Chief Olabintan Famutimi: Crystal of Glory at 74
by Oki Olatunji Samson
Chairman, Tricontinental Group and former President, Nigeria-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC); Chief Olabintan Famutimi
It is rare combination of style, hardworking and brain that you find Chief Olabintan Famutimi born 5th Febuary 1945. This date has remained a memorable day among the Nigerian Men of Honour and the Corporate Business World.
However, Olabintan looked unbelievably 74. With his stylish dressing sense and gentle elder statesman nature, he radiates age accompanied with glory and grace. At 74 he is very energetic, radiant with an impeccable dress sense, many have thought him to be in Fifties.
Chief Olabintan Famutimi is an accomplished administrator and industrialist who have made an indelible impact in the Nigerian business space. He has dedicated a large part of his life to the advancement of entrepreneurship, commerce and socio-economic development of the country.
The illustrious business leader began his academic career at St. Jude’s Primary School, Ondo before he proceeded to Molusi College, Ijebu-Igbo where he achieved the best result in Advanced Level General Certificate of Examinations (GCE) in the entire Ijebu province, and then studied Geography/ Geomorphology in the prestigious University of Ibadan between 1968 and 1971.
Interestingly, the septuagenarian never worked in any geography-related business organization during his working days. Most of his career was in pharmaceutical firms like Boots Company Nigeria Plc, Beecham and Pfizer Products Company Plc. He has also previously worked with United African Company (UAC) Plc, RT Briscoe Nigeria Plc., Hawker Siddeley Engineering Company UK, and Nigeria Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER).
As an astute administrator, the alumni of the esteemed Institute European d’Administration des Affairs (INSEAD), Fontainebleau, France has demonstrated quality leadership in various capacities like President of Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), Chairman/MD of Beebs Holdings Limited, Chairman of Capital Heritage Limited, Director of Goldlink Insurance Plc, and Director of Orion Shipping Co. Ltd.
L-R: Royal Father of the Day; The Elepe of Epe-Opin, Kwara State, Oba Joseph B. Ayeni, Groom and Editor, Trek Africa Newspaper, Oki Samson Olatunji, Bride, Ayomiposi Oki and Former President, Nigeria-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC); Chief Olabintan Famutimi during the Wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Oki at St. Jude’s Anglican Church, Ondo State.
In 1977, the industrialist delved into the oil and gas industry when he founded Tricontinental Group, an organization that has business interests in energy, oil and gas exploration, pipeline and structure inspection, drill rig support, procurement and construction. To his relentless drive and sheer dexterity, the indigenous company has grown in leaps and bounds and has extended its operations into three continents covering countries like Angola, Canada, USA, and Trinidad and Tobago. He has since left the leadership of the conglomerate into the good hands of erudite Professor Oluwatoyin Ashiru.
This firm believer in the principles of hard work, commitment and resilience has affiliations with various institutes like Institute of Directors, Chartered Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Association of Nigerian Exporters.
Chief Famutimi is a well-respected member of the Nigeria diplomatic community with his strong links with international organizations like the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nigerian German Business Council, International Airline Passengers Association amongst others.
The accomplished businessman is not all work though! He is a member of societies like the Metropolitan Club, Lagos, Ikoyi Club 1938, Rotary Club of Ikeja where he has being able to socialise, network for the social development of the country.
The Basorun of Iparuku, Ondo has helped in the development of the town and environs, deliver philanthropy to the needy and underprivileged in the society, facilitated job creation and employments of youths, and helped in the education of many children and youths.
It is 74 hearty cheers to the illustrious Ondo high chief and to pray for long life in the service of the community, nation and world at large.
Happy Beautiful Birthday to an Amiable Father, Chief Olabintan Famutimi- Mr and Mrs Oki Olatunji.
