The Board of Directors of CFAO Nigeria Plc has appointed Mr Gbenga Oyebode, as the Chairman of the Board.
He replaces the late renowned philanthropist and Asoju Oba of Lagos, Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas, who died in 2015.
Oyebode is a renowned lawyer, experienced administrator, Chairman and Director of several reputable organisations in Nigeria and overseas.
Oyebode is a recipient of several prestigious awards, including Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and the Belgian Royal Honour of ‘Knight of the Order of Leopold.’
As the fourth indigenous Chairman of the multinational company, Oyebode is bringing his vast board room experience to bear on the company and would continue with the tradition of operational excellence and business integrity built upon by the late Okoya-Thomas.
Other past chairmen who also contributed significantly to the strong investment foundation of CFAO in Nigeria were Chief Allison Ayida and the late Gamaliel Onosode, internationally acclaimed administrators and Boardroom experts.
Oyebode brings his vast boardroom experience to bear on the CFAO Group in Nigeria consisting of subsidiaries such as NIPEN (manufacturing plastic crates, BIC pens and shavers), GID (distributing fast moving consumer goods), ASSENE LABOREX (pharmaceuticals), EURACARE (multispecialist hospital), CFAO YAMAHA (motorcycles, marine outboard engines, power products), MASSILIA MOTORS (Mitsubishi Motors vehicles) and CFAO MOTORS (FUSO trucks, JCB construction equipment, OTIS elevators).
Tag: Okoya-Thomas
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Oyebode replaces Okoya-Thomas as CFAO Chairman
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Tributes as 47th Asoju Oba serves off Nov. 30
The good deeds of late Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas cum his immense contribution to sports development in Nigeria overshadowed the press conference to herald the kick off of the 47th edition of the annual table tennis championship tagged Asoju Oba Cup. The competition serves off on November 30 to December 4 at the Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium.
From the Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Deji Tinubu to virtually all the dignitaries that graced the briefing, it was moment of tributes for the late industrialist, who remained the longest sponsor of a sporting event in Nigeria.
The quality of the personalities that attended the event attested to the fact the departed business mogul remained in the heart of those who loved him.
Also some of the players that had featured and won the tournament since inception in the 1960s could not hide their feeling over the good deeds of Okoya-Thomas.
According to Deji Okoya-Thomas, this year’s tournament would be unique being the first in the last 46 years that the initiator and sponsor would not be addressed.
Reminiscing on his late father’s wish, he said: “One of his greatest wishes while alive was that the family should continue the sponsorship of the tournament after his demise. We would therefore like to give God all the glory for giving us the enablement to continue this noble legacy.”
He however, added: “From this year, the name of the tournament has been changed from Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championship to Asoju Oba Molade Okoya-Thomas Table Tennis Championship.”
As usual, 22 titles would be at stake with the para event making its third presence at the tournament.
For the chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Deji Tinubu, the state would continue to support the legacy of the initiator of the tournament. He however, pledged that the commission would unveil its contribution to this year’s edition soon.
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Dignitaries bid Okoya-Thomas farewell
The remains of frontline businessman, sport enthusiast and philanthropist Sir Alexander Molade Okoya-Thomas were interred last Friday at the Ikoyi Vaults and Gardens after a funeral service at The Holy Cross Cathedral on Catholic Mission Street, Lagos Island, reports OLATUNDE ODEBIYI .
Sir Alexander Molade Okoya-Thomas, who died on February 1, was no mean man. He stood larger than life in the worlds of business, education, sports and philanthropy, among others. His death shook the nation. Last Friday, Lagos rose for this late seasoned industrialist, who, among others, held the prestigious title of Asoju-Oba. The cream of the society gathered at his funeral service at the Holy Cross Cathedral Church on Catholic Mission Street, Lagos Island.
The late business mogul was the Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU), chairman of CFAO Group; CICA (Nigeria) Limited; Transcorp Nigeria Limited; Oklom Investment Limited and Chiyoda Nigeria Limited, among others.
Curiously, Bureaux de Change operators, set up shop at the church and reception venue, changing money for those interested. Photographers, traders, hawkers and beggars pushed and shoved for a vintage business position.
Some guests alighted from their vehicles and walked to the church, leaving their drivers to look for a parking space.
Guests were clad in gorgeous and beautiful traditional attires. Most of them made statements with their green head gears or caps, the colour for the occasion.
The late Okoya-Thomas’ children were resplendent in their gold traditional dresses with matching head gears and caps. The widow, Lady Olivet, wore a navy-blue striped Iro and Buba outfit.
The church hall was filled to capacity. Those who could not find space in the hall sat under tents on the church premises.
Father Anthony Nwosu coordinated the programme; other officiating ministers were the Catholic Bishop of Lagos Diocese, Adewale Martins, Monsignor John Aniagwu and Monsignor Bernard Okoduwa.
The service opened with the singing of a hymn, “Yes I shall arise”. The bereaved family sat on the front row.
Father Nwosu said the opening prayers; the Bible passage was taken from John 11: 21- 27.
In his sermon, Monsignor Aniagwu said the funeral service was a celebration of the late Chief Okoya-Thomas’ life.
The cleric said having close contact with the late Okoya-Thomas and working closely with him had a great impact on him.
“He made a positive impact in the life of all. It is a pity to lose him, but the Lord knows best,” he said.
The deceased, according to the cleric, was tolerant and accommodating.
Offering, thanksgiving and prayers for the bereaved family followed in quick succession, following which the service ended with the recessional hymn: “Hark Hark my Soul”’ as the undertakers, MIC, wheeled the casket bearing Okoya-Thomas’ remains out of the church. A huge crowd followed the funeral train to the Vaults and Gardens in Ikoyi, where his remains were interred.
Others left for Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Onikan, Lagos, venue of the reception.
The reception ground was decorated in green and white with Juju maestro Sunday Adegeye (King Sunny Ade) and his band singing praises of the dignitaries and some of his evergreen hits to the admiration of guests.
President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by Senate President David Mark said with Okoya-Thomas death, Nigeria has lost not just a consummate entrepreneur, but an uncommon philanthropist and steadfast believer in the manifest destiny of the country.
“He was not just a successful active sportsman in his younger days, but remained fully committed to sports development all his life, dedicating huge resources to the promotion of his various sporting interests.
“Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, whose life was one of uncommon dedicated service to God, country and community, leaves behind a rich legacy which should be an abiding source of solace and inspiration to us, our family as well as his numerous friends, protégés and associates.”
Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola said the late Okoya-Thomas displayed greatness by his gentility and humility.
“He was courteous almost to a fault. His respect for the old and the young was not feigned, it was genuine. His love for people was deep and sincere; he was a bridge builder per excellence. His generosity and philanthropy were deep and sometimes exceeded the limits of his deep pockets, but that was his passion,” he said.
Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun said the late Okoya-Thomas contributed to the nation’s socio-economic development. “This no doubt accounted for the numerous awards to his name including the prestigious Member of Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) and Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur of France among others”.
Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said the late Okoya-Thomas was a father to all, adding that he was responsible, reliable and kind hearted. “He was a man of God and a very caring father to all of us when he was alive. It has pleased God to take him to Himself and we pray that God will grant him eternal and peaceful rest, and give us peace in our state, in the country and in our heart,” she said.
Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji said the late Okoya-Thomas lived a life that should be emulated.
“He was an extraordinary man, a great father to all. If there is anyone to be called a great Lagos father, the deceased will be so addressed. He was friendly even to those who can be called his grand children; he took everyone as a real friend and he was a jolly good fellow all the way,” he said.
Senator Gbenga Ashafa, said the deceased was a role model and generous to a fault. “He was one of those who made sports generally the darling of all in Lagos State. He was known to be a very smart sports player and at the same time a bridge builder as far as relationship is concerned. He would be respected by the young and the old and we believe that to fill his shoes, it will take an uncommon human being to resurface and claim the position that he has left. He has definitely left a virtue and God Almighty will assist Lagos State in filling that vacuum.”
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said the late Okoya-Thomas lived well.
In her tribute, lady Olivet said her husband made her happy to the last moment and never want any discomfort for her.
“You treasured me and were always proud to tell everyone, I can’t question the will of God as I’m confident that you are in Heaven and with the angels. I will always love you. Rest in the bosom of the Lord till we meet to path no more,” she said.
His first daughter and a member of the House of Representatives, Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas described her father as a good man. “He is one of the most unsung, upraised, and yet one of the most valuable asset in our society. “Your memories will never go away and you will never be forgotten,” she said.
She described her father as a lily of the valley. “You brightened my world and that of others around you. You were not without a fault but your sincere heart and kind soul reached out to all those you came across,’” she said.
Communications giant Sir Steve Omojafor said the deceased lived life to the fullest and touched the life of the young and the old. “He took everybody as one, he was humble, generous, a motivator, a good leader, he was nice and wanted everyone to be happy,” he said.
Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Moore Enterprising Nigeria Limited, Dame Felicia Okoli said the late Okoya-Thomas was jovial, loving and generous to a fault. He respected everybody and he would be greatly missed,” she said.
Former Minister of State for Defence Demola Seriki said the late Okoya-Thomas was a man whose presence was felt anywhere he was. “He believed so much in truth and there was no dull moment with him. The entire Lagos State would miss him dearly. He was ready to serve in every capacity and he would be remembered for all his good deeds and virtues because he was an embodiment of humility and generosity,” he said.
At the service were, Minister of Trade Commerce and Industry Olusegun Aganga; All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; wife of Lagos State Governor Dame Abimbola Fashola; wife of Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, Olufunsho; House of Representatives Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal; Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Gen Theophilus Danjuma and his wife Daisy; One time Finance Commissioner, Lagos State, Mr Wale Edun; APC Women Leader Kemi Nelson; Deputy Majority Leader Leo Ogor and Hon Samson Osagie, among others.
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Rain of tributes for Okoya-Thomas
A night of tributes/service of songs was held last Wednesday for the late chairman of CFAO Motors, Sir Alexander Molade Okoya-Thomas, a philanthropist, frontline sport enthusiast and socialite. There was an outpour of emotions by many eminent personalities, reports NNEKA NWANERI
Posh cars made their way to Trinity House, Zion Centre on Victoria Island, Lagos. The occupants were not there for the mid-week bible study. They were expatriates, politicians, captains of industries and business moguls, who came to pay tributes to the late Asoju Oba of Lagos, Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas, who died on February 1. He was 79.
One after the other, they made their way quietly into the church auditorium to honour the late business icon; it was a sober gathering. Two large portraits of the deceased placed at the background of the church altar caught guests’ attention as they reflected on the messages inscribed on them.
The late Okoya-Thomas would have joined the octogenarian club next June 8. He was an entrepreneur, socialite, and industrialist. He held many titles, such as the highest honour of the French Citizenry Commandeur de La Legion d’Honneur de France; Bobasuwa of Remoland; Odofin of Ife and the Asalu Oba Oke-Ona Egba. He was also a papal knight of the Catholic Church; and a patron of the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation. Besides, the late Okoya-Thomas was honoured with the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
The event was to celebrate his passage, times, exploits, charity and love for mankind.
The worship session by the Trinity Voices choir of the church added colour to the event. The songs were moving: “Till we meet again”, “Smile again” and “Holy City”. Many fought back tears, damping their faces with handkerchiefs.
A woman from Alliance Francaise’ sang a French song before the first daughter of the deceased, Hon Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, read the first bible passage from Genesis 1:26-29.
The first set of tributes came from the International Community and related companies.
The French Ambassador, Marcel Escure, lauded the beneficial relationship the late Okoya-Thomas established between Nigeria and France. He noted that his heritage will outlive him for a very long time.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CFAO Motors in Paris, Richard Bielle, said the father of the late Okoya-Thomas worked for CFAO for 52 years from 1902. His son, the late Molade for 56 years contributed tremendously to the company, when he joined as an accountant and rose to become its chairman.
“He will be remembered for his modesty and humility, which endeared him to all. His memory will be missed; his smile so sincere.”
Country Manager, CFAO Motors, Steve Faderin, described his late boss as a man who loved life and people, thus making him the first choice in national and state assignments.
“I still see his smile lit up in his face and I hold his life as a beacon I can aspire to be like,” he said.
Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, in his tribute, said it was a painful, but necessary task. He described the late Okoya-Thomas as a man great in life and in death; a man who never took sides during conflicts, but would always be in the middle seeking solutions.
Fashola described him as ‘Nigeria’s Sports Minister Emeritus’ for dedicating 40 years of his life to promoting sports.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu said the late Okoya-Thomas was a father to her for the past 16 years. She said without him the New Era Foundation, her pet project, would not have thrived.
The second Bible passage from the book of Psalm 23 was read by another daughter of the deceased, Mrs Toyin Alobo-Bakare, before another set of tributes were paid by deceased’s friends and associates.
Founder of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Otunba Subomi Balogun, said his late friend was a consummate gentleman and an icon of Lagos society.
“I don’t believe he had any enemies because we knew right from our secondary school days when I was in Igbobi College, I used to hear his name mentioned during loud announcements at sporting events in the 40s. He was a great sportsman with many awards. We grew to be special guests at each other’s events and though in death, his soul goes marching on.”
Industrialist, Chief Kessington Adebutu, said he met Sir Okoya-Thomas in 1951, when they were new students at the Baptist Academy.
“MOT as we fondly called him in school, was a great boxer and debater. He was a trusted friend in whom I shared so many intimate things with. He was my number one confidante. Although we spoke a few days before his death, his strong baritone voice gave no indication that he would pass so soon.”
The Baptist Academy Old Students Association, led by its national president, Chief Olatunde Onakoya led other old boys to sing their school song.
Family members later took turns to pay their round of tributes.Grandchildren of the late Okoya-Thomas filed out to honour their grandpa. The eldest of them, who spoke on their behalf, promised that they will continue the good works their grandfather started.
Son of the deceased, Deji, pledged to continue the legacy of sponsoring the Asoju Oba Cup his father inuagurated and sustained for the past 46 years.
Hon Okoya-Thomas, who represents Lagos Island at the lower chamber of the National Assembly, recalled a day her father beat her up in her grandmother’s house for not brushing her teeth well. She also noted that because her father was always particular about the family name, she has promised never to disappoint him in politics.
Mrs Alobo-Bakare said her father was addicted to a particular perfume for 40 years and “always teased me about my weight”.
Senior Pastor of Trinity House, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo gave a brief sermon on what must be done for all to make heaven.
Also in attendance were: First Lady of Lagos, Dame Abimbola Fashola; APC Women Leader, Mrs Kemi Nelson; Senators Tokunbo Afikuyomi and Florence Ita-Giwa; Sisi Oge of Lagos, Chief Opral Benson; Vice President Association of Lagos Titled Chiefs Chief Iyabo Foresythe; Mr Wale Edun; former Lagos State Deputy governor, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu.
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Procession for Okoya-Thomas
The Lagos State University (LASU) will hold a candle light procession and valedictory session in honour of its late Chancellor, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, today.
A statement by the university said the procession by the students, would start at 2.30pm from the Students’ Arcade of the Ojo campus and terminate at the Main Auditorium.
The management announced that the Students’ Union election would hold tomorrow in all the campuses.
The statement noted that the election, which was meant to have held last December, was suspended “to allow the students write their examinations”.
The students were advised to be orderly during the exercise.
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Lagos organises evening of tributes for Okoya-Thomas
To celebrate the giant strides made by the late Molade Okoya-Thomas, sports philanthropist, the Lagos State Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development, Office of Sports is organising an Evening of Tributes by the Sports Family.
In a statement issued yesterday, the event will hold at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere on March 3 between 4.00pm to 6.00pm.
According to the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Wahid Oshodi, the late philanthropist was a role model for a lot of Lagosians for his generousity and support for grassroots sports development in the state, adding that he would surely be missed, especially by the sports family.
Okoya-Thomas’ contribution to sports in Lagos and Nigeria cannot be underestimated as he single-handedly sponsored the annual Asoju Oba Table Tennis Cup for more than four decades as the longest running table tennis competition in Africa. Before his demise on February 1, he was the Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Endowment Fund, served as Chairman on many sports fund raising committees and was instrumental to the formation of Team Nigeria in 2003.
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Tennis Club holds Service of Songs for Okoya-Thomas
The Lagos Lawn Tennis Club (LLTC 1895) will on March 2, hold a Special Service of Songs in honour of the late Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, MFR, FCNA, KSS, a notable sports enthusiast who died recently.
According to a statement signed by Bala Yesufu, Executive Committee Member of the club, the event which will take place at the club’s premises, Onikan, Lagos, will commence at 6pm.
The statement said “the Special Service of Songs is in recognition of Chief Okoya-Thomas’ immense contributions to the club as well as sports development in the country. His role in the development of sports in Nigeria is no less remarkable and will remain indelible.”
Chief Okoya-Thomas was a past president of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club (LLTC 1895) and until his death, the Chairman Board of Trustees of the club.
A sports lover and philanthropist of great repute, Okoya-Thomas established the popular Asoju-Oba Table Tennis Championship. He was the sole sponsor of the tournament for over four decades.
To demonstrate his avowed commitment to sports development in the country, he served in several capacities and made significant contributions. He served as Vice-Chairman, Lagos Sports Council; Chairman, 3rd All Africa Games Appeal Fund Committee; Chairman, National Appeal Fund for Sports Development and Chairman, Sports Trust Fund amongst others.
His remains will be laid to rest on March 6, as announced by the family.
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High society mourns Okoya-Thomas
On January 2, the Nigerian elite society lost one of its most prominent members. The Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas breathed his last at 79, leaving the high society mourning.
His family members, friends and acquaintances are, however, taking solace in the fact that he led a very purposeful life and only a few people can boast of the late businessman’s accomplishments. Aside being the Chairman of CFAO Nigeria, the late Okoya-Thomas was also the Chairman of CICA (Nigeria) Ltd, Transcap Nigeria Ltd, Chiyoda Nigeria Ltd and Achoria Investment and Securities Ltd. He was also a director of NFI Insurance Company Plc and Gateway Bank Plc.
He also held prominent chieftaincy titles, the Asoju Oba of Lagos, Babasuwa of Ijebu-Remo, Odofin of Ife.
The late billionaire businessman was also an active sportsman in his youthful days. He grew up to become a renowned philanthropist whose gestures included the building of a modern sports hall for the staff and students of LASU.
He was also credited with helping to raise funds for the construction of the Lagos State-owned Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
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Okoya-Thomas dies at 79
•His last moments, by son
Industrialist, sports enthusiast, philanthropist and Lagos socialite Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas died yesterday ‘after a brief illness’. He was 79.
Okoya-Thomas, holder of multiple chieftaincy titles – the most prominent being the Asoju Oba of Lagos— was a long standing chairman of the French company CFAO in Nigeria.
The Chancellor of the Lagos State University died at about 9.18 pm on Sunday, according to his children.
President Goodluck Jonathan led the tributes to the man of many parts. Governor Babatunde Fashola, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, among others also eulogized the late businessman. Fashola visited the family.
Among the early callers at his Victoria Island home yesterday was the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his wife, Senator Remi. They were received by family members, including billionaire business mogul Chief Akanni Razak Okoya.
His children said their dad died after a brief illness at Reddington Hospital, Victoria Island. He was taken there a few hours earlier.
It was learnt that the socialite and philanthropist was watching football at about 5pm on Sunday when one of his daughters, Tosin, visited him.
Chief Okoya-Thomas’s son Deji, said: “My father took ill briefly. He caught an infection from cold while in England but he was treated. It was nothing serious. But yesterday (Sunday) he took ill briefly and was taken to the hospital to see a doctor but he passed on.
“All I can say is that my dad was a good man. He was a great man. He laid fantastic and good examples which we are proud of and will never depart from.
“As a Christian, I know it is not proper to mourn the demise of a good man but as my father, I feel his death.
“My mother is not finding it easy because they have been together for 53 years. But I pray God will give her and the rest of us the grace to bear the loss.
“I also pray God will give me the grace to fit in his shoes.”
Another daughter, Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, a member of the House of Representatives, said her father went to the hospital because they felt he needed to see a doctor for check up.
She said: “It wasn’t like he was sick. He was taken to the hospital on Sunday evening because we felt he needed a medical examination. He died around 9:15pm. The entire family has been in shock since Sunday night and we have been speechless.
“But we know our father was a great man. He was a charitable man and a lover of all.”
Senators Ita Giwa, Musiliu Obanikoro; Princess Yewande Onilenre; former Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs. Kofoworola Bucknor -Akerele and Justice George Oguntade visited the family.
Others are Prof. John Obafunwa; Chief Samuel Adedoyin; Chief Ajayi Bembe; Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila; Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Mr.Jimi Agbaje; Tunji Olaniyi; Olachipo Okpeseyi (SAN); Bala Yesufu; Chief Demola Seriki; Dame Marie Fatai Williams and Anthony Idigbe (SAN).
Tinubu said his death was a great loss to the Yoruba land, adding that he was a leader and father indeed.
“A great loss to Yoruba land. A leader and father indeed. May God grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Ita-Giwa said the nation has lost a great man, total and complete gentleman and a very committed and dependable friend to both the old and the young.
One of his daughter’s friends, Sweet Giwa-Osagie, recalled how he saved her from falling some 12 years ago.
“He was a peaceful and nice man. He was kind. I cannot forget how he saved me from falling along Marina.
“He did not even know me. I was about falling because of the unevenness of the pavement but someone gripped me by my right hand and saved me that day.
“Little did he realise that the young lady he saved from falling is his daughter’s friend. I just turned and said thank you sir.
The late Okoya-Thomas sponsored the annual Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championship in Lagos for more than 40 years.
He was born in Lagos on June 8, 1935 to the late Hussam Okoya-Thomas (the first Baba Adinni of Furabay Mosque, Olowogbowo, Lagos. He was the first local employee of the CFAO, who served the company for 52 years) and the Late Alhaja Suwebat Okoya-Thomas (née Gbajabiamila, Otun Iya Adinni of Idita Mosque)
Okoya-Thomas had his elementary education at Princess School, Lagos, between 1942 and 1946.
He proceeded to Baptist Academy for his high school education and left Baptist Academic in 1956 as the best graduating student.
He studied Accountancy at Balham and Tooting College of Commerce between 1956 and 1959 and a further training in Accountancy at Columbia University, New York, in 1981.
He returned to Nigeria and was instantly employed as an accountant by CFAO. This was the beginning of a meritorious service to CFAO.
Until his death, he was chairman of many organisations including CICA (Nigeria) Ltd., Transcap Nigeria Ltd., Oktom Investment Ltd., Itochu Nigeria Ltd., Chiyoda Nigeria Ltd. and Anchoria Investment & Securities Ltd. He also served as Director of NFI Insurance Company Plc and GatewayBank Plc.