According to William Shakespeare, the globally revered English playwright and poet, in his seminal book Twelfth Night: “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.”
For Dr Ayoola Oba Otudeko, however, despite being born into a royal family, he has gone ahead to achieve additional greatness in virtually all facets of life. The nonagenarian’s achievements and accomplishments are boldly and vividly etched in the pantheon of the all-time greats.
As the founder and Chairman of the Honeywell Group, Otudeko’s greatness extends beyond the shores of Nigeria. A former President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, he is also the life patron of the highly respected Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce.
An astute and astounding businessman, Otudeko is a national treasure with a difference and one of the highest employers of labour in Nigeria. His numerous companies employ thousands of Nigerians, contributing significantly to the growth and development of the country.
Unknown to many, Otudeko is also a member of the prestigious office of distinguished friends at London Business School. As Chairman of First Bank Limited, from 2009 to 2012, and later as Chairman of FBN Holdings between 2012 and 2021, Otudeko gave his all.
Originally published by The Nation Online.