*As Segun Osoba, Akande, Tegbe, others eulogise them
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
The Chairman of Odua Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru on Saturday, hailed the immediate past Chairman of the conglomerate, Dr Segun Aina and former GMD, Mr Adewale Raji for their contributions to the growth of the company
Otunba Ashiru while speaking at a farewell party held at Oranmiyan Hall, Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, said Dr Aina and Mr Raji have left an indelible mark on Odu’a Investment Company (OICL).
According to the Odu’a Investment Company Chairman, “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”.
“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)”, he said.
Otunba Ashiru added, “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”.
Otunba Ashiru stressed, “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.”
Former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba in his remarks described 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.
The first female Minister of Industry, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande while speaking lauded 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 Peoples Democratic Party stalwart, Engr Joseph Tegbe said Dr Aina and Mr Raji are thorough well breed administrators and that their tenure witnessed a lot of developmental achievements, saying, “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.
Speaking on behalf of the Management and Staff of Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Mrs Folashade Awe, lauded the celebrants for their visionary and leadership role saying “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.”
Dr Segun Aina in his remarks linked dedication and commitment to work as a key to his successful career, urging young Nigerians that are aspiring to be great in their various endeavors to be more committed and dedicated to their chosen profession,saying,
“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.
Mr Adewale Raji on his part 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.
Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Mr Abdulrahman Yinusa in his remarks 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”.
