Businessman, Baba Oba (Dr.) Oladele Fajemirokun, turns 74 today, April 16, 2024.
According to his profile made available to The PUNCH, Fajemirokun was born on April 16, 1950, into the families of late High Chief Henry Oloyede Fajemirokun (Ifewara & Ile-Oluji descendants) and Chief (Mrs.) Osebosade Fajemirokun (Yeye Bobagunwa – nee Adepetun of Ondo descendants).
A statement on Monday noted that Fajemirokun had his early education in various schools in Lagos, Ogun, Osun, and Ondo states. He finished primary school education at Mayflower School, Ikenne, Ogun State and secondary school education at Loyola College, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Thereafter, he did his Advanced Level Studies at Gboluji Grammar School, Ile–Oluji, before he proceeded to the University of Ife, (now Obafemi Awolowo University) Ile-Ife, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Economics.
The statement noted, “Fajemirokun is a Nigerian and African entrepreneur who has cut a niche for himself as a respected, talented and accomplished investor and trader.
“He has over 49 years of extensive business building and wealth creation experience within and outside Nigeria, having built a business empire that is unique in comparison to conventional businesses at the young age of 28 years.
“Baba Oba allows a free hand to entrepreneurship, coaching, mentoring and empowering talented people to drive his various businesses while providing overall strategic direction and navigation.
“An entrepreneur par excellence, Baba Oba has cultivated and invested in several best-in-class companies in Nigeria, amassing a forte of high-performance enterprises in key sectors of the economy including insurance, telecommunications, oil & gas, agriculture, Supply Food Chain and Manufacturing.
“Notably, these include American International Insurance Company, Food Concepts & Entertainment Plc – owners of Chicken Republic, Xerox Nigeria, Johnson Wax (Johnsons & Johnsons – makers of Baygon & Raid insecticides, Kings Guards Securities Group Limited- the largest employer of labour with more than 25,000 employees across the country in both private and public companies and parastatals, assets & difficult terrains, Henry Stephens Group, FSS Gases Ltd and Bluechip Communications Ltd.”
The statement noted that as an ardent believer in the ideals of good corporate citizenship and community development, Fajemirokun had in many ways, over the last three decades, actively supported initiatives that had profoundly impacted the larger society.
“He is no doubt a visionary and exemplary business leader who believes in a society where endless opportunities abound for both wealth and value creation for the upcoming generation.”
Fajemirokun has been involved in various businesses, appointments in non-executive, executive and directorship functions, and activities.
Some of the positions held by him include: DF Holdings Limited – Executive Chairman; AIICO Insurance Plc., – Non-Executive Chairman; AIICO Pensions Managers Limited – Non-Executive Chairman; AIICO Capital Limited – Non-Executive Chairman; and Amaiden Oil and Gas Limited – Non- Executive Chairman.
Others are: Xerox (HS) Nigeria – Non-Executive Chairman of the Board; Johnson Wax- Non-Executive Chairman of the Board; Kings Guards Securities – Non-Executive Chairman of the Board; FSS Gases Limited – Non-Executive Chairman of the Board; Food Concepts & Entertainment – Non-Executive Chairman of the Board; Henry Stephens Group – Executive Chairman of the Board.
Fajemirokun has been appointed to the following appointments in the past, relating to banking, insurance and telecommunications services: Nigerian French Insurance Plc – Non-Executive Director; Nigerian-American Merchant Bank- Non-Executive Director; National Bank of Nigeria – Non-Executive Director; Spar Aerospace/GS Telecoms – Executive Chairman.
Fajemirokun is a recipient of various awards and international honors, including: Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from City University, Los Angeles, United States (July 1985); Alumni Merit Award – Loyola College Old Boys Association, Ibadan (1996); Fellow of Institute of Administrative Management of Nigeria; Fellow Award, Institute of Directors (April 2005); Junior Chamber International, OAU Award of Excellence (July 2008); Honorary Award from Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (2008); and Recognition Award – Milestone Nigerian Magazine (July 2014).
Others are: Merit Award from Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina Lagos (Dec 2014); Ministry of Education Recognition Award (December 2015); 40th Anniversary OAU Special Alumni Merit Award; Honors Award – The Diocesan Elderly Ministry, Lagos; Merit Award from Diocese of Ile-Oluji Church of Nigeria; Appreciation Award from Inclusive Unity School (December 2015).
Fajemirokun is also a recipient of chieftaincy titles including Bajulaiye of Okeigbo, Ondo State; Bobagunwa of Ifewara, Osun State; Obaluaro of Ado–Ekiti, Ekiti State; Fiwajoye of Ipetu–Modu, Osun State; Amuwajoye of MOPA Kingdom, Kogi State; Chief Atanyese of Ondo Kingdom, Ondo State; Baba Oba of Ifewara, Osun State.
The statement adds that Fajemirokun is an avid reader of current affairs. He loves swimming, watching tennis and football being a supporter of Arsenal Club and the Super Eagles.
Fajemirokun is a devout Christian who believes in the efficacy of prayers and is a silent philanthropist contributing to his community, society, and the country at large.
“He has contributed and donated in his silent way to various religious bodies, schools, individuals’ empowerment, etc.
“Baba Oba Dr. Dele Fajemirokun is happily married to Chief (Mrs.) Edith Fajemirokun and isbounteously blessed with children who are all qualified in their chosen professions. He is also blessed with many grandchildren.”
