By Abdulfatai Tomori
As an advocate for documenting people’s remarkable achievements while they are still alive, I believe it is crucial to celebrate the success of one of the most illustrious entrepreneurs of all time, especially since April is his birth month. It is noteworthy that Offa, a town with a rich history of producing exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to the world, has given world many notable names.
However, Tajudeen Salawudeen Owoyemi stands out as one of the most well-known and revered by many. His success story has become a source of inspiration for numerous people, especially young individuals who aspire to achieve great heights. In this part of the world, stories of success that have humble beginnings are not uncommon; they are everywhere and in different categories. It is a testament to the human spirit that with hard work, determination, and perseverance, anyone can achieve their dreams and leave a lasting impact on the world.
Many great men have tales of humble beginnings to tell, a fact that emphasizes the saying that ‘nothing good comes easy.’ It is even a common saying here that ‘He who craves to be tall would not mind having tiny legs’ – Eni ti o ba ma ga, ese re ni l’ati tinrin. Therefore, it is believed that greatness and success come with a huge baggage of sorry tales. Tajudeen Salawudeen Owoyemi, the Asiwaju of Offa Kingdom, is one such story of perseverance, and staunch determination. His is a story of resilience, hard work, and focus.
Tajudeen Owoyemi was born into a world of limited resources and opportunities on April 16, 1956, to petty trader parents. He experienced the harsh realities of life at an early age, as his parents left for Ghana in search of better opportunities when he was only two years old, leaving him in the care of his loving grandmother in a relatively known Ilorin town at the time. Despite the absence of his parents, Owoyemi remained determined to make something of himself. His grandmother, also a petty trader, instilled a strong work ethic in him from a young age. After school, he would assist his grandmother by hawking “Ekuru” and working at construction sites to earn extra money. Owoyemi’s grandmother also instilled in him the principles of hard work, resilience, and the importance of education. Realizing early on that he could not rely on his struggling parents to provide for him, Owoyemi finished secondary school and set out to find his purpose in life.
At the age of 18, he moved to Kaduna to learn a trade and became an artisan trained as a plumber. While others were dreaming in their beds, Owoyemi’s dreams followed him everywhere, even on the streets. He enrolled himself in the civil engineering department of the Kaduna Polytechnic to study National Diploma in civil engineering on a part-time basis while doing plumbing work in the morning and attending classes in the evening. With his experience as a young man assisting at a construction site and his studies as a civil engineer, Owoyemi developed a passion for building. He established his first company, Tajudeen Owoyemi and Co. Limited (TOCL) at the age of 22 in 1978, which offered civil and mechanical engineering contracts. Owoyemi’s entrepreneurial skills and passion for success were ignited during that period. In 1979, when Alhaji Shehu Shagari came into power, TOCL started getting contract jobs from friends and other people who trusted them. The company concentrated on their strength and the work started growing.
Owoyemi’s dream of success materialized, and he became an inspiration to many who aspire to overcome challenges and succeed in life. Since then, Tajudeen Owoyemi has made immense contributions to Nigeria’s economy through his business acumen and philanthropy. His dedication and uncommon strength of faith have endeared him to many. He is an advisor and consultant to many other businessmen and has served as a valuable resource to several governments due to his vast experience in various sectors of the economy.
Tajudeen Owoyemi is a rare gem who realized his dreams early in life and followed them religiously. He has never sold his birthright for a bowl of porridge and has always remained true to himself, even amid difficulties.
Although Tajudeen’s entrepreneurial journey began in Northern Nigeria, it was his expansion into the Western region that contributed significantly to his success. His gradual move to Lagos began with a contract job to construct police barracks for the Nigerian Ports Authority in Lagos. This was the beginning of Tajudeen’s frequent trips to Lagos.
After years of travelling back and forth, Tajudeen decided to settle permanently in Lagos with his family in 1993. His success in TOCL encouraged him to explore new business ventures, and he established Avalon Intercontinental Nigeria Limited in 2003. The goal of this new venture was to obtain a competitive hospitality franchise, allowing him to develop and operate high-quality hotel properties. Tajudeen’s vision for Avalon Intercontinental was to promote urbanisation and commercialisation in his hometown of Offa, Kwara State. Despite the relatively low patronage in the town, he established the Avalon Hotel, which became the first hotel in the group. This effort paid off with the birth of the first internationally branded hotel in the group, Protea Hotel, Victoria Island, which has since been renamed Park Inn by Radisson, Victoria Island.
Today, Avalon Intercontinental owns and operates internationally branded hotels such as Radisson Ikeja Hotel, Radisson Blu Ikeja Hotel, and Park Inn by Radisson, Victoria Island. These flagship hotels have catapulted Tajudeen and Avalon Intercontinental into the elite league of hospitality industry big players. Tajudeen’s success in the hospitality industry is a testament to his indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence. He has always been able to adapt to changing circumstances and deliver exceptional results, which has made him a leader in his chosen profession. With his strategic vision and unwavering determination to succeed, Tajudeen has become a household name in the Nigerian hospitality industry. However, his business interests extend beyond the hospitality sector. He has also diversified his portfolio and established companies in the property industry, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on business opportunities across different sectors.
Tajudeen’s strategic business acumen has enabled him to establish a multifaceted business empire, showcasing his versatility and ability to capitalize on business opportunities. He has collaborated with others in the banking, solid minerals, and maritime industries, making significant investments in these sectors. This demonstrates his ability to diversify his investment portfolio and seek new business horizons. But Tajudeen’s impact extends beyond his business ventures. He is a philanthropist who is committed to giving back to the community and contributing to societal welfare. His contributions to the growth of the hospitality industry, the creation of job opportunities, and support for Islamic societies and mosques demonstrate his commitment to giving back to the community. His philanthropic efforts do not only benefit the wealthy but also the poor, demonstrating his commitment to uplifting humanity.
Asiwaju Owoyemi is a man of exceptional generosity and kindness. His philanthropic gestures are multifaceted and multidimensional, and his mission is to positively impact humanity without any frills. He is known for his unwavering acts of generosity and his dedication to sharing love as a sacred devotion and giving back to society. His humanitarianism is not limited to just his family members or people with similar business interests but extends to anyone in need of help. It is well acknowledged that Asiwaju Owoyemi made significant contributions to society that influenced many different facets of life. He has played a vital role in the lives of people in different sectors, such as education, sports, music performing arts, and others. Through his charitable work, he has helped people who have been given a raw deal in life to transform their lemons into lemonades. His contributions to society are even more remarkable because of the social value that he has created with his wealth.
Those who have been in Asiwaju Owoyemi’s position can attest to how satisfying it is to have amassed great wealth and graceful quiet. The Yoruba culture believes that having a lot of money with a significant impact on the people gives peace of mind and happiness, and Asiwaju Owoyemi’s life has demonstrated this to be true. According to Aristotle, happiness is the ultimate purpose of life, achieved by finding joy, contentment, and satisfaction in one’s pursuits and relationships. Asiwaju Owoyemi’s life aligns with this definition of happiness. He has deployed his external goods, including money, knowledge, sound education, and sound health, for the general good, according to complete virtue.
Asiwaju Owoyemi has received numerous accolades and recognition for his contributions to society. He has been named the Hospitality Man of the Year multiple times, which is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence in his field.
In 2021, His Royal Majesty, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II Ajagungbade I, the Olofa of Offa, conferred him with the title of Asiwaju of Offa, which is a great honour and a testament to his service to his community. Before he became Asiwaju of Offa, Alhaji Owoyemi had been previously conferred with the honorary chieftaincy title of Bashorun of Offa by his Royal Majesty, Oba Mustapha Olawore Olanipekun Ariwajoye II, the late Olofa of Offa, in 2005. He had to relinquish this title to the higher one, Asiwaju. Owoyemi becomes the third Asiwaju of Offa, succeeding Chief Emmanuel Olatunji Adesoye, who held the position from 2001 to 2020. The late Chief Josiah Sunday Olawoyin served as the first Asiwaju of Offa.
Asiwaju Owoyemi’s appointment is indeed a wise choice, as he has been proving himself as the true Asiwaju of Offa through his many initiatives in collaboration with the Kabiyesi Olofa. He has been instrumental in uplifting the lives of many people in Offa and beyond through his philanthropic efforts.
Despite his many achievements, Asiwaju Owoyemi remains a down-to-earth person who shies away from undue publicity. He prefers to live a quiet life and doesn’t seek any form of paparazzi exposure.
In fact, he once told a Thisday Newspaper correspondent that simplicity is a reflection of who he is and how God created him from the onset. He enjoys a modest lifestyle and finds fulfilment in lending a helping hand to others. Tajudeen Owoyemi’s life story is nothing short of inspiring. He encountered significant challenges early on, but he refused to let them define him. Instead, he worked hard to develop his skills and pursue his passions, always striving for self-improvement and personal growth. His tireless spirit and unwavering determination have led him to achieve many milestones and become a role model for others.
Asiwaju Owoyemi is a true embodiment of selfless leadership, putting the needs of others before his own. He is a blessing not only to the people of Offa and Ibolo but to Kwara, Yorubaland, and humanity as a whole. As an exemplary figure, his life teaches us great lessons of hard work, perseverance, doggedness, humility, diligence, and patriotism, laying a foundation that generations to come will undoubtedly appreciate.
As I stated at the outset of this tribute, Offa has produced many outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions in academics, commerce, law, health, and politics. It is a town known for its exclusivity and distinction, leaving people from all around the world mesmerized by its remarkable talents. In the field of commerce, for example, Offa has produced several notable figures, including the late Alhaji Sanni Olatunde Giwa and Alhaji Gbadamosi Ijaya, a scion of the Ijaya family, who have produced more than ten professors in a row. Other notable figures in the business world include Alhaji Bello Jatto, Alhaji Aliyu Olatinwo, Chief E. O Adeboye, and Chief Abdulrazaq Oyewale, among others. Offa has also produced some exceptional legal professionals, including Lawyer Murtala Adebayo Sanni (SAN), Lawal-Rabana (SAN), Rasheed Ijaodola (SAN), Wahab Shittu (SAN), and Oladipo Tolani (SAN), among others. These legal luminaries have made a significant impact in the legal profession and have earned a reputation for excellence.
In the medical field, Offa is proud to have produced many accomplished individuals, including the late Dr Jonathan Durojaiye Soleye, the second physician from the former Northern Region. Dr. Kolawole Adeniyi Olafimihan, the world’s leading gynaecologist, and Dr. Lateef O. Giwa, one of the world’s best general surgeons, are also from the town. These medical professionals have made significant contributions to the field of medicine, and their expertise has saved countless lives. Offa has also produced many notable political figures, such as the late Chief J. S. Olawoyin, a former opposition leader in the Northern House of Assembly in Kaduna; the late JOA Shittu, a former civilian deputy governor; Senator Sulaiman Salawu; and Senator Lola Ashiru, who is the Deputy Senate Leader in the Nigerian Senate. These political figures have made significant contributions to the development of the country and have earned the respect of their peers.
Offa has also produced many eminent scholars, such as the late Professor Mosobalaje Oyawoye, Africa’s first professor of geology. Among those who have also achieved success in academia are Professors ABOO Oyediran, Suleiman Adéyemí, Musbau Àkànjí, Hussein O.B. Oloyede, and Raheem Adebayo Lawal. These individuals have made a remarkable impact in the academic field and held high positions such as Vice-Chancellors of the Universities of Ibadan, Minna, Fountain University Osogbo, Summit University, Offa, and the University of Offa, respectively. Their contributions to the development of the educational sector cannot be overstated. Offa has also produced military commanders including Colonel (later Brig-Gen) Toki, Air Commander Hamid Bayo Lawal, and Group Captain Salawudeen Adebola Latinwo, who went on to become the military governor of Kwara State. The police also boast of high-ranking officers produced by Offa, such as AIG Remi Opadokun, who rose to be the Commissioner of Police in charge of Mobile Police.
The town has also produced notable diplomats, including Ambassador Tunji Olagunju and Hajia Mistura Abdulraheem. Offa has produced some amazing women, including Mrs Serah Alade, the former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) who went on to become an acting governor; FCC Chairman Alhaja Faridah Dankaka; Mrs. Folashade Sherifat Omoniyi, Chairman of KWIRS; Moji Makanjuola, a well-known broadcaster in the industry; and the late Hajia Banke Badmus, a former deputy speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly during the Fifth Republic, among others. The historical significance of Offa cannot be denied, especially when you consider the individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. These remarkable people have brought pride to Offa and Kwara states as a whole, and their achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. Another notable figure is Kunle Adeyanju, who has gained global recognition as a result of his London to Lagos biking adventure. These individuals are just a few examples of the extraordinary talents that hail from Offa.
It is no surprise that the Offa spirit has driven Alhaji Owoyemi to become one of the most influential figures in the tourism sector in Nigeria and beyond. The Yoruba saying, “Omo Ajanaku ki ya Ira, Omo ti Eya ba bi, Eya lo gbodo jo” (An elephant can never give birth to a dwarf; a descendant of a blade would always be sharp), perfectly encapsulates his story. The giants of Offa are masters of their crafts, standing tall like trees that tower above the forest.
Their achievements are nothing short of extraordinary and have earned them worldwide recognition. Aristotle once stated that “Excellence is never an accident, it is always the result of a wise decision among many options.” The Offa people’s success is a result of their wise decisions among many options, deep roots, and sturdy stems that enable them to withstand life’s storms while maintaining their habitual excellence. Today is a momentous occasion in the life of Rianat’s husband as he celebrates a significant milestone.
On this special day, it is only appropriate to extend my warmest wishes and say a heartfelt happy birthday to a man who is truly a legend, an icon, and a distinguished administrator. Alhaji Owoyemi is a consummate professional, a respected nationalist, and a devoted and loving father and husband. His value is immeasurable, akin to the priceless nature of diamonds. Baba Ifedolapo has had a profound impact on the lives of millions of people worldwide, and his unwavering commitment to making a positive difference is unparalleled. At the age of 68, Alhaji Owoyemi stands out as an outstanding investor, and his exceptional investments, hard work, and success have made him one of the pillars of the Nigerian economy. The business world is a challenging terrain, but he has emerged as a shining example of courage and resilience. As we commemorate his 68th birthday, we pray that the Almighty Allah grants us the privilege of celebrating with him on his 70th, 80th, 90th, and even 100th birthday. I wish you a happy birthday, Asiwaju of Ibololand, and may you continue to inspire and impact lives for many more years to come.
Abdulfatai is the Chief Coordinating Officer at BiohistoHub, a research and biography writing organization. You can contact him at obiograph@gmail.com.
