On 27th July, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, OICL, Launched Odu’a Investment Foundation, its subsidiary, with the Inauguration of the Advisory Council and the Unveiling of the foundation’s logo. The Foundation which is a non-profit making organisation was set up to promote social development and welfare of the people in the six South West states.
The event which was held at Airport Hotel Lagos had many Oduduwa dignitaries in attendance. It had the representatives of the six SW states as well as the leader of Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
It started with the arrival of the guests and was followed by the national anthem. The opening prayer, introduction, and welcome address by OICL group chairman, Otunba Bimbo Bashiru, said that he is happy to see everyone for this occasion of the official launching of Odu’a Investment Foundation. “Odu’a Investment Foundation mandate is well captured and our mission statement is to deliver a sustainable return for all stakeholders and a handsome legacy for future generations.
“Our objective is to make a sustainable impact in our operations in health, youth empowerment, and education. Our vision is to create an enabling environment where every person has the opportunity to live a healthy, peaceful, and productive life,” the chairman said.
The Chairman called the attention of the guests to welcome Pa Adebanjo, and he handed him the mic to give his wise thoughts about the foundation. The elder statesman said that he is the only living person amongst the elders that started the organisation, and that he thanks everyone here for attending and plead that this legacy should be kept alive for the people coming up to know what their route stands for. He urged the leaders to do everything possible to retain the light of Odu’a to the general public.
This was followed by the overview of Odu’a Investment Foundation, which was read by Mr. Sani Adio, a non-executive director of the organisation. A goodwill message from the Owner State and the unveiling of the foundation logo followed suit.
Soon after, the inauguration of the advisory council took place. This council is led by Ambassador, Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, who is the daughter of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Others are; Dr. Olusegun Olugboyegun, Chief Dr, Mrs Onikepo Akande, Dr. Biadun Shobanjo, Dr. Mrs Victoria Adunola Samson, Chieg Wole Olanipekun and Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola.
Dr. Awolowo Dosumu said in her speech that this event is all about legacy and things our fathers achieved and left for us. “I will start with a quote from Benjamin Disraeli, a 19th century Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and he says, ‘The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example’.
“We gather here to celebrate the immeasurable value of a great legacy. We also here to acknowledge with specific reference to Odu’a Investment Group, which started several decades ago with our founding fathers, led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. These great visionaries are unequivocal about what they needed to do to create an economic base on the region which God has given them to administer.
“They were conceptualizing a region that would be wealthy enough to win his people off the ravages of diseases, ignorance, and poverty. They were very honest, diligent, and methodical in executing the plans they had carefully laid out, she said. She urged the new members to follow the footstep of their founding fathers and even achieve more than they did.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, closing prayer, and national anthem.
OICL Board of Directors are; Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Group Chairman; Mr. Adewale Raji, Group Managing Director/CEO; Dr. Segun Aina, Non-Executive Director; Chief Segun Ojo, Non-Executive Director; M Seni Adio, Non-Executive Director; Dr Tola Kasali, Non-Executive Director.
Others are Mr. Segun Olujobi, Non-Executive Director; Otunba Mrs. Debola Osibogun, Independent Director; Mrs. Folusho Olaniyan, Independent Director; Mr. Olugbolahan Mark-George, Executive Director; and Mr Abdulrahman Yinusa, Executive Director.
By Benprince Ezeh
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