Boardroom guru, Bode Emanuel for burial today

The family of the late boardroom titan and foremost accountant, Justin Olabode Emanuel (Esq), has announced his funeral rites.

According to a press statement signed by his wife, Mrs Anana Bode Emanuel, activities celebrating his life and legacy began on the evening of Tuesday, February 18, 2025, with a Night of Tributes at Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, where family and friends gathered to pay glowing tributes to the accomplished accountant. A Christian Wake Keep and Service of Songs were held on Thursday, February 20, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.

A week-long celebration of this man of distinction will conclude today with a funeral service at Holy Cross Cathedral, Catholic Mission Street, Lagos Island. The service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. A private interment and reception will follow immediately after the service.

Born on April 20, 1935, into the distinguished family of Pa Lydio Durojaiye Emanuel of the Brazilian Quarters—a renowned and pioneering pharmacist—and Alhaja Nusirat Amope Shonibare, the daughter of a Muslim cleric and Imam, both of Lagos Island, the late Bode Emanuel distinguished himself early in life. His intellectual brilliance shone brightly at the famous St Gregory’s College, Obalende, Lagos, where he was a student from 1947 to 1952.

He later articled with Binder Hamlyn & Co., London, United Kingdom, from 1955 to 1959, where he trained as an accountant. In 1959, he became a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales and subsequently a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

The boardroom titan lived a fulfilled and accomplished life. If there were ever a need to compile the names of the movers and shakers of the social and corporate scenes in Nigeria, his name would feature prominently due to his commitment and contributions in his field. As an entrepreneur and boardroom magnate, he achieved tremendous success.

The list of companies where he served as chairman is matched only by those in which he was a director or significant shareholder. His business interests extended beyond Nigeria to Europe, including the United Kingdom, France, and Italy.

As a seasoned administrator with vast experience, he served as chairman of the board of numerous local and international corporate organisations. These include Borini Prono & Co. Limited, Trevi Foundations of Nigeria Limited, Foundation Construction Limited, Saipem (Nigeria) Limited, Hogg Robinson Nigeria Limited, and Grand Cereals Limited.

In addition to being a member of the St Gregory’s College Old Boys Association, he was on the boards of Nigerian Life & Provident Company Limited, Sterling Assurance Company Limited, and Macmillan Nigeria Publishers Limited—publishers of primary, secondary, and tertiary educational books across Africa .

During his illustrious career, the late Emanuel headed or founded several notable business and professional bodies. He was a prominent member of Ikoyi Club, Boat Club, Metropolitan Club, and Yoruba Tennis Club. He was also a founding member of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Business Group Nigeria, where he rose to become its 4th chairman in 2022.

The late titan received several awards both locally and internationally. These include the Commendatore della Repubblica Italiana (Republic of Italy), the African Insurance Organisation Award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the development of insurance in Africa, the Melvin Jones Award for contributions to international Lionism, and an honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

Emanuel is survived by numerous family members, friends, and colleagues, including his beloved wife and confidante, Mrs Anana Bode Emanuel. The entrepreneur will be deeply missed.