It is a challenge to fully capture the iconic story of any successful octogenarian on one page of a publication. It is even much harder to illuminate the historical forays of a giant such as Olusegun Osunkeye (CON) on one page – given the sweep of his life, the scope of his accomplishments, as well as the volume of accolades he so rightly earned over the years.
It is now a new and a commendable realisation that showcasing the accomplishments of our heroes in their lifetime, than at any other time in their lives, also offers them a sense of fulfilment while they age gracefully; and creates a stronger mentorship benefit to the younger generation and society at large. It therefore comes with great aplomb that, today, many Nigerians and reputable institutions recognise and honour iconic personalities, people who have made huge contributions to the development of our society, in their lifetime.
In this light, the Nigerian-British Chambers of Commerce, an international affiliate of the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) lead other Nigerians in celebrating one of Nigeria’s most cerebral, accomplished, and prominent captain of industry and quintessential boardroom veteran, Olusegun Osunkeye at 80.
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Born on September 7, 1940, Osunkeye’s path to greatness started in 1954 when he was admitted to the King’s College, Lagos. Even from those early years, young Segun was spotted as a bold, confident and intelligent student. Later, he left King’s College in 1958 and started his professional Accountancy training with Messrs Akintola Williams and Co. in 1959. Two years later, he attended the Nigeria College of Arts, Science and Technology, Ibadan. He also attended the famous College of Commerce, Wednesbury, Staffordshire, England. In 1965, he qualified as a Chartered Accountant and worked briefly in the United Kingdom with a leading firm of Chartered Accountants.
He later returned to Nigeria in 1967 and worked for UAC Nigeria. That was the beginning of a very successful career chain in corporate Nigeria. Through his relentless pursuit of excellence and passionate disposition towards every assignment in his career, he rose to the position of Chief Executive Of
ficer of a leading multinational organisation in Nigeria, Nestle Nigeria Plc.
A quintessential manager of men and resources, Olusegun Osunkeye touched and transformed thousands of lives through his foresight and service all through his active years in the corporate world. He was a symbol of decency, humility, integrity, fairness and justice.
Osunkeye has a long list of honours, which are a genuine acknowledgement of his contributions to society. He holds a Doctor of Science Degree in Agriculture, (Honoris Causa), from Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, UNAAB. He is an honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, (FNIPR), honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology, FNIFST, Distinguished Merit Awardee of the University of Ibadan Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology.
Osunkeyeis equally an Outstanding Volunteer Awardee from FATE Foundation for voluntary work as Instructor, Consultant and Mentor to Nigerian youths seeking, through the Foundation, to alleviate poverty and create wealth. He is also ICAN Merit Awardee from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria for outstanding contribution to the Accountancy profession.
Osunkeye has, by dint of hard work, integrity and high ethical values become a pathfinder and beacon to many who want to be successful in business and in service to humanity. He is the current Chairman of the Board of Directors of Omnibus Business Solutions Limited and Pilot Securities. He has also served as the Chairman of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Glaxosmithkline Consumer Nigeria Plc, Lafarge Africa Plc, FTN Cocoa Processors Plc, the International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria Chapter and Home & You Limited.
His indelible record of service in these corporate organisations and institutions remains intact, and there are records of several landmark programmes and projects he pioneered in many of those organisations. His vigour and passion were shaped by his faith in the creative capabilities and boundless energies of the people he led
Indeed, Osunkeye has always been a stickler for excellence and is a three-time recipient of the National Honours Awards – CON, OFR and OON, “for his outstanding virtues and in recognition of his significant contributions, through the private sector, to the industrial, commercial and agricultural development of the country.” Even in retirement, the story of corporate Nigeria cannot be told without a big mention of this unassuming and worthy leader.
As he matches gallantly into his octogenarian years, 80 Hearty Cheers and a special salute to an African entrepreneur, leader, statesman, global citizen and mentor.
Many local and international organisations, where he left his mark in the last three or four decades, have been clinking glasses to a man who brought resourcefulness, solutions, experience and dynamism to their activities and programmes.
One of such institution is The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, an international affiliate of the British Chamber of Commerce ( BCC) where Olusegun Osunkeye is a highly esteemed Patron. According to a statement from the organization, “Osunkeye has been a pillar of support in our 42 years of fostering goodwill and increasing trade and investment between Nigeria and Britain. We are indeed grateful for the life of impact that he has lived, and the tremendous milestones achieved over the years”
The Chamber currently has about 350 members from diverse sectors of the economy. The activities of the NBCC include inward and outward trade missions to the two countries, training programmes, conferences, and seminars facilitated by leading authorities in different fields. The NBCC provides a credible platform for members and non-members to discuss topical issues affecting the economy; particularly NigerianBritish trade. The NBCC is an international affiliate of the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) which gives members access to a network of 53 Chambers of Commerce across the United Kingdom and 49 other international affiliates around the world.
The Nigerian-british Chamber of Commerce is happy to associate with Osunkeye at 80, and wish him well as he marches on gracefully in life.
By dint of hard work, integrity and high ethical values become a pathfinder and beacon to many who want to be successful in business and in service to humanity
