After over five decades of contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s economy through active participation as an investor and business leader, 81-year-old Dr Ayoola Oba Otudeko is channelling resources into raising new business leaders and impacting the future business titans in Nigeria.
This effort, according to Otudeko is aimed towards contributing to the positive development of the society through enterprise as well as passing on his wealth of experience and achievements to many generations.
Otudeke stands tall as the life patron of the highly respected Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce, and his illustrious career and life has been dedicated to nation building.
It’s no doubt that as the founder and chairman of the Honeywell Group, Otudeko magic wands in the boardroom have seen him sit on the boards of several thriving organisations either as chairman or director, leaving exemplary leadership at every position he has served
On his badge as a former chairman include Honeywell Flour Mills, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Airtel Nigeria, Fan Milk of Nigeria Plc, First Bank Limited, Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce and National Maritime Authority, and FBN Holdings.
He has equally contributed immensely to the growth of the nation’s economy, while sitting as a director on the boards of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Ecobank Plc, Guinness Nigeria Plc, British-American Tobacco Company, Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, First Bank of Nigeria, among others.
While Otudeko is not interested in serving in an executive capacity in any organisation in Nigeria or elsewhere at this time, it is pertinent to note that as the chairman of First Bank Limited, from 2009 to 2012, and later as chairman of FBN Holdings, between 2012 and 2021, Otudeko gave his all. Specifically, Otudeko, as chairman of FBN Holdings, was instrumental to the remarkable transformation of the bank from an old generation bank to its current leadership role as a pan-African financial services holding company.
This is a rare feat that no other chairman, both past and present, has been able to surpass.
Deservedly awarded the prestigious national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), by the Federal Government, Otudeko has built many leading companies in Nigeria from the scratch and has equally worked with others to build many other successful companies and distinguished individuals. Otudeko is also a member of the prestigious office of distinguished friends, London Business School, UK
Interestingly, FBN Holdings, a legacy institution built over 130 years, holds a special place in Dr. Otudeko’s heart. He trusts this strong foundation to guide the institution into the next era of success.
As an astute and astounding businessman, Otudeko is a national treasure with a difference and one of the highest employers of labour in Nigeria with his numerous companies employing thousands of Nigerians, thus contributing unquantifiably to the growth and development of Nigeria.
