KAZEEM AWOJOODU, IBADAN
It was a night of encomium as notable Nigerians graced the farewell party organized for Dr Segun Aina, the immediate past Chairman of the 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, Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, over the weekend was put together by Odu’a Investment Company Limited aimed at celebrating the outstanding performances of Dr Segun Aina and Mr Adewale Raji during their sojourn at the company.
The farewell party has in attendance Chairman, Odua Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, other members of OICL, members of board of Directors of Other Odu’a subsidiaries, Captains of industries, Leadership Team of OICL, Management Team of Odu’a subsidies among others.
The list of the milestones achievements under the tenure of the duo of Dr Segun Aina and Mr Adewale 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.
The list of the achievements also include transforming of OICL into a lean operating holding company, pioneering of a corporate governance framework for OICL, Stimulate a work culture of accountability and transparency, remarkable ascent in revenue and profit before tax by 107% and 370% respectively in 10 years. 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 Augusto & Co in 2023.
Part of the milestones of OICL under the visionary leadership of Dr Segun Aina and Mr Adewale Raji includes creation of the three new entities into Odu’a Group West Agriculture Company Limited (SawgCo), 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.
“While we will certainly miss them, this is not goodbye, but rather a heartfelt thank you, and a chance to wish them both all the success and happiness in their future endeavours. Let’s make this celebration a memorable one, filled with gratitude, laughter, and best wishes.Without much ado, I wish you all the best of time this evening, lets all relax, enjoy the evening, and at the right time, we will raise a toast to these exceptional leaders, whose contributions will remain a cornerstone of our company’s legacy.” Ashiru said.
In his remarks the former governor of Ogun State, an elderstateman, 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.
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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 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 whom 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 team of OICL is celebrating them tonight.
Mrs Folashade Awe, who spoke on behalf of the management and staff of Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja lauded the celebrants for their visionary and leadership role. She said, “We are blessed at Lagos Airport Hotel Limited (LAHL) to have these gentlemen at the helm’s of affairs during their tenure.
“With their visionary leadership role, Lagos Airport Hotel remains as one of the few of the indigenous hotel in Nigeria that is still standing after 82 years. Many of it’s contemporaries have gone into extinction.”
“Your dedication and determination inspired us to be more dedicated and determined.Your guidance and direction are truly inspirational and such a blessing to us at LAHL.We wish you a happy retirement with good health and sound mind.” She said.
In his words, Dr Segun Aina linked dedication and commitment to work as a key to his successful career. He urged the young Nigerians that are aspiring to be great in their various endeavors to be more committed and dedicated to their chosen profession.
He said, “dedication and commitment are very key, we can’t achieve these feat without commitment and dedication to our jobs, in the next ten years I see Odu’a Investment Company Limited in an enviable height.
Adewale Raji, said, “I feel fulfilled, I feel honored, this reception shows how impactful our tenure were under the Odu’a Investment Company, I look forward seeing Odu’a Investment Company Limited sustaining the legacies of our forefathers and moving forward with this enviable pace.
In his closing remarks, the Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Mr Abdulrahman Yinusa said this is an evening filled with deep reflection, fond memories, and, most importantly, heartfelt appreciation. As we draw this memorable celebration to a close, I would like to thank everyone who took the time to be here today to honor two remarkable leaders, Dr. Segun Aina, OFR, and Mr.
Adewale Raji.
“We have all borne witness to their immense contributions to
the growth and transformation of Odu’a Investment Company. Their leadership, vision, and passion have laid a
foundation upon which we continue to build.
“To Dr. Segun Aina, OFR, you have led with vision, guided with wisdom, and inspired many with your relentless drive for excellence. Your tenure as Chairman has elevated Odu’a Investment in ways that will be felt for years to come. We
deeply appreciate your unwavering commitment to the success of this great institution.
“To Mr. Adewale Raji, your time as Group Managing Director has been marked by resilience, innovation, and a dedication
to progress. Your leadership through times of challenge and triumph has not only strengthened our operations but has also brought renewed confidence in our shared vision for the future. You have left a lasting legacy, one that we are proud to carry forward. As we move ahead, we remain committed to upholding the high standards and principles both of you have established.
“Odu’a Investment is stronger today because of your efforts, and for that, we are truly grateful. On behalf of the Board, management, and staff of Odu’a
Investment, I would like to express our sincerest thanks once again. We celebrate not only your accomplishments but also the personal relationships and bonds that have been forged along the way. You will forever be a part of the Odu’a family. As you both move into new chapters of your lives, we wish you continued success, happiness, and fulfillment in all your future endeavors. We hope to see you remain as part of our broader community, guiding and inspiring us as we strive for
greater heights. Yinusa stressed.
Roll-calls at the event include the Comptroller General of Customs, CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, The new GMD/CEO of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Mr Abdulrahman Yinusa, Ogun State Secretary to the State Government Mr Tokunbo Talabi, Director General DAWN Commission, Mr Seye Oyeleye, Supo Falana, Senator Dr Lanre Tejuoso, Mr Kunle Adedigba, Mr Seni Adio (SAN), among others.
