TUNDE FOLAWIYO: A SON IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED
By Oki Samson
L-R: Alhaji Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo, OFR, CON and His Son, Alhaji Tunde Folawiyo, Managing Director, Yinka Folawiyo Group
When the man, Alhaji Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo, OFR, CON, well-noted for his entrepreneurial acumen, philanthropic gesture and religious support died in 2008, it was believed that this may be the beginning of the end for yet another business dynasty in Nigeria. The name ‘Folawiyo’ had risen and stood as a household name in the Nigeria socioeconomic space for more than six decades when Chief Folawiyo, a successful industrialist and philanthropist came into prominence. Taking from his own father, Pa Tijani, a rich local merchant in the colonial era, Wahab founded Yinka Folawiyo & Sons in 1957 and the rest, they say, is history. The Baba Adinni of Nigeria as he is popularly known brought the business concern to extensive international repute and humongous economic prosperity.
However, the story has been a tale of success rolled into success! With the emergence of the scion of the dynasty, Mr. Tunde Folawiyo has expanded the frontiers of the family’s influence and business success.
He is a source of pride for his calibre like Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Jim Ovia and they all hold him in high esteem. He is a role model to emerging entrepreneurs and engages and equips them across the African continent.
He is a loving family man in his marriage with his one and only wife, the delectable Reni Folawiyo. Their marriage clocked 30 this year and is blessed with beautiful children.
A BUSINESS FIGURE
Born 12th April 1960, Tijani Babatunde Folawiyo (probably named after his grandfather) is a businessman par excellence. Tunde Folawiyo sits atop the management of the Yinka Folawiyo Group as Group Managing Director/CEO. The conglomerate is a multimillion dollar enterprise with business interests in agriculture, oil and gas, shipping, energy, real estate and engineering.
He also serves as Chairman of E-Motion Advertising Limited and as Non-Executive Chairman of Travant Capital Partners, sits on the board of MTN Nigeria, Unic Insurance and Access Bank. He led Marina International Bank Ltd to a successful merer with Access Bank Plc in 2005.
Alhaji Tunde Folawiyo, Managing Director, Yinka Folawiyo Group
AN ACCOMPLISHED SCHOLAR
Tijani Babatunde Folawiyo started his education in Nigeria but proceeded to England for university education where he bagged B. Sc. Economics, LLB in 1984 and LLM in 1985, all from the London School of Economics and was called to the Bar of England and Wales. He was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in Business Administration from the Crescent University, Nigeria and is a fellow of Duke of Edinburgh’s World Fellowship
Tunde is reputed as a scholar who has demonstrated untiring passion towards educational and youth development. This has formed the bulk of his philanthropy and is committed to it overtime. He is a member of the board of many educational institutions including African Leadership Academy, Lagos State University and Crescent University.
A GLOBAL CITIZEN
Tunde Folawiyo exudes commitment to diplomacy and international relations across business, commerce and education. Apart from seeing London as his second home, he is acknowledged as a well-travelled man across continents, hence, he has this special global outlook. Tunde is a Goodwill Ambassador, Honorary Citizen of the City of Houston and Honorary Consul of Barbados.
A WORTHY FRIEND
In spite of his busy schedule, Tunde Folawiyo is noted to find time to cement his friendships. He will most likely be present at the social function of his friends and associates. He may not stay for too long but he will be there.
A RESPECTABLE SON
His continuity of the legacies of his late father is not limited to Yinka Folawiyo Group. He has also displayed unalloyed loyalty to Baba Adinni’s philanthropy. The Call to Prayer, one of the five pillars of Islam, which runs on Radio Lagos 107.5FM five times a day for at least five minutes per time has continued unabated in the memory of Alhaji Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo till date. The central mosques in Lagos and Surulere are also well maintained. Perhaps, the late Alhaji is looking down on his respectable son with a smile radiating ‘indeed Tunde is a son in whom I am well pleased’.
MD, Yinka Foalwiyo Group, Mr. Tunde Folawiyo
