If Nigerian businessman and Managing Director of Yinka Folawiyo Group, Tunde Folawiyo, had penned his memoirs as he turned 61 last Monday, many would have found it simply unputdownable. Alternatively, if he had engaged a creative writer to document his earthly sojourn from birth to the age of 61, the book would not only have enjoyed rave reviews, but the biographer too would have, no doubt enjoyed a rising profile.
However, it was not for lack of interesting personal experiences to share with the world that he jettisoned the textual project. Certainly, he has lived so many seriocomic experiences that can make the yet-to-be-documented book a compelling read.
But for some reason, Folawiyo, Society Watch gathered, is not in a hurry to release his memoirs for public consumption because he believes that he is still an evolving phenomenon.
Though he would have loved to throw a lavish party to celebrate the day and played host to some of his friends and associates, the country’s prevailing circumstances robbed him of the opportunity.
Commendations and eulogies were poured on him by those who have met him during the birthday celebration.
Reason? His life is a challenge to those who were born with the silver spoon but, out of sheer indiscipline and lack of focus, abused the privilege. His life is also an inspiration for people from humble backgrounds that they should never entomb their dreams, even in the face of adversity. It was gathered that while he was growing up, he had displayed traits of a child destined to be great in life. He had also nursed a beautiful dream to be one of the world’s greatest businessmen.
In the thinking of many, his paths had been already laced with roses because of his background. But what those who hold this view do not know is that he himself has been able to maintain the legacy left by his father with sweats, determination, hard work as well as discipline.
His father, Chief Iyanda Folawiyo, will be smiling in his grave as the younger Folawiyo made him proud by keeping his legacy afloat. Today, the company is recognised worldwide. The Lagos State-born oil mogul has been listed as one of the richest in Africa.
Folawiyo has remained a strong advocate for the exploration of Nigeria’s lucrative crude oil. In an effort to expand the Yinka Folawiyo Group, he founded the Folawiyo Energy Limited in 1989.
This singular effort, in 2004, led to the construction of a world-class storage facility, which can contain approximately about 30 per cent of the country’s petrol.
His contributions to the nation’s energy sector earned him vice president of Nigeria Association of Indigenous Petroleum Explorers and Productions.
The graduate of the London School of Economics currently sits on the Board of various educational institutions, providing a unique perspective towards improving the conditions for students in Africa and other parts of the world, with his membership of the esteemed Global Advisory Board of the African Leadership Academy.
He has also demonstrated a passion for fostering the next generation of African leaders. He is also a fellow of the Duke of Edinburgh’s World Fellowship, a global network of philanthropists dedicated to inspiring youth development.
