Certain business leaders from South West have become extremely influential as a result of certain exceptional business achievements that have distinguished them.
These individuals have demonstrated to everyone how to succeed in business. They’ve worked in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, oil, and banks. These influential people have aided not only Africa, but the entire world.
They’ve also improved the economy and come up with fresh ideas. Despite the fact that they began with little, they worked hard and had good ideas to accomplish great things.
These business heroes from South West are constantly revolutionizing industries, creating jobs, and assisting their communities.
In this article, HowNG discusses these exceptional people and the wonderful things they’ve accomplished that will be remembered.
1. Mike Adenuga
Mike Adenuga stands out as a prominent Yoruba business leader with a long list of accomplishments. Adenuga’s influence spans borders, having been awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger by the Nigerian government and the Commander of the Legion of Honor by President Emmanuel Macron of France.
Notably, he was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Africans in 2019 by New African Magazine. Adenuga’s journey exemplifies his intelligence, beginning with his mother’s sawmill and progressing to lace distribution and oil extraction. Globacom, his telecommunications startup, took on industry titans and expanded across West Africa. Adenuga’s commercial endeavors include oil and gas, telecommunications, aviation, banking, and real estate, cementing his status as a significant Yoruba financial personality.
2. Laide Agboola
Laide Agboola is a notable Yoruba business luminary with notable achievements in the financial sphere. He has transformed the landscape of lifestyle experiences for Nigerians as the Chief Executive Officer of Purple Group, a prominent lifestyle company. Purple’s portfolio includes notable initiatives such as PurpleMaryland (previously Maryland Mall) and PurpleLekki, as well as residential developments and lifestyle items, all of which strive to provide affordable quality experiences.
Agboola, who has a long career in investment banking and wealth management, has made substantial contributions to a variety of firms through his emphasis on diversity, excellence, and talent development. He has held key positions in prominent organizations like as Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, UBA Global Markets Limited, and Alitheia Capital Limited, demonstrating his expertise in corporate finance, asset management, and real estate. Notably, Thinkmint Nigeria named him Young Real Estate Person of the Year.
3. Oba Otudeko
Oba Otudeko stands out as a prominent Yoruba commercial mogul with a long list of accomplishments. From 2006 to 2010, he served as the 16th president of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and held directorships at the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Airtel Nigeria Limited, Fan Milk of Nigeria Plc, Guinness Nigeria Plc, and Ecobank Transnational Inc. were all under his direction. He is regarded as one of Nigeria’s wealthiest as the founder and chairman of Honeywell Group and Pivot Engineering Co. Ltd.
Through the Oba Otudeko Foundation, Oba Otudeko’s charitable efforts have benefited institutions like as Pan Atlantic University, All Saints’ College, and Olabisi Onabanjo University. His outstanding achievements solidify his status as a renowned Yoruba business hero.
4. Adebayo Ogunlesi
Adebayo Ogunlesi, from Sagamu, Ogun state, is a shining example of Yoruba commercial success. He’s accomplished extraordinary things as an investment banker and lawyer, including owning five airports in the United Kingdom, three of which were acquired within six years. He currently serves as Chairman and Managing Partner of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) in New York, a private equity firm with an impressive portfolio that includes yearly revenue in excess of $46 billion and investor interests in excess of $51 billion.
Ogunlesi’s accomplishments reflect his hard work; he is a graduate of major universities such as Oxford University, Harvard Law School, and Harvard Business School. His substantial effect and industry recognition highlight his reputation as a remarkable Yoruba business figure.
5. Femi Otedola
Femi Otedola is a prominent Yoruba business giant known for his amazing achievements. His many endeavors, ranging from Forte Oil PLC to Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, demonstrate his business expertise across multiple industries. President Goodluck Jonathan appointed Otedola to Nigeria’s National Economic Management Team in 2011, and his influence expanded to crucial national affairs.
In 2020, Forte Oil became Adrova PLC under his leadership. Notably, his position as the largest stakeholder (5.07%) of First Bank PLC attests to his influence. Otedola’s numerous accomplishments demonstrate his ongoing legacy as a respected Yoruba business icon.
6. Adebayo Adeleke
Adebayo Adeleke emerges as a Yoruba business star with amazing accomplishments after 20 years of service in the United States Army. Adeleke brings a plethora of knowledge in areas such as supply chain management, risk management, and leadership. He exemplifies how immigrants contribute to America’s growth. He founded the Unfettered Podcast, an insightful platform that looks into leaders’ tales, failures, and lessons in order to build robust economic policy, sustainable governance, and visionary leadership.
Adeleke, who is active on social media, notably Twitter and Instagram, engages in global issues and narratives, shaping proactive leaders and knowledge builders who change economies around the world. Throughout his career, he symbolizes brilliance and innovation, cementing his position as a notable Yoruba business personality.
7. Michael Ade Ojo
Michael Ojo is a well-known Yoruba business entrepreneur noted for his outstanding achievements. He is the founder of Elizade University and the Chairman of Toyota (Nigeria) Limited. Ojo’s career began at CFAO and progressed to positions at the Federal Inland Revenue Department and British Petroleum Nigeria Limited.
He co-founded Elizade Independent, which eventually became Elizade Nigeria Limited, after a decade of specializing in Toyota car sales and servicing. The company has grown into a conglomerate under his leadership, including companies such as Toyota Nigeria Limited, Mikeade Investment Co. Ltd, and Classic Motors Ltd. Ojo’s imaginative entrepreneurship cements his position as an important Yoruba business leader.
His influence may be seen in the change of his hometown, Ilara-Mokin, from a village to a thriving economic center thanks to community development projects. He was instrumental in making Toyota a household name in Nigeria, transforming Elizade Motors into a conglomerate with subsidiaries like Toyota Nigeria Limited.
