“Taiwo Afolabi, A Model for True Success at 60″ – Gov Dapo Abiodun
…As Celebrant Says Strategic Thinking, Humility, Social Impact and Risk Taking Key to Good Life.
Israel Bolaji-Gbadamosi
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has described billionaire business magnate, lawyer and Chairman of Sifax Group, Dr Taiwo Afolabi as an icon of true success and a role model who typifies an amazing story of rising from humble beginnings to great success.
The governor said the story of Ogun State-born Dr Afolabi is that of, “a determined, purposeful, resilient and deliberate Nigerian entrepreneur who by dint of hard work has risen against all odds to becoming a testimony to the fact that with hope, faith, determination and resilience, everyone can fulfil destiny.”
He counselled that, young people have no need thinking about getting rich quick or other vices such as cultism or selling body part but instead should use as point of contact and apply to icons like Dr Afolabi to mentor them as with hope, faith, prayers and perseverance they can be great irrespective of background.
Abiodun who spoke shortly after the dedication ceremony of the newly donated Samson Afolabi Anglican Church strategically situated beside Afolabi’s new mansion called the “Omo Elero Villa” noted that he was physically present and walking tall as the Governor of Afolabi’s home state.
The Gateway State Governor said, God has truly preserved the celebrant and his twin brother, Kehinde Afolabi for 60 years and they have chosen to celebrate that in style by appreciating God with the donation of a new multi million naira church building.
Afolabi on Sunday June 19 had hosted top dignitaries, friends and associates in Nigeria to a 3-in-1 ceremony: his 60th birthday bash, house warming and church dedication in Ijebu Ode.
Afolabi clocked 60 on April 29. Though he had earlier celebrated the birthday last month at The Ballroom of Sheraton Grand, Park Lane, Piccadilly, London, United Kingdom, he wanted to also host his loved ones back home in Nigeria hence the 3-in-1 ceremony which climaxed a week-long series of activities.
The opening of his new palatial mansion, a white architectural masterpiece spectacularly situated on a large expanse of land in the Ijebu Ode GRA also added great colour to the occasion.
The grand celebration on Friday June 17th featured an all white party graced by dignitaries and top personalities across the nation while on Saturday 18th the auspicious occasion continued with early morning walkout sessions.
Sunday 19th June drew the curtains on the celebration series with the 3-in-1 event and a luxurious reception for guests.
While reflecting on his journey so far, the celebrant, Dr Afolabi highlighted strategic thinking, humility and social impact as factors that have characterised his trajectory in life.
Afolabi who holds a a Law degree as well as master’s in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos said, “From the little beginning in 1988, SIFAX Group has grown to become one of the leading indigenous corporations in Nigeria with about 5000 direct jobs created and the indirect ones. We have also spread our tentacles to other African countries as well as Europe and America.
“One of the things life has taught me at 60 is that you must be strategic in your thinking and planning in order to become outstanding,” the billionaire quipped.
He also emphasised humility, saying “Let me tell you, before God, we are all equal, whether you are rich or people. Everybody deserves respect. Humility will attract people to you and they can go to any length to support you if they know you are not arrogant. I have always believed in living a simple and humble life, which is scriptural because God admonishes us to live humbly, and promised to elevate us.”
Alluding to widespread poverty in Nigeria, he said, “There is so much poverty in Africa and privileged individuals must be deliberate in helping the poor. It is part of the core philosophy of my life and business. We are not in business to make profit alone. We believe in making impact. We help individuals and communities as much as we can.”
The successful businessman also revealed that the biggest challenge as a businessman is risk. “Even after doing all the due diligence, things can still go bad. It remains a big challenge but no gain no pain. When you lose, you start all over again.”
Dignitaries at the grand event included Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Former Ogun Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja 11, Chief Toyin Kolade, Oluwo of Iwo land, Oba Rasheed Akanbi
.
Others were Sir Kensington Adebutu, King Saheed Elegushi and Wasiu Ayinde Marshal amongst others.
