By dint of hard work, sheer force of personality, determination and a formidable business acumen, Tayo Ayeni as the Founder/CEO of Skymit Motors Limited has transformed an automobile company, which began operations in January 1987 with only 2 cars, into a hugely successful enterprise with showrooms in Lagos and an annual turnover running into billions of naira.
In a business venture which is not for the faint-hearted, Tayo Ayeni, who is also the Chairman of Affordable Cars Limited, has thrived in the face of economic headwinds to emerge as a driving force and a role model in the automobile industry in Nigeria. For this, and other notable strides in the fields of project financing & management, real estate, and photography, he deserves commendation and celebration.
Aliko Dangote
TAYO AYENI: A MAN OF STYLE. CHARACTER & CHARISMA
Tayo,
Through the past few decades that we have known each other, you have remained a consummate gentleman, a good friend, and a brother. We have shared so many great memories that could last a lifetime – here in Nigeria, and on our various travels. Most important you have proven over time, to be dependable.
Always the life of the party, you never fail to carry your charismatic, trademark smile on your face at all times, bringing light to the lives of those around you. Your ability to show genuine concern for family, friends, associates, and many others is one of your greatest strengths.
In the business space, your foresight industry, and resourcefulness has seen Skymit become a leading player in the luxury automobile sales and real estate space in Nigeria whilst also touching countless lives.
Abdul Samad Rabiu
TRIBUTE
TA I better as I fondly call you. Happy and Blessed 60th birthday to you.
We met 1992 in Ikeja and since our meeting you have been a dear special and dependable friend.
I am so proud of your tenacity doggedness astuteness and vision. All these special attributes and more have made you have a lovely home and build one of the foremost automobile companies in Africa.
I look back at our younger days in Ikeja when we hung out very regularly and had so much fun. Your social and entertainment skills make you T I better than most.
As you reach this special milestone, I pray that God gives you many more years in good health wealth and all you wish for. Happy birthday my dear brother.
Fote$
Femi P. Otedola
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
TO MY GREAT FRIEND TAYO AT 60
As you enter your sixth decade with so much vitality and openness to new experiences, my family and I joined in congratulating you on your new age.
Indeed, I have never met anyone with great humility and full of enthusiasm. You make everyone’s life more exciting with your great ideas and willingness to simply assist. You have been of great assistance since Larry Ayeni introduced me to you, forty years ago.
My first encounter with the Ayeni family was in Belgium when I purchased my first car in my life from Larry Ayeni forty years ago, who was then trading under the company name; CAR-TREND in Belgium.
This was beginning of a great relationship with the Ayenis’ that exist till date, which has culminated into family ties. As the whole Ayeni’s family are well known to me and all trading in automobile. The automobile business was my initial bread and butter business till date, which actually exposed me to the world by meeting good acquaintance and friends like you.
Recalling those days, the Ayeni’s family had the Merit Motors, Benefit Motors etc and they were very successful at the automobile business. Then Larry Ayeni was the Don (Boss) in the automobile business but today Tayo Ayeni is one of the crème-de-la-creme of the industry.
As far back as forty years ago, Tayo Ayeni and Larry do drIve to Kaduna to visit me. During some of those visits, Tayo has always been a very wonderful man, energetic and no dUll moment when you are with him. He is always very consistent and focus regardless of his social life. He always put his family and business first and probably this was the basis of the secret of his success. We don’t get to spent a lot of time but the respect and the connection is mutual, notwithstanding, our Mercedes business keeps us connected continuously, I can’t end my tribute without mentioning his beloved wife Tutu, based on the popular saying that behind any successful man, there is a woman. Tayo wouldn’t have achieved successful life without her.
She stood by Tayo through hard and good times. But today she has reaps the fruits of her labour!!
Tayo is indeed a family man, who supports his family without Iimitation. I recently witnessed his daughter’s marriage in Spain and I heard the words and comments that came out of his daughter, I couldn’t stop tears dropping out of my eye emotionally. This no doubt tells you who the man Tayo Ayeni is.
You are indeed an inspiration, and I hope you have an amazing 60th birthday. It’s an honor to be your friend and brother.
On this note, I will like to wish you a happy 60th birthday with many more happy returns in good health and more prosperity in the name of Almighty GOD.
Alhaji Kashiar Bukar Shettima
Happy Birthday Tayo,
As your Diamond jubilee beckons, Tayo you remain a friend with the largest, most beautiful heart – inside and out, from within and without, respectful, gentle, sweet, dedicated, committed, caring and God fearing. You came into our lives at different times with loads of wisdom, goodwill, care and affection. You have always shown total support to friends and associates.
Tayo you remain a shining beacon to all, always manifesting warmth, concern and gratitude to the Almighty. You are indeed a wonderful, blessed and special brother and friend. You always remember everyone’s headaches, troubles and worries. You have always been positive in all circumstances, encouraging all to remember and hold on to Gods’ promises for all.
Sen. Mohammed Sanusi Daggash
TO THE WORDS GREATEST FRIEND
AND BROTHER AS HE CLOCKS 60!
It’s been 60 years of grace and God’s care over your life and as you celebrate your birthday on this day, I thank God for your life and wish you more energy to drive your dreams and visions to their destinations.
You’re an inspiration at 60, and I hope you have an amazing 60th birthday. It’s an honor to be your friend.
Baba T as I fondly call you, most people do not realize or know that we are not related by blood as I have had cause to encounter people referring to you as my brother and I believe vice versa! I am however pleased and happy to always share good moments with you.
Dr. Olatunde Ayeni
Tayo Ayeni is an epitome of God’s grace, courage, and excellence. His understanding of the meaning of life and reason whywe are all here is inspiring.
He is a very devoted family man, visionary, hardworking and more importantly always happy, my enjoyment minister. All in one.
He recognises there is a hand of God in his life, he is rejoicing in his love, enjoying it and very thankful.
On your special day, I simply want you to know you are someone I have immense respect for. I will always have and will always will. God Almighty shall continue to shower you and your family uncommon blessing and divine health. Enjoy it.
Wale Ajisebutu
A Tribute to Tayo Ayeni at 60
I have known Tayo Ayeni and the Ayeni family for many years and we have been
together as a family, since the late 80’s Tayo has been a friend and a brother and I am sure he knows that he is one of my favourite people.
Tayo is an astute and an erudite businessman. an entrepreneur per excellence. He is a most darling husband of Adetutu and a kind hearted father with a lot of love and very great patience. I salute your industriousness, hard-work, and conscientiousness, loyalty and faithfulness, I think I can now also say you’re no longer a “good bad boy”. Thank you for the times we’ve been together and also for being one of my special clients.
–Ituah Ighodalo
My darling bro is 60
At sixty you’ve become an old man and you need to manage the groove before it manages you.
I love your heart and you’re a great brother.
The way you dote over your beautiful wife and children is a testimony of your being.
I cherish your loyalty and friendship and look forward to many more decades with
you on planet earth.
May God bless you and keep you.
Yours Truly,
Sir Olu Okeowo
THE CHEERFUL HUSTLE
So, the ever-irrepressible Tayo is 60?
Chronologically maybe but Mr T has lived a social, business life ready for retirement. Ever the “Cheerful Hustle”, Tayo from get go was clear about his goals in life; get rich, meet and marry Tutu and he pursued them with uncommon vigour.
Starting early, Tayo was unrelenting in building what is today the inimitable auto stop named Skymit Motors. But what else is new in another Ujesha man with a successful business venture? His history in business stretches back to Baba 3030.
Tayo works hard, but plays even harder, a smile never far from his face and with a capacity for enjoyment that barely waits for sunset or for weekends. Tayo has even made a living well exercise regime a fun thing fact of life. Gbere omodeyi!
Scratch the surface though and there is a true human being that never forgets a favour, appreciative of friends standing by each other and a generous character to match. Living a life happily is made even more possible with the support of the patient, reticent superwoman Mama Ibeji, Tutu.
Sola Adeeyo
Tayo,
My dearest personal person. Myself and Tayo gel together because I think we are looking at life through the same mirror. He fondly refers to me as Sis and I my dear brother.
We became closer when he invited myself and other friends to spend Easter at his country home in Ilesa. We all had a blast as Tayo and Tutu are ambassadors of hospitality.
Tayo continue to shine like Diamonds in the Sky.
A toast to your good health and more prosperity.
Princess Titilayo Rotimi
Tribute to Tayo ‘Skyyyyyyyyyy’ Ayeni
For some strange reason, I always perceived that Tayo was older than me and not until this special birthday of his, did it dawn on me that I arrived this earthly plain 5 months earlier than him and by Yoruba culture, I can rightly but belatedly call him my Aburo! But if I am to be honest, my perception is derived from Tayo’s versatile personality. He is comfortable with friends of all ages and possesses a youthful virility full of the wisdom of Solomon, so you really cannot categorize him as being within the older or younger generation.
As much as God has abundantly blessed Tayo, he remains a humble committed Christian dedicated to his lovely wife and confidante, Tutu and his beautiful family. He is a gentleman with an excellent business acumen and just when you think he is done on a project, he is already conceiving another mind-blowing one. Tayo does everything hard! Just a few months ago, we celebrated the lavish wedding of his daughter Mathilda, and of course you can trust Tayo, he went all out to ensure the children and guests were happy and fulfilled. He has worked extremely hard to make the Skymit Motors brand the automobile mart of choice and has taken it quietly and assiduously to another level entirely as evinced by his new state of the art showroom in Victoria Island.
I am sure almost all the tributes will note Tayo’s love for partying(responsibly) hard, but what I find uniquely amazing about him is his generosity to always ensure all those in his company partake in the revelry, personified by his mischievous trademark smile.
–Bamofin Abimbola Ogunbanjo
OFR
OLUTAYO
BIRTHDAY MESSAGE
To my Paddy, Brother and Right Hand man Olutayo AKA Skye! AKA Chairman Zaza!
What can I say about Olutayo ore mi atata …. Olutayo loves life like NO one else. Everyday to him is xmas and a day to create new dance steps!
Olutayo the consummate pyjamas wearer as that’s his favourite outfit hence my other nick name for him “Hugh” (as in Heffner). If he could attend functions in them Olutayo would.
Olutayo always turns out to be the correct husband in the eyes of our entire wife’s always making us all seem to be under performing. Bro I have to find my way to your village to find and get that talisman myself to try and outshine you.
My brother Olutayo with all said, you have succeeded in life with Skymit, on the social standing scene in Nigeria and as a Great Husband, Father, Brother and Friend. I welcome you into the hands of the 6th Floor member’s to check it out for my entry next year by God’s Grace.
Olutayo continue to be you and God’s Grace would continually shine upon you Forever Amen.
In the interim as one of your fashion guru’s, by the time I finish with you we shall achieve 10 hand band on your right wrist before your 60th!
ONE LOVE BRO!
Jide Coker
TAYO – MY BROTHER & FRIEND @ 60
Tayo, my dearest brother, and friend. Our journey goes back over 40 years. As they say, it is not the years that count but the life you have lived. You have truly lived a life of great achievements and worthy of celebration. A gentleman, ever reliable, diligent, loyal, and the real life of the party.
Congratulations on your diamond jubilee. I wish you joy, more wealth, and happiness in the latter years.
On behalf of Yemisi, Leke and Lase we also congratulate Ice Cool Tutu and the rest of your family on this joyous occasion.
Ayodele Subair
Happy 60Th
Birthday Tayo
Tee for Tayo!!! I met Tayo over 35 years ago when he just came back to Nigeria.
I remember our first meeting, Tayo came with his green Honda Accord that was the latest then. He was a bachelor then and about opening his first car shop on Opebi Road Ikeja. That was the beginning of his success story.
Tayo is happily married to his darling wife Tutu and blessed with lovely children.
The Tayo I know as a friend is highly focus, knows what he wants and goes for it. That’s a typical Capricorn trait.
He is sociable, friendly and has a way of relating with his friends and making everyone feel special around him.
Happy birthday my bro!! I pray for many more happy years in peace, joy, happiness and most importantly good health. Amen.
Bimbola Ashiru
Andy T
My friend and brother from the same neck of the woods…
A sentence cannot fully describe the characterization of this enigmatic Ijesha man.
Our paths crossed in early adulthood … basically as bachelors.
Tayo was very rascally, we did all bachelors do but he did more not minding the fact that I was his tutor … he actually bolted away from apprenticeship without the normal “freedom” celebration … In the course of not waiting for full and final certification which was actually due to the fact that great fortunes have started engulfing him and everyone knows the resultant of such influx Omo Baba 1010 has become extra confident the world was @ his feet.
Fortunately, the Lion was caged as he became challenged by the Cupid arrow fired by an innocent university babe … Adetutu … she actually saved many hearts from being in tatters.
Tayo the man, handsome, quite emotional, sympathetic, humane but shrewd.
He’s someone whilst crying his vision never gets blurred.
Very steadfast and focused …. Quite fun loving within limits that don’t conflict with business….
A very deep thinker imbued with so much knowledge resonating in the entrepreneurial arena…
A gentleman, a loving husband, caring father and doting son to his dearest mother.
While thanking the Almighty God for sparing his life @60, I pray for a longer life in utmost good health and more prosperous years in the land of the living. Amen.
Otunba Lai Oriowo
When you see Tayo’s smiling face exposing his well-lined dentition, you can unravel the purity of his heart; summarizing his humanity. In over three decades of knowing you, I have never
seen a frown neither have I seen him lose his temper……..A most doting husband to TUTU and wonderful father to their five lovely children.
In our society where life expectancy is 54 years, you have indeed crossed the rubicon and shall live to celebrate many more years on earth.
In our chosen profession-The Auto World- you shine so brilliantly and the glow spreads so far and wide………….thanking God for the giant strides!
On behalf of my children Uzoma, Enyinna, Zina and Zicky please accept our heartfelt congratulations.
Wishing you the very BEST and many years of ROCKIESSSSSSS. GODSPEED.
Nkiru Anumudu
WHAT CAN ONE SAY ABOUT MY FRIEND ANDY???
We became fast friends through the Ikeja circle that includes Fola, Lanre and Ade Ogunlesi, Kayode Odukoya, Sola Adeeyo, Lare Ayoola and many more.
We also shared the same auditor, Ituah Ighodalo in the late 80’s.
I bought my first V-boot from Tayo in the late 80’s when his office was on Opebi Road. Tayo has since moved HQ 3 times and is now on Adeola Odeku, VI.
We have all watched Tayo’s steady progress and expansion, through sheer dint of hard work and discipline. He is the epitome of an excellent businessman of integrity. His good name will endure for his good deeds and behaviour.
Tayo is a good family man. A loving husband to Tutu and the children. Through life’s many trying times, Tayo once told me that he settles difficult issues in his home on the day and does not allow them to fester. Good advice!
Tayo has been a loyal friend and has always been there for me in trying and good times. For this I am grateful. My family and I wish him:-
Magnus Antonio Lucas
De. Souza & Family
My dear brother, time really flies, doesn’t it?
From dating Bola and Tutu way back then Look at us now turning 60, going grey, watching our kids get married to becoming
grandparents. God’s mercies have indeed been infinite in our lives.
I’m so proud of the man you are today and it’s been great going on this journey of life with you.
Happy birthday once again my dear brother.
Olusegun Awolowo
TAYO AYENI AT 60!
You have been a tremendous blessing and an invaluable asset to everyone who has come into contact with you.
Ayeni 10:10; indeed, you are 10 over 10 personified. You are indeed a resiliently unique soul; hence on this special day of yours, what else do you deserve, if not the VERY BEST OF WISHES.
On this special day of yours, I wish you more wins as you spread more love and kindness with unmatched milestones. You are a legend by every measure.
And since half a boat won’t float God blessed you with Ice Tutu, …and lovely children to complete your joy.
Another 60 years – hale and hearty our wish for you! With lots of love:
Lanre & Modupe Ogunlesi
A TRIBUTE TO MY TAYO AYENI ON HIS 60TH BIRTHDAY
SIX DECADES OF STYLE, GRACE, AND ENTERPRISE!
Your wisdom, kindness, and generosity have continued to positively impact the lives of many people. You have always been a dedicated loyal friend who always makes time to devote to your friends in spite of your numerous engagements.
As you enter into the diamond jubilee, I celebrate all that you are, the love and devotion that you forever give as a man of great character and benevolence. I am grateful and count myself lucky to call you friend.
Mr. John Obayuwana
