Dotun Ajibola on scaling Olimage Group across sectors

Dotun Ajibola founded De Olimage Company in 2010 with a clear goal: to support African organisations to improve systems, governance, and performance. Fifteen years later, that vision has developed into Olimage Group, a business with operations in consulting, mining, renewable energy, monitoring and evaluation, and capacity building.

Ajibola said the decision to start with consulting was based on immediate needs within African institutions. “We started with consulting because institutions needed stronger systems and governance,” he said. Over time, client relationships expanded, and new opportunities emerged. “But as relationships deepened and trust grew, opportunities emerged to participate more directly in Africa’s development story.”

This shift led to the creation of Olimage Mining Ltd. The company moved from exploration into formal mining operations and now holds a growing range of assets. Ajibola said the company follows a model that includes host-community involvement and environmental responsibility. “Responsible resource development is non-negotiable for us,” he said. “Mining should leave communities stronger, not depleted.”

The Group later launched Olimage Energy, which focuses on solar power and other energy solutions. The platform aims to support industrial activity while improving access to power and reducing environmental impact. Ajibola linked energy access to economic outcomes. “Africa’s future depends on clean, reliable power,” he said. “Energy is not just infrastructure; it is economic opportunity.”

Consulting remains a core part of Olimage Group’s operations. The firm works with public institutions, development organisations, and private companies on strategy, project delivery, institutional systems, and monitoring and evaluation. This combination of advisory services and operational businesses shapes how the Group works across sectors.

Ajibola acknowledged that operating in Nigeria’s regulatory environment, especially in mining, required effort and consistency. “We invested heavily in compliance, relationships, and governance frameworks,” he said. “That discipline protected our credibility and positioned us for sustainable expansion.”

Beyond financial outcomes, the Group tracks impact through employment, skills development, energy access, and governance support. Ajibola said business must contribute to society.

This approach also informs the Dotun Ajibola Foundation, which provides support for education, medical needs, food relief, and families facing financial challenges. “Success means little if it does not translate into social progress,” he said. “Our responsibility extends beyond boardrooms.”

Looking ahead, Olimage Group plans to expand its mining operations, scale renewable energy projects, and form partnerships beyond Nigeria. Ajibola said the focus remains on long-term value. “Sustainable success is built patiently,” he said. “We are building institutions that must endure.”