For some, Saturday, June 26, was simply uneventful; it simply came with no beautiful memories that could occupy a mention in their dairy.
But the day dawned and ended with a lot of treasured activities that would for long serve as memorabilia for Jubril Adewale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive, Oando Group Plc.
On that day, the oil magnate celebrated his 54th birthday amidst an outpouring of good wishes, congratulatory messages and prayers from friends, family members and business associates around the globe.
For obvious reasons, the day, according to reliable sources, was characterised by thanksgiving and prayers.
Indeed, at 54, it is no exaggeration to say he has enjoyed abundant blessings, especially when you consider his metamorphosis from a successful lawyer to a renowned businessman.
Years back, he had left his father’s law firm at 27 to pursue his own pristine vision. It was at a time many of his mates were still tied to their parents’ apron strings. Simply because of his firm belief that ‘You don’t let others control the direction of your life.’
Interestingly, a few years after setting up Ocean and Oil, Oando, alongside his friends, he had grabbed success by the scruff of the neck. Ever since he has not let it go!
Even now, he is one of the few who have survived the inclement business environment in Nigeria, a reward for his unbent determination, brilliance, business acumen and faithfulness to shareholders.
His feats as a player in the oil and gas sector are acknowledged, just as he has continued to break records in the other sectors of the economy, where he plies his trade. He has recorded astounding success in whatever he does. This is the reason many described him as a champion extraordinaire.
A philanthropist par excellence, in 2011, he pledged to donate 1.5 per cent of Oando’s pre-tax profits to fund education initiatives across West Africa. Aside from that, the company also adopted some government-owned primary schools in Nigeria and sponsored some of their key events.
He always says, “The next generation of superheroes are not going to come from Cybertron; they are going to be made in classrooms, which is why investment in education is crucial.”
His abiding belief informs his commitment to humanitarian deeds that life is meaningful only when it is lived to impact the less privileged around one positively. Without a doubt, it is believed that Tinubu sure has a lot to offer humanity in the coming years.
