in the diaspora, encouraged what we are seeing here today through this magnificent Joint Venture project between Odu’a Investment Company Limited and Chapter 4 Estates Management Limited, UK. “I must commend the effort of the Board and Management of Odu’a Investment Company Limited for initiating this noble project, and ensuring that the first phase of the project is being commissioned today. This clearly demonstrates a blend of private partnerships which brings about greater dividends. “What we see here today, confirms that there is a huge opportunity in Nigeria for investments in the real estate industry. While government commits to creating an enabling environment, I will advise that we look to the private sector for investments to galvanize growth in the sector. He urged stakeholders to see the achievement as the beginning of what is possible with the blend of private partnerships. Earlier in his address, the Group Chairman, of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, noted that the real estate industry in Nigeria experienced steady growth in the last two decades, saying that with advancement in technology, “The next couple of years will be very exciting for the real estate sector, especially with the emergence of a new generation of potential homeowners and renters who are technologically savvy and prioritise comfort.  “One component of the Nigeria property market’s evolution which I believe can make the market more vibrant is an efficient Mortgage Sector. With the amount of pent-up demand for property in the local market, if the right mortgage terms are available, I believe that originating 100,000 residential mortgages per annum is very possible.   “We at Odu’a Investment Group are bullish about the immediate future of the Nigeria Real Estate Industry. As one of the largest holders of real estate assets in the country, we see first-hand the immense opportunities across the residential, commercial and industrial segments of the sector.  “We plan to develop new and build on existing partnerships to help meet the growing demand for modern and first-class properties and living environments. Over the last four years, the Odu’a Investment Group has leveraged partnerships with developers such as Chapter 4 Estates Management Limited, Address Homes and many others envision world-class projects such as the Westlink Iconic Villa, Alakia, and the Ikoyi Crescent JV development between Wemabod and The Address Homes Limited. There are a lot of other projects in the pipeline in cities like Lagos, Ibadan, Ado-Ekiti, etc.” Mr Oyeniyi Raimi, Director of Finance and Resources, Chapter Four Estate Management Limited, said that rather than just wish for the Nigeria of their dream, he and his partners who were based in the United Kingdom, took the bull by the horn by coming to Nigeria to realize the vision of building quality and affordable shelters for the people.  Mr Raimi said that “Government alone cannot do it. Some people have to work in collaboration with government. When we came to Nigeria, the primary product we had in mind was to provide affordable homes. We wanted an average Nigerian with an average salary to be able to buy a home which can be paid for over a period of time. We have the template but you can hardly have affordable homes without the government playing a role” In his address, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, explained that the state government welcomed and supported the idea of Westlink Iconic Estate when it was mooted in 2019 due to the fact that shelter is key in any sane society. The governor, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Barr. Bayo Lawal said there is a compelling need to address the housing deficit, which has greatly impacted on the Human Development Index as a nation.“Basically, the human being needs food, water, air, and shelter to survive and with that guarantee, he can launch to conquer new grounds and make more discoveries. “This initiative of the Odu’a Investment Company Limited bodes well with the deliberate design of the government of Oyo State to make life more meaningful to the people of the state, open up our economy and enhance the quality of life,” he said. In his remarks, the Group Managing Director, OICL, Mr. Adewale Raji, expressed appreciation to the group’s developing partners for their immense support. Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Governor Babajide Sanwolu of Lagos State, and their Ondo State counterpart, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, (SAN), were represented on the occasion. Among the important dignitaries that were present on the occasion are the Board of directors of Odu’a, the Board of directors and MDs of Odu’a subsidiaries, Odu’a  MANCOM members, Chief Onikepo Akande (CON), a leading industrialist; Oloye Lekan Alabi, Maye

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The Osun State University on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, conferred on Dr Lawrence Olusegun Aina, OFR, Director, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, an honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration (D.B.A)Honoris Causa. Our director personally received the doctoral award during the 11th Convocation ceremony of the University which took place at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Auditorium in Osogbo, Osun State. Another great industrious and highly philanthropic Osun indigenes, Dr (Mrs) Victoria Adunola Samson, ( Mama Bovas) the Chief Executive Officer of Bovas Nigeria Ltd was also honoured with Honoris Causa along with Dr Aina. To felicitate on this occasion with our director in Osogbo, Osun State were the Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr Adewale Raji and Head Branding and Communication, Mr Victor Ayetoro. 

Mrs Odunayo Adeniji joined the service of Oduá Investment Company Limited as Group Head of Human Resources. She is being engaged to drive the Group’s people agenda in delivering the ambitious “SRC-2025 Strategy.  Mrs Odunayo is an experienced and seasoned HR practitioner, a Certified Coach, with a passion for people development, delivering Human Resource strategies, Organisational Change and Development strategies, and Performance and process improvement solutions that support the achievement of the Business goals. She has worked in different leadership capacities with both indigenous and multinational Companies in different sectors of Nigerian Business for over a decade. The new Group Head of Human Resources is a Strategy architect in the development of innovative HR and administrative initiatives designed to streamline processes and capitalize on organizational growth opportunities. A creative thinker, problem solver and decision maker who effectively balances the needs of employees with the vision of the organization and drives seamless and effective initiatives that impact on the bottom line of the business. She holds a master’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Lagos State University. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria and a Senior Professional in Human Resource Management International. Mrs Odunayo is passionate about knowledge impartation and the arts to work with individuals on establishing deeper connections with their daily work

The Group Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited OICL), Otunba Bimbo Ashiru on Thursday, August 11, 2022, presented to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu, the Lagos State Government Odu’a Investment Share Certificate.  The presentation took place during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the company’s board members and management team at Lagos House, Ikeja, Lagos.  Chairman of Oduá Investment Company Limited, Otunba Ashiru said the company decided to hand over the Share Certificate to Governor Sanwo-Olu to silence critics who do not believe that Lagos State is part of Odua Group.  He stated that Lagos State is a bonafide member of the Odu’a Investment Company Limited, and the board members and management have been enjoying the support to the Lagos State Government to the company. Otunba Ashiru further said that the focus of the board and management team, with the calibre of people of integrity managing the affairs of the company, is to make Odu’a Investment Company Limited a world-class company.   He, however, requested for more support from the Lagos State Government, noting that Odu’a is ready to partner and work with the state government for more business opportunities in hospitality, real estate, tourism and agriculture, especially the Imota Rice Mill.  Governor Sanwo-Olu in his response said the Lagos State Government is willing to partner with Odu’a Investment Company to deepen the relationship among the South-West states in agriculture, hospitality, oil and gas, tourism and other business opportunities.  He added: “We thank you very much for silencing critics who are not sure whether Lagos State has been brought in as part of Odu’a Investment. Lagos State, before now has been accepted as an equal partner, and equal shareholder with governors of the five other states and we are all equal stakeholders in the group.  “We thank you very much for presenting our Share Certificate to us. We have enjoyed dividends a couple of times already and it goes to show that our investment is yielding the right results. Lagos State is happy that we have made that investment and we are part of a great and bigger agenda called the Odu’a Investment.  “We are willing to partner with Odu’a Investment Company on our Imota Rice Mill. The Rice Mill will be commissioned in October or November depending on the timing of our guest. It is something that we all need to celebrate. That would be the biggest single rice mill in the country and it is a pride for all of us.  “And coming out of the mill itself, there are many other businesses that also can springboard; rice plantation, rice paddy and all of it can be one of the areas in which we can look out for great business opportunities in Odu’a Investment Company. There are also other areas we can collaborate on like real estate opportunities, blue economy, hospitality destinations and tourism.”  Governor Sanwo-Olu while commending the board and management of the Odu’a Investment Company Limited for their commitment urged them to have a long view and make it a company that will outlive them. “We are happy you are building a company that will outlive all of us. If our fathers can take it up 45 years ago to what it is now, we also must have a long-time view to ensure that we can position that company for another 30, 40 years from today. We will give you all the necessary support, cooperation and encouragement,” he advised.  OICL Chairman was accompanied on the visit by Mr Adewale Raji, Odu’a Group Managing Director/ CEO,  Chief Segun Ojo,  Odu’a director, Barrister Seni Adio, SAN, Odu’a director, Dr Tola Kasali, Odu’a director and Mrs Folusho Olaniyan, OON, Independent Director. Others were Mr Olugbolahan Mark- George, Executive Director, Investment and Business Development, Mr Babajide Arowosafe, SWAGCO MD,  Mr Yemi Ejidiran, MD, Wemabod Limited and Mr Victor Ayetoro, Head, Branding and Communication.ENDS.

 •Says Lagos willing partner to deepen business relationship among South-West states_  •Our focus is to make Odu’a Investment a world-class company, says chairman_  Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has received the Share Certificate of Lagos State Government from the Odu’a Investment Company Limited, a company jointly owned by the six South-West states. The Share Certificate was presented to Governor Sanwo-Olu by the Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru during a courtesy visit to the Governor on Thursday by the company’s board members and management team at Lagos House, Ikeja. Speaking after receiving the Share Certificate, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos State Government is willing to partner with Odu’a Investment Company Limited to deepen the relationship among South-West states in the areas of agriculture, hospitality, oil and gas, tourism and other business opportunities.    He said: “We thank you very much for shaming and doubting Thomases who are not so sure if Lagos State has been brought in as part of Odu’a Investment. Lagos State before now has indeed been accepted as equal partners, equal shareholders with governors of the five other states and we are all equal stakeholders in the group. “We thank you very much for presenting our Share Certificate to us. We have enjoyed dividends a couple of times already and it goes to show that indeed our investment is yielding the right results. Lagos State is indeed happy that we have made that investment and we are part of a great and bigger agenda called the Odu’a Investment. “We are willing to partner with Odu’a Investment Company on our Imota Rice Mill. The Rice Mill will be commissioned in October or November depending on the timing of our guest. It is something that we all need to celebrate. That would be the biggest single rice mill in the country and it is a pride for all of us. “And coming out of the mill itself, there are so many other businesses that can also springboard; rice plantation, paddy rice and all of it can be one of the areas in which we can look out for great business opportunities in Odu’a Investment Company. There are also other areas we can collaborate on like real estate opportunities, blue economy, hospitality destinations and tourism.” Governor Sanwo-Olu while commending the board and management of the Odu’a Investment Company Limited for their commitment urged them to have a long view and make it a company that will outlive them.  “We are happy you are building a company that will outlive all of us. If our fathers can take it up 45 years ago to what it is now, we also must have a long time view to ensure that we can position that company for another 30, 40 years from today. We will give you all the necessary support, cooperation and encouragement,” he advised.  Speaking earlier, OICL Group Chairman, who said Lagos State is a bonafide member of the Odu’a  said the board members and management team visited Governor Sanwo-Olu to appreciate him and Lagos State Government for their support to the company. He said they decided to hand over the Share Certificate of Lagos State Government to Governor Sanwo-Olu to silence doubting Thomases who doesn’t believe that Lagos State is part of the Odu’s Investment Company. He said the focus of the board and management team, with the calibre of people of integrity managing the affairs of the company, is to make Odu’a Investment Company Limited a world-class company.  Otunba Ashiru, who requested more support from Lagos State Government, said they are ready to partner and work with the state government for more business opportunities in hospitality, real estate, tourism and agriculture, especially the Imota Rice Mill. OICL Group Chairman was accompanied to the State House, Alausa on the visit by Mr Adewale Raji, Odu’a Group Managing Director/ CEO,  Chief Segun Ojo,  Odu’a director, Barrister Seni Adio, SAN, Odu’a director, Dr Tola Kasali, Odu’a director and Mrs Folusho Olaniyan, OON, Independent Director. Others also include Mr Olugbolahan Mark- George, Executive Director, Investment and Business Development, Mr Babajide Arowosafe, SWAGCO MD,  Mr Yemi Ejidiran, Wemabod Limited MD, and Mr Victor Ayetoro, Head, Branding and Communication

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has, on Thursday, August 4, 2022 inaugurated the first in Africa and second in the world cassava-based sorbitol factory. The facility, named Psaltry International Company Limited, sited at Alayide village, Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo state, has the capacity to produce 25 tons of sorbitol per day and is second to the one in Indonesia. Sorbitol is a naturally occurring sweetener, synthetically extracted from glucose, used in sugar-free foods, pharmaceutical products and oral care products such as mouth fresheners and toothpaste. While inaugurating the factory, Engr Makinde declared that his administration is fully supportive of strides that directly improve economic activities and livelihood of citizens of the state, saying thus far, his government had attracted to the state, over N23 million in agribusiness investment apart from $25million in partners blended finance for rural roads in the state. In her remarks, the founder, of Psaltry International Company Limited, Mrs Oluyemisi Iranloye, said the factory would reduce the nation’s reliance on imports and drive agricultural industrialisation in the county. Mrs Iranloye charged financial institutions to support entrepreneurs and give longer moratorium to such projects to prevent failure. In her own remarks, the Chairman, Board of Directors, Psaltry International and Independent Director, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Mrs Folusho Olaniyan noted that the epoch-making factory would provide employment for 10,000 persons, impact on about 100,000 persons around the community and help reduce unemployment and the nation’s reliance on imported raw materials like sorbitol. Lamenting that Nigeria is among the largest importer of sorbitol in the world, Olaniyan described the nation’s reliance on imported raw materials for local production as a plague to the economy, particularly with the usual fluctuation in the exchange rate. Psaltry International was birthed in 2005 to process cassava into food and industrial products but began production in 2013 with its first cassava starch factory, until further expansions before becoming a cassava-based sorbitol factory. Watch Youtube Video Here (joshflagg.com)

Odu’a Group Chairman, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru on Channels TV. Spoke on Investment, the relationship between the Public and Private sectors and how the government could revamp businesses from collapse.

The Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, on Monday charged its subsidiary companies on the need to innovate and leverage on technology to remain competitive. Otunba Ashiru gave the charge, in Lagos, during his working visits to three of the group’s subsidiary companies: SWAgCo, WEMABOD Limited, and GLANVILL ENTHOVEN. The former two-term Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Ogun State said that fostering business innovation would not only help business remain competitive and protect earnings, it would also make for healthier workplaces. He charged subsidiary companies to leverage on the immense goodwill and clouts of the group’s board of directors to market their company’s products and services so as to enhance their bottom lines. The Chairman promised that the OICL Board is ever ready to give necessary support where needed to subsidiary companies in other to achieve the corporate goal of turning their companies into a high-yielding profit company. The chairman noted that achieving the dream of making subsidiary companies a brand would require the total support of all board members, management, and staff, stressing that loyalty, team spirit, and creative engagement is key in other to uphold the vision, mission, and the core values of each company.  Speaking during an interactive session with staff and management of the companies visited, the OICL Board Chairman said he would focus more on human capital development as “human capital development is key in bringing the best out of every staff member.” According to him, “human capital development and capacity building of staff is key in bringing the best out of staff and this would remain a priority of this new administration while in addition, rewards for performance will be maintained.” The chairman was accompanied by Mr. Adewale Raji, OICL Group Managing Director/ CEO, Chief Segun Ojo, OICL director, Barrister Seni Adio, SAN, OICL director, Dr. Tola Kasali, OICL Director, Mr. Segun Olujobi, OICL director, Mrs. Foluso Olaniyan, OON, OICL  Independent Director and Mr. Olugbolahan Mark- George, Executive Director, Investment and Business Development, assured the staff of the commitment of the board and management to their welfare.

The chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, on Tuesday charged the management and staff of the company to work assiduously to achieve the corporate goal of turning the company into a world-class conglomerate. The chairman said achieving the dream of making OICL a global brand would require the total support of the staff as well as loyalty, team spirit and creative engagement, so that the vision, mission and the core values of the company could be upheld. According to Otunba Ashiru, who took over the mantle of leadership of OICL board of directors penultimate week, the staff had a critical role to play for the company to achieve its set objectives. Speaking during an interactive session with staff and management of Odu’a at the company’s Training and Development Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, the board chairman said his tenure would focus more on human capital development because “human capital development is key in bringing the best out of every staff member.” According to him, “human capital development and capacity building of staff is key in bringing the best out of staff and this would remain a priority of this new administration while in addition, rewards for performance  will be maintained.” He emphasised the need for all staff to abide by the company’s policies, noting that the board had worked tirelessly in the last couple of years to put different policies in place to guide and drive management towards achieving the set SRC goal over the next three years. The chairman, who was accompanied by Mr Adewale Raji, Odu’a Group Managing Director/ CEO,  Chief Segun Ojo,  Odu’a director, Barrister Seni Adio, SAN, Odu’a director, Otunba (Mrs) Adebola Osibogun, Independent Director and Mr Olugbolahan Mark- George, Executive Director, Investment and Business Development, assured the staff of the commitment of the board and management to their welfare

The signing and handing over of the license of BITA Marginal Field covered by PPL 249 to Bita Exploration & Production Company Limited took place in Abuja today, Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Group Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru (2nd right), flanked by Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Deputy Governor of Ondo State and other BEPL directors, Barrister Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN (in suit) and Engr Andy Boyo at the signing and handing over of the license.BEPL is the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) jointly owned by Odu’a Investment Company Limited and Pioneer Global & Resources Limited that will be the operator of the issued license from the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. (Valium)

The six Shareholders States of Odu’a Investment Company Limited have approved the appointment of the Director representing Ogun State on the Board of the Company, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, an Investment and Strategic Management expert as the new Chairman of the Company. He succeeds Dr. Segun Aina, OFR, whose tenure as Chairman has expired. Dr. Aina was Odu’a Chairman until June 22nd, 2022. Otunba Ashiru a fellow of the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria; National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria and Chartered Institute of Commerce Nigeria was born in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State to the illustrious Ashiru family. He graduated with a degree in Marketing, Purchasing & Supply, and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Management. With this background, he entered the services of the then Chartered Bank in 1989. In a successful career that has spanned two decades and taken him to various institutions, he has served in various capacities of Management (Head, Private Banking Unit; Branch Manager; Head, Institution & Professional Banking; Regional Coordinator; Country Director, Personal and Business Banking; Director, Corporate Affairs and Corporate Social Investments; until his last position of Group Head, Public Sector with Stanbic IBTC Bank. He was the pioneer head of the department. Otunba Ashiru was a two-term Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Ogun State from 2011 to 2018 Under his stewardship, the state’s business environment developed beyond imagination with over 1,279.84% increase in internally generated Revenue of the State. Over 300 factories/ companies established their presence in Ogun State with a cumulative investment profile of about N691.77 Billion in 2014, compared to N377 Billion in 2013. This placed Ogun State in the first position in Nigeria, according to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria. During his time, approximately 75% of Manufacturing Foreign Direct Investment into the country between 2011 – 2016 came into Ogun State. Also, during his tenure, the World Bank Group, in its Doing Business in Nigeria 2014 Report, ranked Ogun State as one of the best five states in terms of ease of doing business against the 36th position in its 2010 report. He also facilitated the creation of a One-Stop-Shop Investment Center (OSSIC) which sits within the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to assist potential investors with procedures for investment and documentation processing. Otunba Bimbola Ashiru is a man with a desire to develop the people around him, and this translated into his appointment as the representative of the Awujale of Ijebuland on the Ijebu Development Initiative on Poverty Reduction (IDIPR). He has distinguished himself in this field and represented his people favourably to the best of his ability. He was also on the Technical and Communications Committees of the 17th Nigerian Economic Summit (2011). In recognition of his selfless service to society and having distinguished himself as a true son of Ijebu land and an astute banker of repute, Otunba Bimbola Ashiru was presented with the royal title of Otunba Adeona Fusigboye of Ijebu land in December 2006 by His Royal Majesty, The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu Land, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona CFR. He is a recipient of numerous awards which include the following: Best Commissioner of the Year – Nigerian NewsDirect Award 2015; Most outstanding Commissioner – Efizzie Magazine; Most Proactive Commissioner – FIBAN Excellence Award 2013; Award of Honor for Outstanding Leadership – Manufacturers Association of Nigeria; Appreciation Award – Manufacturers Association of Nigeria; Ijebu Man of the Year 2013 – Ijebu Flavours; Capacity Man of the Year – Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican Communion; Pillar of Support Award – Timothy Adeola Odutola Foundation; Recognition Award for Excellence – Manufacturers Association of Nigeria; Recognition Award for Excellence – Armed Forces Command & Staff College, Jaji; Service Excellence – FITC; Award for Excellence in Banking 2017 – Ijebu Professionals Excellence Foundation; Award for Excellence, Outstanding contribution to Commerce & State Industrialization in Ogun State – Fed. Technology Incubation Center, Ogun State; Integrity Stewardship Award – Centre for Save & Serve Humanity Organization; Recognition Award of Excellence – Nigeria Union of Journalists – Ogun State; Excellent Performance Award – Ota-Agbara Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines & Agric; Achiever Award – Catholic Women Organization, Ijebu Ode Diocese; Legend Award – Life-Changing Group; Icon of Innovation Award – National Association of Nigerian Students Southwest; Merit Award for support for Small Business – Nigeria Association of Small Scale Industrialists; Merit Award for support towards Educational Development & Growth – Ogun State Teaching Service Commission Odogbolu Zone; Ijebu Remo Man of the Year 2017 – Amebohotnews; Media Friendly Award – Nigeria Union of Journalists – Ogun State Chapter. Otunba Bimbola Ashiru is happily married to Olukemi Ashiru, a lawyer, and they are blessed with two lovely children.

– Dividend payable for Financial Year 2021 raised by 15% – Sets up ‘’The Odu’a Investment Foundation Download

The 40th Annual General Meeting of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL)comes up on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at the Osun Hall of the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. OICL at the meeting will be presenting the year 2021 Audited Financial Accounts as well as proposing the declaration of dividend to it’s Shareholder States. The meeting will also serve as an opportunity to provide update on progress made towards repositioning the company as a world-class conglomerate as well as being an efficient engine of growth for the South-West region. The six South-West Shareholder States will be represented at the meeting by the Secretary to the State Governments (SSGs) of Oyo, Ondo, Ogun; Osun; Ekiti and Lagos States while the meeting will be chaired by Dr. Segun Aina, OFR, Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company Limited Board.

Odu’a Investment Company Limited Board is set to reposition the entire Group to achieve the Company’s Strategic growth objectives particularly the 5years Strategic Plan code-named SRC 2025 – (Sweat, Revive and Create). To this end, a one-day Board development capacity training session with the theme “The Future-Ready Board” facilitated by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry was held on 1st of March, 2022 for the Board of Directors of Odu’a Investment Company, the Board of its Subsidiaries’ and Nominee Directors in its Associate Companies Board at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The objective of the workshop was to prepare the Directors for the great future envisioned for the Group.  At the workshop different workable ideas that could enhance Board effectiveness and profitability were discussed by the Facilitator and the participants. Significant impacts were also made on key operational and corporate governance guidelines that will assist the Boards to carry out their oversight functions to ensure successful management of the different businesses in the Group and position the Companies for the future. The workshop created a framework for the future-Ready Board and suggestions as well as the way forward were proffered for business entities during the global economic downturn. There was consensus amongst participants on the distinctive support responsibility of the Board in supporting the Management to achieve the defined strategy of the organization. All the participants reiterated their commitment to quantitative and qualitative improvements in the performance of their various Boards as they work together with the Executive Management of the Companies to achieve sustainable growth and profitability. The effective, seamless and collaborative working relationship between the Boards of the Holding Company (Odu’a), the Subsidiaries and Associated Companies would be further enhanced. The support of Odu’a to each of the subsidiaries was emphasized. Participants at the workshop included OICL Group Chairman, Dr Segun Aina, OFR, Odu’a Group Managing Director, Mr Adewale Raji, Other Odu’a Directors, Chairmen and Directors of subsidiaries as well as Odu’a nominee Directors in Associated Companies were present All the participants reiterated their commitment to quantitative and qualitative improvements in the performance of their various Boards as they work together with the Executive Management of the Companies to achieve sustainable growth and profitability. The effective, seamless and collaborative working relationship between the Boards of the Holding Company (Odu’a), the Subsidiaries and Associated Companies would be further enhanced. The support of Odu’a to each of the subsidiaries was emphasized. Participants at the workshop included OICL Group Chairman, Dr Segun Aina, OFR, Odu’a Group Managing Director, Mr Adewale Raji, all Other Odu’a Directors, Chairmen and Directors of subsidiaries as well as Odu’a nominee Directors in Associated Companies.

The 45th-anniversary lecture of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) last Friday at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, was quite a colourful event. It was a gathering of some of Nigeria’s best in royalty, politics, commerce and education. The ambience was excellent, the speeches were inspiring, the entertainment was exhilarating and the organization was impeccable. Nothing less would have sufficed: Odu’a Group symbolises the South West, the nation’s trailblazer. Although the Group was formed in 1976 after the creation of Oyo, Ogun and Ondo states from the old Western State, many of the companies that constitute Odu’a Investment Company Limited predate the holding company. A good number of the businesses were set up by the Western Region government under the premiership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as a vehicle to expand the economy and create wealth for the people of the region. The government strategically established the secondary industries for four major reasons; to convert agricultural materials to finished products, to create employment opportunities for citizens of the region, to reduce dependence on imported items and to generate revenue for the government to fund its electoral promises. Financial institutions were established to raise funds for businesses and individuals, hotels were set up to promote tourism, and real estate companies were founded to improve life and living. Those companies achieved the essence of their formation by contributing either directly or indirectly to improving a lot of the Western Region and its citizens. Over the years, many other companies have been added to the ones set up by the Western Region government with the Group branching out to various sectors of the economy. But the times are changing while market realities are also shifting. New industries have emerged, the world has become very flat and the flow of investible funds towards Africa has increased. To take advantage of the emerging opportunities, the board and management of Odu’a Investment Company Limited chose to make the current vision of the Group, which is to leap from being a regional player to a world-class conglomerate, the focus of the anniversary lecture. Speaking on the theme From Regional Player to a Global Powerhouse, Mr Dotun Sulaiman, the Guest Speaker, while noting that the Group had not achieved as much as it could have, said he would have preferred OICL being more proactive in taking business decisions that would have created more value for the people. Mr Sulaiman argued that retaining the form of a conglomerate would not, in the long run, bring maximum benefit to the organization and the people. He then suggested that the board should consider turning the conglomerate into a sovereign wealth fund. He added, “Through this mechanism, the six South-West states will set aside an agreed amount every budget cycle to be aggregated and professionally invested for the benefit of future generations.” The owner state governors, who were represented at the event, promised to keep on supporting the conglomerate to ensure that it delivers on its mandate of being an investment vehicle and a growth engine for the South West. In a speech read on his behalf, the Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the theme of the anniversary lecture as very apt and extremely important as all hands must be on deck to scale up and lift the company to a global powerhouse. The governor, represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said all the stakeholders had a responsibility to accelerate the process of transforming the legacy and the vision of the founding fathers of the company to make it better. While congratulating the management of Odu’a Investment for keeping the organization alive after 45 years, he stressed the importance of accelerating the objective of setting up the company to meet up with the challenges bedeviling the country. Sanwo-Olu called on the board and management to concentrate on the agriculture value chain, adding that investing in agriculture was critical to the survival of the region. In her goodwill message, Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, daughter of the former Premier of Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, lauded the board and management of the company for making the company a going concern. She said, “Despite some major challenges over the years, I must salute the resolve of the current governors of the six states which today make up the old Western Region for three reasons. “Firstly, Lagos State chose to re-align with and has been admitted back to the fold. The significance of this move is huge, on several levels. Secondly, you have decided to allow the company to set up appropriate governance structures, so that it can be administered in accordance with global corporate best practices. This, I have found out, is already having a tremendous impact on the prosperity of the company and its shareholders. Thirdly, your choice of a stellar Board of Directors with reputable career track records and demonstrable competence is a wonderful reminder of the Awo ethos. “Consequently, the Board and Management are gradually piloting the company towards rebirth and regeneration such that it is emerging from its challenging years and is expanding its portfolio into hitherto uncharted business sectors. The Company is, indeed, set to move into the future as a global player. Again, Chief Awolowo would be proud. “We should remind ourselves, constantly, that the purpose for which this aspect of his legacy was created still subsists. May the legacy, therefore, continue to endure. “Permit me to end this goodwill message with an excerpt from a piece written by Professor Hezekiah Oluwasanmi in January 1963: ‘…it can be said with absolute confidence…that the work of Chief Awolowo in Western Nigeria will remain a monument to brilliant planning and administrative genius.’” Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, in his goodwill message, called for the restructuring of the country, pointing out that the practice of federalism before and shortly after independence gave the regions the opportunity to utilize the resources in their domain for the benefit of their people. According to the elder statesman, were it not for the practice

The board and management of Odu’a Investment Company Limited have assured all stakeholders of the company of their determination to make the conglomerate a going concern for the benefit of the current and future generations.  This is even as Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, said the practice of federalism before and immediately after Nigeria’s independence made the creation of the businesses that formed the bulk of the Odu’a conglomerate possible.  Dr Segun Aina, OFR, Group Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company, gave the assurance at the 45th-anniversary celebration of the holding company in Lagos on Friday, November 12, 2021.  Speaking at the event with the theme, ‘From Regional Player to Global Powerhouse’, Dr Aina lauded the visionary leadership of the defunct Western Region government led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo that gave birth to many of the companies in the Group.  He said, “As we commend the visionaries, I also acknowledge the services of all former Governors of Owner States, former Chairpersons and Directors, management and staff of the company, its subsidiaries and associated companies from inception to date.”  The chairman added, “despite the challenges encountered over the years, the company has remained resilient thus making it possible to still have the organisation standing at this moment.  “Today we look at our past with learning eyes, to ensure the mistakes of the past are used as learning points while moving the company to higher heights to accomplish its objectives. By reflecting on the past and its achievements and our status today, we believe the future is not as daunting as it seems and our hopes are renewed as we are assured of the support of all stakeholders.”  Explicating the plans of the conglomerate for the future, he said, “Odu’a Investment Company Ltd is being transformed into a lean non-operating investment holding company to enhance transparency, focus on investment management and sustainability, traverse a path of maximum impact, and leverage on the models we have seen succeed in similar institutions across the globe.  “We have redefined our vision to one that captures our ambition appropriately, which is, ‘To be a world-class conglomerate’ and a mission ‘To deliver sustainable returns for all stakeholders; enhancing the legacy for future generations’.”  Dr Aina said as part of efforts to actualize the board’s vision, the Group had created new subsidiaries such as South West Agricultural Company (SWAgCO Ltd), and South West Innovation and Technology (SWIT).  He added, “We also participated in the 2020 Federal Government Marginal Field Bidding process and was successfully awarded a field with one other partner, and an operating company — BITA Exploration & Production Ltd SPV incorporated to drive it.”  Speaking in a similar vein, Group Managing Director/CEO of the company, Mr Adewale Raji, said the 45th anniversary celebration was carefully crafted to not just commemorate how far the company had come since its incorporation but to paint a picture of its future. He said, “We will mention some of the changes we have made over the last few years and encourage all attendees, well-wishers and stakeholders to participate in shaping the future of the organization. We are imbued with a vision to be a World-Class Conglomerate and driven by a collective mission and strategy to enhance this legacy for future generations. We will take this opportunity to present some of our new businesses, including SWAGCO (our agriculture investment vehicle), SWIT (our innovation and technology investment business) and BITA (the marginal oil field that we plan to operate with some other partners). Our journey from here as an organization is one of a million possibilities.”  The Guest Lecturer, Mr Dotun Sulaiman, challenged the leadership of Odu’a Investment to adopt a modern investment strategy to increase the relevance of the conglomerate. Mr Sulaiman said the Group had not been proactive enough in making some investment decisions that would have improved the company’s performance and a lot of the stakeholders.  The lecturer counselled that rather than making huge investments in certain sectors, the company should consider diversifying its investments. He also called on the company’s handlers to consider turning the conglomerate into a sovereign wealth fund. (https://rentalsfloridakeys.com/)   Chief Ayo Adebanjo, while giving a goodwill message at the event, said with the adoption of federalism, the Western Region was able to take the leading position in the country, adding that the region was a trailblazer.  The Afenifere leader added that with the abandonment of federalism, the subnational had become hampered and they could not fully actualise their potential.  In her goodwill message, Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, daughter of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, congratulated the company for achieving the milestone. She said the Western Region government led by Chief Awolowo established a number of businesses to raise funds to finance the hugely ambitious programmes of Action Group for the benefit of the citizenry.  She said, “Their motto was, ‘Freedom for all and life more abundant. They knew from the start that they would face monumental challenges of raising adequate finance to fulfil their promises to the electorate. But, by dint of hard work, selfless service, as well as creative problem-solving skills, they succeeded as we can all testify today.”  She expressed gladness that the Board and Management of Odu’a had started piloting the Company towards rebirth and regeneration.  L-R: OICL Directors Mr. Seni Adio, Hon. Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Osun State, Dr, Bode Olanipekun, Secretary to the State Government, Ondo State, Princess Catherine Oladunni, OICL Group Chairman, Dr Segun Aina, OFR, Guest Speaker, Mr Dotun Sulaiman, OICL GMD/CEO, Mr. Adewale Raji, OICL Director, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru and Independent Director, Mrs. Folusho Olaniyan, OON at the event. She said, “To the Governors, Board of Directors, Management and all stakeholders of Odua Investment Company, I say congratulations once again, as we all celebrate this milestone. May we celebrate many more, and may we continue to add value to this, our common patrimony, in Jesus’ name.”  The event was attended by the cream of Nigeria’s business and political elites. This include; Dr Obafemi Hazmat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State

(Being text of remarks made by Ambassador Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu at the 45th-anniversary lecture of Odua Investment Company, on Friday, in Lagos). Your Excellencies, Our Royal Fathers, Chairman and Members of the Board of Odua Investment Company, the Group Managing Director and his Team, the Distinguished Lecturer, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.  It is, for me, a rare honour and privilege to be given the opportunity to deliver this brief message of goodwill on the happy occasion of the 45th anniversary of the creation of Odua Investment Company.  Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and his party the Action Group, assumed office in the Western Region in 1952 armed with hugely ambitious programmes for the benefit of the citizenry.  Their motto was, ‘Freedom for all and life more abundant.  They knew from the start that they would face monumental challenges of raising adequate finance to fulfil their promises to the electorate.  But, by dint of hard work, selfless service, as well as creative problem-solving skills, they succeeded as we can all testify today.  Indeed, as Chief Awolowo prepared to bow out of the exalted stage as Premier of the Western Region in 1959, he wrote, inter alia: ‘The aim of my Government since 1952 has been to promote the growth of secondary industries in the Region pari passu with agricultural development….  In the economic sphere, the dominant note of my regime was that the government must ensure a never-ceasing expansion in the economy and wealth of the Region, and equitable distribution of each additional unit of wealth.  I had declared at Owo that one of our guiding principles should be the total abolition of want by means of any economic policy which is both expedient and effective….  For the rapid development of our country, we need foreign capital as well as managerial and technical know-how…  Downright state ownership of all the means of production would create for us more problems than we set out to solve.  My attitude to foreign investment in the fields of industry and plantation is that such investment should be made in partnership with indigenous capital supplied by the government or any of its agencies or by Nigerian businessmen….  To this end, not only has the government facilitated the growth of private enterprise in the industrial field by removing all those obstacles that tend to inhibit economic growth and by providing basic services (including the establishment of industrial estates), but it has also entered the field of industrialisation through its agencies, the Western Nigeria Development Corporation and the Finance Corporation…. On its own, the Development Corporation has …invested funds in nine undertakings including the gigantic West African Portland Cement Company Works (which has a capital of £41.5 million) at Ewekoro.  By 1960, it is estimated that the Corporation will have invested more than £3 million in large-scale industrial enterprises alone.’  This, then, is the vision that birthed the seeds which later blossomed into the conglomerate which is today known as Odua Investment Company. Despite some major challenges over the years, I must salute the resolve of the current Governors of the six States which today make up the old Western Region for three reasons.  Firstly, Lagos State chose to re-align with and has been admitted back to the fold. The significance of this move is huge, on several levels. Secondly, you have decided to allow the company to set up appropriate governance structures, so that it can be administered in accordance with global corporate best practices.  This, I have found out, is already having a tremendous impact on the prosperity of the company and its shareholders. Thirdly, your choice of a stellar Board of Directors with reputable career track records and demonstrable competence is a wonderful reminder of the Awo ethos.  Consequently, the Board and Management are gradually piloting the Company towards rebirth and regeneration such that it is emerging from its challenging years and is expanding its portfolio into hitherto uncharted business sectors. The Company is, indeed, set to move into the future as a global player.  Again, Chief Awolowo would be proud. We should remind ourselves, constantly, that the purpose for which this aspect of his legacy was created still subsists. May the legacy, therefore, continue to endure.  Permit me to end this goodwill message with an excerpt from a piece written by Professor Hezekiah Oluwasanmi in January 1963: ‘…it can be said with absolute confidence…that the work of Chief Awolowo in Western Nigeria will remain a monument to brilliant planning and administrative genius.’  To the Governors, Board of Directors, Management and all stakeholders of Odua Investment Company, I say congratulations once again, as we all celebrate this milestone. May we celebrate many more, and may we continue to add value to this, our common patrimony, in Jesus’ name. I thank you all for listening

Ogun state government in collaboration with Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) has partnered with the Software Business Solutions Consulting (SBSC) to develop its economic system.  The work includes the delivery of IT outsourcing services and project development services.  Governor Dapo Abiodun made this known at the official launch of SBSC office at Ogun State TechHub, kobape, Abeokuta.    Governor Abiodun while inspecting the Information Technology ( IT) equipment put in place by the company expressed satisfaction, saying they are in no doubt ready for software business solutions in the state.  “With what am seeing on the ground here, I believe it’s not going to be training alone for software engineers, but the state would become a tech solution to other states of the federation.  In his opening remark, the Odu’a Investment Company Limited Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr Adewale Raji commended the joint venture partnership with SBSC nothing that the venture will bring about empowerment of the youths and at the same time create jobs to thousands of them. He promised OICL support to ensure youths are empowered to be digitally productive.  In his welcome address, OICL director representing Ogun State on the board, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru lauded the joint partnership noting that the state has rapidly developed in the IT world and as such is creating an ambient environment for more Private Sectors initiatives that would help develop the state economy.  The Managing Director, Software Business Solutions Consulting, (SBSC) Dr Abdul Balogun appreciated OICL and Dapo Abiodun’s administration for partnering with his company to profer tech solutions for human and economic growth.  Dr Balogun emphasized that SBSC would train software engineers, empower women and create technological solutions to the state government for seamless governance as well as generate employment for the teaming youths.    “We have the vision to train software engineers, Business analysts, UI/UX designers, Front- end and Back- end developers, Quality Assurance Testers through our incubation programme. We will also create employment for over 150 IT engineers and turn Ogun state to global solutions in terms of technology thereby boosting its economic system.” Balogun stressed.

Dr Segun Aina, OFR, Group Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Chairman Global Banking Education Standards Board and President, Africa Fintech Network on Thursday, October 21st, 2021 delivered  a presentation on “Deconstructing Banking”  Dr Aina speak to course participants mostly senior regulators, policymakers and banking executives from sub-Sahara Africa who were on 8 weeks Certificate course on Fintech and Regulatory Innovation at the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, University of Cambridge Judge Business School, Cambridge, UK. Dr Aina who delivered a  virtual presentation threw more light on traditional banking services, the banking sector as of today and Digital banking value offerings.  He spoke extensively on areas of the banking sector that Fintech firms and other new players are having the most disruptive impacts.   The Odu’a Chairman also identified the regulatory and policy implications of the digital transformation of the banking services.  He emphasised the emergence of a new set of players of Fintech firms who saw the need to serve the customers better and make the banking system the most convenient for the people in general. Dr Aina said that disruption, transformation, deconstruction or reconstruction has brought about the transformation that is most needed in the banking and financial services world and indicated that in the future banking will still be necessary and relevant but banks may not. The Odu’a Group Chairman mentioned issues of capacity for digital regulations explaining that most regulators in Africa need to embrace change and new technology and be much more proactive and agile in other to move the banking industry and the various African economies to the next levels.  The presentation which has Global appeal but with a focus on sub-saharan Africa have in attendance high profile personalities from all strata of life and every sector of the economy across the world.

Update on the Construction Work at Westlink Iconic Estate at Alakia, Ibadan.Phase 1 of about 60 Households will be ready for occupation within 2021 Calendar year.It is JV between Odu’a Investment Company Ltd & Iconic City UK Ltd which operates locally as Chapter 4 Estates Ltd.

OICL on Thursday, July 29, 2021, hosted a business interactive webinar session with eminent business thought leaders focusing on emerging business opportunities within the Odu’a Group and the drive for partnership and business alliances.  The session was designed to provide an update on the exciting and intensive transformation of OICL and its subsidiary to the business community within Nigeria and beyond on the potential and prospect of this great conglomerate that would be 45 years come October 1st, 2021. Well-thoughts ideas that could enrich the transformation journey were harvested from creams of distinguished personality, including shareholder representatives, business and professional leaders of thoughts, and some opinion leaders who were present at the virtual session. The Chairman of the Group, Dr Segun Aina, OFR on Business Survey spoke on “A New Dawn for Business with OICL while KPMG, a global consulting firm delivered a paper titled “Transformation Journey and the imperatives for the future” and Mr Adewale Raji, Group Managing Director/CEO  gave the welcome address and vote of thanks.  The webinar is available on YouTube, simply click the play button below to see how it went

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As part of the Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) board focus to engage with business thought leaders in its strategic direction and aspiration drive to sweat, revive and create value for its shareholders, the Group Chairman, Dr Segun Aina, OFR, recently led a delegation of some members of the Board of OICL on a business visit to two prominent Yoruba leaders of thought and Royal fathers.  The visit to the two traditional rulers, the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu,  and the Oniru of Iruland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal was to solicit their support and cooperation in the drive towards achieving OICL strategic goals and  Vision of becoming  “a world class conglomerate”  The OICL delegation included Dr Tola Kasali, Mrs Folusho Olaniyan, Mr Olugbolahan Mark- George, OICL Directors and Mr Yemi Ejidiran, CEO/Managing Director, Wemabod Estates Limited, a subsidiary of OICL. With the new mission “to deliver sustainable returns for all stakeholders; enhancing the legacy for future generations” Dr Aina shared with the Obas information on   Strategic Direction of the Group to embark on integrated projects in priority sectors of the Nigerian economy.  He revealed the Group’s interest in entering new businesses with high potential for growth, profitability and sustainability as well as looking at strategic partnership with technically proven and financially capable partners.  Welcoming the OICL team, the Oba  of Lagos and the Oniru of Iruland  both pledged their continued support for the Conglomerate as well as charged the conglomerate to create trans-generational and sustainable legacies.

Odu’a Investment Company Limited Group Chairman, Dr. Segun Aina, OFR has bagged the Most Distinguished Alumnus Award of the University of Ibadan (UI) Alumni Association Worldwide.The award is in recognition of Dr Aina’s invaluable contribution to the growth of Nigeria’s banking and financial services sector, community development, corporate leadership and human capital development in the country.Dr Aina was represented by the Odua Investment Company Limited Group Managing Director, Mr Adewale Raji, who received the award on his behalf at the 2021 Luncheon and Award event held at Dame Edith Okowa Auditorium of the Alumni complex at University of Ibadan.The event had four award categories: life-time achievement, worthy ambassador, most distinguished alumnus award and alumnus of the year 2020. Some prominent Nigerians were also honoured.The recipient, Dr Aina was elated over the award in a telephone conversation.He said “the award is a challenge to do more. I am indeed proud of my alma matar and the positive impact it made on my life journey. The University of Ibadan is the pre-eminent uinversity in Nigeria in terms of existence and accomplishments.”Dr Aina, Group Chairman Odu’a Investment Company Limited is a global professional banking leader, internationally rated fintech ecosystem enabler and thought leader, transformation expert, chartered arbitrator, respected futurist and a philanthropist.In all 12 awards were given at the occasion, His Excellency, Professor Babagana Zulum, the Executive Governor of Borno State received the University of Ibadan’s Alumnus of the year 2020 award. Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Abdulrahman Abdulrazak received a posthumous award for his late father.The immediate past President of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Dr Kemi Anthony Emina had in his speech said the event was to celebrate excellence.Important personalities that graced the event include the Executive Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, former Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shetima, former Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, Senator Mohamed Ali Ndume, Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan and Abubakar Kyari.Others include the acting Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof Ademola Babatunde Ekanola, Borno State Commissioner for Agriculture,  Bukar Talba and Special Adviser to Governor on Protocol, Alhaji Ahmed Sanda.

With a population of over 40 million people, the South West Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to be worth over $80 billion.  This was part of the revelations by the Odua Investments Company Limited at the inauguration of the newly appointed board of directors of South West Agricultural Company Limited (SWAgCo), a subsidiary of Odua Group.  Group Chairman of Odua Investment Company Limited, Dr Segun Aina said the appointment of the six new board members was part of strategy to reposition the entire group to make it the engine room for economic development of the South West.  He said the new directors joined SWAgCo at a time it is implementing its strategy for economic and social impact within the agricultural space in Nigeria.  According to him, “With a population of over 40 million energetic and enterprising population, the South West gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated at about $80 billion.  SWAgCo is an agricultural investment company, fully owned by Odua Investment Company Limited with a strong capital base, established to unlock unrealised agriculture and sub-optimised agribusiness value by transforming underinvested agribusiness opportunities within Nigeria into institutional-grade investment operations.  “The new leadership, who were selected through a competitive process handled by KPMG, brings a wealth of professional experience and expertise at a senior level in Investment, Finance, Agriculture and Performance Solutions to consolidate SWAgCo’s operation and set it on the path of achieving its mission to change the landscape of agriculture and agriculture investment in Nigeria.”  Among the board of directors are: Mr Owolabi Salami, the chairman, he recently retired from the insurance industry; Mr Adeola Adetunji, currently the CEO, Africa for Waxed Mobile and Mvoula Group Limited, Ms Cecilia Akintomide, currently an independent director on the Board of FBN Holdings Plc, Ms Adekemi Ajayi as non-executive director to the SWAgCo board, currently an executive director in Odua Investment, will be representing the Group on the Board.

Odu’a Investment Company is doubling revenue and paying dividends to shareholders after years of low growth characterized by the company not being run as a business, but more as a government parastatal and the administrative limitations that brings. The company, which would this year have existed for 45years, is owned by the south- West states of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Lagos, which joined in 2018. It was for many years seen as an appendage of state governments, reflecting in its subpar management over the years until recently when it appeared some efforts at establishing corporate governance were being made. The company not only paid for its previous maladministration with loss of potential revenue and profits, but also lost significant stakes it had in some of Nigeria’s biggest companies dating back several decades. For instance, from having more than a 70 percent stake in Wema Bank, Odu’a now has 4percent; and from 100percent ownership of Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI), it now has only 9percent ownership. It also owned 60 percent of Nigerian Wire and Cable; 100 percent ownership of Cocoa Industries limited, and significant shareholding in Guinness, Nigerian Textile Mill, and then West  African Portland Cement( WAPCO), which is LaFarge Africa today. Much of the previous shareholdings have now been substantially watered down just like Wema and GNI. “Regrettably, we cannot really point to what we exchanged ( for the shares), because it was a legacy of how we have undermined those businesses notably through underperforming loans we had recommended” revealed Adewale Raji, the company’s GMD/CEO in an exclusive interview with BusinessDay. According to him, today, there are limited entities where Odu’a Group is a significant shareholder, whereas, this was an integral part of the company’s foundation and the vision of those who established it from its Western Nigeria Development Company (WNDC) origins. “Why have we not grown? Deficiency of governance, one in which we made the mistake of treating the organisation like another government parastatal or entity, a rent- seeking notion”. He said. “Most of these investments have withered away and even where we have holdings, it is minority holdings. That is what we are trying to recreate under a new strategy. Today, we know that when it comes to business, it has to be private sector tenets, best practices and governance that make them grow”. Even when the company could not grow revenue significantly in Raji’s first tenure on account of a board that had diverging objectives, he explains that on account of efficiency of operation, watching costs, blocking leakages and loopholes in the system, it became possible to record holding company profitability of N849million by the end of 2018. A 124 percent increase from N378million inherited for the end of 2013. At the group level, Profit Before Tax (PBT) at end of 2013 was N495million, which was increased to N1.061billion at the end of 2018, a 114 percent growth. By achieving this level of profitability, the company was able to pay dividend to its shareholders in 2015, and that dividend was being paid for the first time in 7 years. According to Raji, the payment of dividend became an annual ritual and in the first five years, paid a total of N1.2billion as dividend compared to the previous seven years where nothing was paid. This he says made the shareholders have more interest in the company and making it drive the mandate, which is; Odu’a group should be the engine room for the economic development of the Southwest. In so doing, it is essentially to lift the economy of the Southwest and those are the strategies the company is now trying to pursue. The company is looking to the future with optimism, in particular, with a desire to key into areas of interest to the youth population, by exploring digital and Fintech solutions. “Don’t be surprised if we start taking positions at incubation centers,” he said, hesitating to give absolute details of the digital investments the company will be unveiling. Areas of technology and innovation that interest the young generation are such where companies are able to be up with very good and decent returns, according to Raji. “Those areas have become of interest to us and we are going to be pursuing them accordingly”, he said. The company will also be deepening it’s investments in old areas such as healthcare and agriculture, which according to the CEO have contributed to it’s ability to withstand economic shocks; either from the 2016 recession or the COVID-19 induced one of 2020. “Healthcare does not know recession. Healthcare also has a very rare privilege, from a pricing point of view. Nobody would start bargaining with you in a chemist shop on the price to sell paracetamol”, he said. As people are more concerned about being healthy, just like food, they need to get medications in attending to human wellbeing and will remain profitable.  Even with all the disruptions occasioned by COVID-19 and the widespread demobilisations, “we never stopped eating or attending to our health needs”, he reiterated. This is why the company is deepening its presence in agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Also, as it was observed during the COVID era, how logistics, distribution and e-commerce became frontal, this has become an area of interest to the company, and will be different from the existing portfolios like real estate and hospitality. Odu’a group has also created a new company called Southwest Agric Company Limited(SWAGGO),and agric investment company with a core responsibility to access and mobilize funds to invest across the value chain; food crops, cash crops, livestock, as well as processing.The company is structured to operate alongside partners and operate any farm on its own so as to avoid “getting stock with management”. The company has kicked off on an expanse of land in Imeko, Ogun State, which was previously used for tomato cultivation but now repurposed for cassava cultivation that is to be processed into industrial starch and high-quality cassava flour. At the end of November 2020, the

Mr Adewale Raji, Group Managing Director, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, in this interview with Sulaimon Olanrewaju and Justice Nwafor, speaks on the plan to enhance and build on the legacies of the company’s founding fathers for the benefit of the governments and people of the South West. Excerpts. How is Odu’a Investment doing? Thank you very much. As we speak this month of November, I’ll say it’s on a very solid foundation. I’ll relate it to an aeroplane that is on the taxi lane about to take off. To take off to realize those expectations of our various stakeholders and, essentially, to realize the mandate of our shareholders. So, I’ll say more than ever before, the organization as it stands today is in a better shape to deliver on this mandate. The mandate is quite clear. Our shareholders have a clearly defined and very simple statement. That statement, though is being re-echoed today, I think that is what it was at the beginning. It is for Odu’a Investment Company Limited to be the engine room of economic development in the Southwest. And if you cast your mind back to the Western Nigeria Development Corporation (WNDC), that was the goal. We found our origin in WNDC. So essentially, it is for us to position ourselves and live up to that mandate in terms of our footprints, and in terms of our economic and social impact in the lives of our people, the people of South West. When you say the company is just taxiing after 44 years, isn’t that an unexpected turn in the expectations of the people? What you will agree with me is, just like our dear country, Odu’a too has faced its challenges, and the depth of understanding those challenges varies. Some people see Odu’a as an extension of the government. It is never an extension of government. This is a business. It’s only the ownership that is different. It’s like any other business fighting for the market; that’s what it is. Nobody looks at your origin, your state, your religion when you are competing in the market place. It’s the value proposition on the table. So, what I’m saying, in essence, is, getting the organization to actually focus on that core mandate of doing business that is the essence of this taxiing I mentioned because all this while the thinking was that we were an extension of the government. But we don’t receive any subvention from the government, so why should our thinking be like people working in the government. Government has a responsibility for social delivery. That’s for the government. The primary aim of the government is not for profitability, it is the social well being of people. The primary aim of a business enterprise is solid and sustainable profit that secures the future and meets up with the expectations of its shareholders and stakeholders alike. That is the way a business, irrespective of who owns it, should run. Is this what informed SRC 2025, the new strategy of the organisation? Let me say we are lucky with our shareholders who have a commitment and a conviction that Odu’a Investment and the Group as a whole should run as a dynamic and sustainable business and a lot of gratitude to them for their own courage to make sure that they can put the enabling blocks that will make us realize this in place. That aspiration and that core thing about the enabling block relates to the governance structure. More than ever before, the issue of governance has been addressed by the shareholders in the last one year. And it’s not only that it has been addressed, but the study and the report have also been thoroughly digested along with the board and the shareholders and decisions have been taken, and execution of those decisions has commenced. And when you talk about the strategy itself, you’ll find out that all the very critical segments that are responsible for delivering a very sustainable and very profitable business are all being taken into consideration. They’re being reshaped and that has to do with the shareholders themselves redefining what their roles and responsibilities are, making sure that they constitute a board, a business-facing board, of distinguished people, diverse background, people who have track records in business. Last May, the shareholders constituted a board, comprising experienced people. The shareholders have put square pegs in square holes. The other element relating to the board is to make sure that the relative diversities and the strength that is required in a board is also in place, so you find out that management has been re-enforced. While all along it has just been one single member of management who sits on the board, that is the Group Managing Director, we now have two new executive directors, appointed through a very competitive process and we hired the best in the industry. So, you will find out the management has two additional posts on the board, as chief financial officer and as a chief investment development officer at executive director level, meaning that from a capability point of view, management itself is also resourcing to be capable. The third segment as far as the board is concerned, was to bring in independent directors, to try and balance the board, the element of gender, the element of experience, diversity and what have you. They brought it on board and you have two independent directors also on the board. So, we now have a board of 11 members, but it is now a balanced 11, people that have tons of experience. With the reconstitution of the board, the board called for a retreat where we came up with a strategy which we called SRC. It means ‘Sweat, Revive and Create’ 2025 over the next five years where we anticipate that we should grow this business in terms of revenue by more than 500 per cent of what currently we are doing. And it’s quite clear that if

Revolutionalising South West Nigeria Leveraging Technology: A presentation delivered by Mr. Olugbolahan Mark- George, Group Chief Investment and Business Development Officer, Odu’a Investment Company Limited on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at the Nigeria Fintech Week 2020

The Board of Odu’a Investment Company Limited as part of strengthening its corporate governance, repositioning the Company to achieve its ambitious 5-Year Strategic Plan and attain its vision ‘’To be a World Class Conglomerate’’ has approved the appointment of 2 each Independent Directors and Group Executive Directors to the Board which now has 11 members. Independent Directors: These are Otunba Mrs. Adebola Osibogun and Mrs. Folusho Olaniyan, OON. The Independent Non-Executive Directors are to support the Board by providing unbiased and independent views to strategic thinking and decision making while ensuring that all shareholders’ interests are protected and that full compliance with statutory rules and regulations are maintained. Otunba Mrs Osibogun currently serves on the board of FBN Holding Plc. She has over 3 decades financial services experience covering real estate financing, trusteeship, retail savings and loans at various reputable institutions. She is a Fellow and Former President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Fellow, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Fellow, Nigeria Institute of Management and Institute of Directors. She earned a Master of Science degree in Banking and Finance and a Bachelor of Education degree in Economics both from the University of Ibadan. Mrs. Olaniyan, OON, is the current Chairman Psaltry International Company Ltd, an agro-allied Company in Oyo State with giant strides in the production of various cassava based industrial products (i.e. starch, flour, sorbitol and glucose). A former Managing Director of UTC Nigeria Plc, Mrs Olaniyan is the founder of Contact Consulting Nigeria, a market research business advisory services organization that is facilitating agribusiness investment promotion and bridging gaps between investment hypothesis and impactful results. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing U.K. and a Fellow of the Institute of Directors. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Lagos and a Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Cookham, United Kingdom. Group Executive Directors: They are Ms. Adekemi Ajayi (Group CFO) and Mr Olugbolahan Mark-George (Group Chief Investment & Bus Dev Officer). Both are veritable addition to the management team of the company to deliver the audacious 5-years Growth Plan 2021-2025 Adekemi Ajayi is a finance executive, strategist and business leader with over 17 years in senior leadership roles across her 30 years of experience in Finance, Strategy Consulting and Telecommunications. She has experience working with regulators, auditors and tax authorities and her areas of expertise are in Corporate Finance, Strategic Management, Financial Markets and Project Management. A graduate of Imperial College, London and a UK qualified Chartered Management Accountant (ACMA) as well as a Global Certified Management Accountant (GCMA). Olugbolahan Mark-George is a seasoned strategy and business development guru with over 25 years multi-sector experience in microfinance, private equity, venture capital, international finance, insurance and Investment management. Mark-George’s experience encompasses multiple industries and programs/Projects within the development sectors (WB Group, USAID, DFID, GIZ, UN) and corporate sector, advising on organizational investment strategies and implementing successful business plans. He has qualifications in Law; Business & Finance; Insurance; Project management; Private Equity/Venture Capital; Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis. All of them have since resumed in their roles. 

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The Ogun State Government has pledged to support Odu’a Investment Company Limited in its on-going Cassava Cultivation & Processing Project at Imeko, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State. This disclosure was made on Thursday, September 24, 2020 when the Hon Commissioner for Agriculture, Ogun State, Dr Adeola Odedina along with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Dotun Sorunke and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agribusiness, Mrs Eva Adelaja made a tour of the Cassava Plantation. The Ogun State team were impressed that the operations started late in June 2020 and that at the time of the visit, 220 hectares of the land had been cleared and 86 hectares was planted. The Commissioner remarked that in three (3)months the Cassava Plantation looked very healthy and that the project is already having social impact with the engagement of about 35 youths who are indigenes of the host communities. The GMD/CEO of Odu’a Investment Company Limited(OICL), Mr Adewale Raji stated that the mandate is to clear and plant 1,200 hectares of Cassava in 13 months and that the ultimate goal is to establish combined processing plants of 100 tons per day fresh cassava value addition into High Quality Cassava Flour and High Quality Food Grade Starch.  Mr Raji said that in order to ensure raw materials  availability for the plants, OICL embarked on the plantation.  He commended the Executive Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun for linking the administration’s focus of agriculture to industrial demand, job creation, food security and industrialisation.  He also commended the Ogun Agric Ministry’s approach on strong value chain coordination and achievements in registering volunteers of over 2,000 beneficiaries for rice cultivation and 3,000 beneficiaries for cassava cultivation under the Anchor Borrowers Programme. Chairman of Niji Farms Group, the Technical Management Partner of OICL on the entire project, Engr Kola Adeniji and his team were on hand to lead the tour of the Plantation.  In his goodwill message, High Chief Prof Anthony Asiwaju, Balogun of Imekoland who represented the Onimeko, HRM Oba Benjamin Olanite appreciated the Odu’a Group for bringing the long awaited development to Imeko Community and assured the group of the cooperation of the Imeko community towards the success of the project. Meanwhile, OICL and the Ogun Agric Ministry have agreed to have further roundtable discussion for collaboration and partnerships.

To chart a new course to improve performance  and increase the profitability of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, the Company owned by the six South-West States has mapped out ambitious growth plans that would re-position the organization to fulfill the aspirations of the founding fathers and serve the interest of all the stakeholders now and in the future. The Group is poised to operate with purpose and accountability with full engagement and inclusiveness of stakeholders. The organization had a two-day brainstorming strategy session facilitated by KPMG Advisory services for the company’s Board of Directors, Chairmen of the Board of Subsidiaries and Chief Executive Officers  of its Subsidiary Companies and the Management team of Odu’a Investment at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Lagos on the 4th and 5th of September, 2020. It was also attended by selected special guests who are renowned entrepreneurs, subject matter experts and business leaders, technocrats, intellectuals and others. The retreat articulated the building blocks for achieving the five years ambitious plan based on the strategic pillars of growth and expansion; Investment Excellence; Profitability and Efficiency; Governance and Reporting as well as People, Culture and Transformation. Some of the resolutions arrived at during the retreat is the decision to focus investment in priority sectors of Real Estates, Energy including Oil and Gas, Hospital, Agriculture, Logistics and storage, Healthcare, ICT/ Digital and Financial Services. Innovation mindset will underpin the activities of the entire group. It agreed to ‘sweat’ the Group’s portfolio of assets to achieve an acceptable return on assets, reducing operating recurring cost significantly, ensure effective governance framework, oversight on the group and subsidiaries and also institute culture transformation initiatives to drive operational excellence. The Group’s Vision, Mission Statement and Core Values were also revised to fit into the current restructuring and repositioning drive of the company as “To be a world-class conglomerate” and a new Mission Statement “To deliver sustainable returns for all stakeholders; enhancing the legacy for future generations” were agreed. It adopted a new Core Values of Respect; Integrity; Resilience; Innovation and Collaboration (R.I.R.I.C). It was defined that core to achieving the aims and objectives of retreat outcomes will be active engagement of the Group’s employees to ensure staff understanding and buy-in into the new Vision, Mission Statement and Core Values to have a highly motivated workforce and enthrone a meritocratic culture to deliver on the organization’s goals and objectives. The Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Dr Segun Aina OFR, charged participants on the need to take the company and its subsidiaries to a level that each and everyone would be remembered for in delivering the Odu’a of our dream. He noted the retreat has put in place required strategies needed to refocus, re-calibrate and accelerate delivery Odu’a Investment’s desired result, according to him “the board’s priorities include delivering shareholder’s value and social impact which will be based on asset optimization and efficient management of resources” He added that urgency and priority attention will be given to human capital development, digital transformation and creating joint ventures and alliances through strategic partnerships. Some quick wins according to the Chairman included completion of a Corporate Governance reform in line with global best practice, recruitment of two Executive Directors and the appointment of two independent Non-Executive Directors, and looking at recruiting top individuals in the management level. While noting that the transformation change in Odu’a Investment is mandatory, he enjoined the Management and the staff to imbibe the change, the desired culture and have a common purpose to drive the organization to the greater height that will result into making Odu’a Investment Company Ltd the economic powerhouse of the South-West nation and the Strategic partner of the first choice. Commenting, the Odu’a Investment Group Managing Director, Mr Adewale Raji said “the retreat was a worth‐ while effort for both the board and the Management to agree on a common focus in moving the company forward and achieving a quantum leap with emphasis on Growth, Profitability and Sustainability” Prominent Guest Speakers at the retreat included Chief Segun Osunkeye, former Chairman of Nestle/ GSK/Lafarge, Mr Dotun Sulaiman formerly Head Accenture and currently Chairman Cadbury Plc and Financial Reporting Council, Mr Kunle Elebute, Chairman KPMG Africa, Mr Daniel Monehin, a Global Leadership Expert and Mrs Ifueko Omoigui-Okauro, former Chairman of FIRS. (https://chainwitcher.com/)

To enhance its performance, profitability and sustainable growth necessary to achieve the expectations of its shareholders, Odu’a Investment Company Limited is poised to explore new areas in Innovation, Creativity, Digital and Technology which are key enabling factors for business success in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Chairman of OICL, Dr Segun Aina on Friday, August 28, 2020, stated this while constituting the Innovation and Technology Advisory Team (ITAT) made up of selected individuals in the innovation, creativity and technology space. The experts with a proven track record of accomplishments in their respective fields would assist OICL in charting a pathway to drive innovation and technology business initiatives in OICL to ensure it has an impactful effect on company’s business and also in the South-Western region. Odu’a Chairman noted that the essence of the Innovation and Technology Advisory Team (ITAT) is to see how OICL can plug in on Innovation and Technology to drive the activities of the company. Dr Aina noted that the Advisory team would help drive Innovation and Digital Transformation mindset of staff as well as help the business and shareholders by harnessing the kind of opportunities that is available in Innovation and Technology space. “OICL desires to leverage on innovation and technology to drive the economic transformation of the South West” He added In his remarks, Odu’a GMD/CEO, Mr Adewale Raji expressed delight that the Innovation and Technology Advisory Team would assist in creating what is considered to be the agenda the organization should be focused on while believing that OICL can further get involved in the business that is related to Innovation and Technology to grow the knowledge base of the teeming population of the South West.

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has inaugurated 14 Committees of its Governing Council to strengthen operations and drive its activities on banking Museum. Group Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Mr Adewale Raji makes the list. Mr Nelson Olagundoye, Head, Corporate Communication and External Relations, CIBN, said in a statement that the committees comprised three Statutory, nine Standing and two Adhoc. He said that the committees were comprised of members who had been in the service of the Institute for over five decades of its existence.  Speaking at the inauguration, the Chairman of Council, Mr Bayo Olugbemi, said the committees would be required to articulate new initiatives, ideas and strategies toward the actualisation of the strategic vision of the Institute. He urged members to deploy their expertise and wealth of experience to ensure the realisation of the Terms of Reference of their various committees for the next two years. The CIBN President expressed gratitude to the 180 members who participated at the first virtual CIBN Committee Inauguration Programme, for accepting to sacrifice their time and resources to serve the Institute. The Chairman, Business and Government Relations Group, Chief Femi Pedro, while responding on behalf of members of the Committees, expressed delight over array of personalities that the Institute attracted. He described them as “great and eminent personalities” whose integrity had been proven to be of good records. Pedro, therefore, pledged the committees’ support and commitment to the President and Institute. Members of the Committees include:  Mr Adewale Raji, Group Managing Director/ CEO, Odu’a Investment Company Limited; Mallam Isa Dutse, FCIB, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance; Chief Femi Pedro, FCIB, Chairman, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria; Mr U.K. Eke, FCIB Managing Director/Chief Executive, FBN Holdings; Mrs Osaretin Demuren, FCIB, Chairman, GTBank Plc and Bank Directors Association. Others are: Mr Oscar N. Onyema, OON, CEO, Nigerian Stock Exchange; Sen. Ibrahim Rafiu, FCIB; Hon. Justice Olateru-Olagbegi; Sen. Rafiu Ibrahim, FCIB; and Mr Bola Oyebamiji, FCIB, Commissioner for Finance, Osun, among others.

The Group Managing Director/ CEO of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Mr Adewale Raji, has reiterated the need for a conducive and safe environment for economic activities to thrive.  In achieving this, Odu’a GMD said that it would continue to partner with the Oyo State police command to fortify security network in its area of business operations. The Odu’a boss stated this at a visit of the new Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Joe Nwachukwu Enwonwu and his team to Odu’a Group Headquarters on Thursday, June 25,  2020.  Mr Raji commended the new police boss for the visit, saying it showed his commitment to the business community in the state. “We will also continue to support the police as we have been doing, thereby, strengthening the relationship between the two organizations for the benefit of the people,” the Odua boss said.   Mr Raji noted that in curbing the high rate of crime in the society, most people needed to be economically engaged so as to reduce the number of people involving in crime The GMD said that the Odu’a Board in alignment with the drive of the owner state governments to unlock value in the Agriculture value chain in the South West, is committed to operationalising the South West Agricultural Corporation Limited (SWAGCO) by end of June 2020. He noted that a new dawn has started in Odu’a as management and Board are committed to creating shareholders value with social impact as the company is poised to fulfilling its mandate as the engine room for economic development of South Western Nigeria. In his remarks, CP Enwonwu assured that the police under his command would continue to maintain peace in the state in order for businesses to thrive.Enwonwu, who commended the entrepreneurial spirit of residents of the state, said economic activities would be grounded in an atmosphere of insecurity. He then urged Odu’a Investment Company to continue to partner with the police, especially by extending its support in the area of logistics.On hand to welcome the police commissioner to the Group Headquarters office were Head Group Human Resources, Dr Morakinyo Oloyede, Company Secretary/ Head of Legal, Mrs Abiola Ajayi, Head Corporate Affairs, Mr Victor Ayetoro and Public Relations Manager, Mrs Nike Ajobo., while on the entourage of the police boss were ACP Abayomi Oladipo; DC CID, ACP Gabriel Dibie; AC Administration, CSP Olubunmi Apapa; Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO), SP Olugbenga Fadeyi, among others. (Adipex)

The newly inaugurated board of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) led by the Chairman, Dr Segun Aina, OFR, is committed to reposition and restructure the Company and its subsidiaries to enhance its performance, profitability and sustainable growth necessary to achieve the expectations of its shareholders and other stakeholders. One of the objectives of the shareholders is to make Odu’a Investment a world class company with strong governance framework that could compete with similar organizations in terms of growth, profitability and sustainability. To achieve this objective among others, the Board commenced action immediately it was inaugurated on 7th May 2020 and have held two board meetings within two weeks to quickly familiarize itself with the operations and current status of the Company as well as chart a road map for the board. The Board has drawn up an 11-points agenda and quick wins for its first 85 days in office which would provide the requisite foundation needed for the transformation of the Company. The 11 points agenda include the development of a five-year strategic plan (2020-2025). A Board Strategic retreat to be facilitated by KPMG has been scheduled to hold in July 2020. The retreat will determine strategies required to refocus, recalibrate and accelerate delivery of desired results.The board will identify new key investment opportunities in Agriculture, Technology, and commercially viable infrastructure, ensure the creation of a Project Management Office and Corporate transformation agenda, improve brand and media profile and have oversight function in rigorous quarterly business reviews. The Board in alignment with the drive of the Owner State Governments to unlock value in the agriculture value chain in the South West, is committed to operationalize the South West Agricultural Corporation Limited (SWAGCO) by end of June 2020. (https://brownshvac.net/) Also, the Board recognizes the importance of funding, strategic partnership and alliances in the growth of the business, as such, it would identify and create local and international relationships with funding partners such as IFC, African Development Bank (AFDB), Afrexim Bank and other leading local and International institutions.To ensure Best Practice and Corporate Governance in Odu’a Investment, the board will accelerate the completion of the Corporate Governance Advisory Assignment being carried out by KPMG and would provide all necessary support to ensure the strengthen of executive capacity with recruitment of two Executive Directors in due course. At a recent virtual meeting held with the Management team of Odu’a Investment, Chairmen and Managing Directors of Subsidiary Companies on Friday on May 22, 2020, the Board emphasized profitability, professionalism, team work and culture change in the management and operations of the Group.It charged them that all hands must be on deck to support the Board towards the achievement of its objectives. It was agreed that it would no longer be business as usual as mediocrity would not be tolerated while competence and performance would henceforth drive the work force.The Board assured that existing businesses will be supported; inactive companies will be resuscitated and new businesses would be embarked upon in line with the strategic plan to be developed.A new dawn has started in Odu’a Investment as the new Board made up of eminent personalities are committed to create shareholders value with social impact as Odua is poised to fulfill its mandate as the engine room for economic development of the South Western Nigeria.

Dr Segun Aina, Former President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has been appointed, Chairman, Board of Directors, Odu’a Investment Limited. Dr Segun Aina, Former President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). The Head, Corporate Communication and External Relations of CIBN, Mr Nelson Olagundoye, said in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos, that Aina’s appointment was approved by the South-West Governors’ Forum. “The appointment was approved following the reconstitution of the Board by the six governors of South West states, the owners of the company, led by the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu. “The new board, which has since been inaugurated is charged with the responsibility of restoring the lost glory of the company and repositioning it to realise the objectives of its founding fathers,” he said. Olagundoye said that Aina’s appointment to the position was an indication of the confidence the South-West Governors’ Forum had on him. According to him, the forum has no doubt that under his leadership, wisdom and guidance, the company will strive to much greater heights and achievement. He mentioned other members of the Board to be: Mr Segun Olujobi (Ekiti), Dr Tola Kasali (Lagos), Otunba Bimbo Ashiru (Ogun), Chief Segun Ojo (Ondo) and Seeni Adio Esq, SAN (Oyo). Aina, who will be representing Osun State on the Board, is a global professional banking leader, internationally rated fintech influencer and thought leader, respected Futurist and a Philanthropist. Until his appointment, he was the Chairman of Global Council of Global Banking Education Standards Board (GBEStB), and President, Africa Fintech Network. He has also served as the President/Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (2012 -2014) as well as West African Bankers Association (Nigeria Chapter) 2001, among others. Source : Pulse Nigeria