Prof. Adesoji Adesugba: Never be Unprepared

Olusegun Sanni (FM)

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba: Never be Unprepared

Olusegun Sanni (FM)

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PROFESSOR ADESOJI OLUKAYODE ‘SCOOBY’ ADESUGBA: MANY HAPPY RETURNS!

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Writing about anyone is never an easy task and it’s more daunting if the subject is a treasured friend; a friendship of over 50 years! But the motivation in this case is understandable, after all, it’s the diamond birthday celebration of my dear friend, Professor Adesoji Olukayode ‘Scooby’ Adesugba.

Even so, a lot of caution is required as I walk the thin and delicate line to balance the recollection of facts and events about him, against the outpouring of accolades for an important milestone like this, especially as the celebrant is deserving of such.

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Early Days/ Family Background

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba with his mum, his brother Adedayo and the Ayansos in 1964

WHAT KIND OF PERSON Since it’s an obligation that must be undertaken, I begin in earnest even though I was curious about his intention in requesting for testimonials from a few friends and associates for the significant event.

But Soji has always been different, his approach and style are atypical and unique. Perhaps, like someone suggested, he wants to read his epitaph in his lifetime, in good health and sound mind. If this is true, I think it’s early yet because despite the myriad of activities he has busied himself with as is usual with him, he looks fit to go for another half a century or more!

As I reflect about Soji, I am confronted by an enigma, an erudite, kind hearted, generous, cool, humorous, techno-savvy and, sometimes, seeming carefree fellow. Closer examinaPage 8

tion will also reveal an intricate persona: a caring, unselfish, tentative and at other times deliberate, prescient and steel-willed non-conformist with a rebellious streak for worthy causes.

Through dint of hard work, humility, focus, perseverance and vision, Soji keeps evolving; re-inventing and re-tooling himself to the realities of the times, and challenging the 21st century status quo. Soji found strength in adversity; broke ranks with societal stereotypes and made it to the top, vowing that failure was not an option.

His life is clearly an attestation of the teachings of Confucius, the teacher and philosopher of the ‘Spring and Autumn’ period of Chinese history, who states that: “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall”.

If the morning determines the day as it’s often said, then the decision to enlist Soji in the renowned Methodist Boys High School (MBHS) Lagos for his secondary education was a wise one because it got him prepared from an early stage to deal with the unpredictability of life in line with the first motto of the school: “Numquam non paratus” – “Never be Unprepared” The modified version of the school’s motto “Non Sibi, Sed Aliis” meaning “Not for us; but for others” is however more appropriate in describing Soji because he has lived his life in large parts for others as will be seen as we move along.

But I am getting ahead of myself.

I bear testimony that this gentleman was brought up in the finest traditions of the Yoruba culture by the strict but loving Christian parentage of Mr. Adeyanju Samson Adesugba from Ogbagi Akoko in Ondo state

and Mrs. Ruth Ajibare Adesugba from Ogori in Kogi state.

I remember that in those days, anytime I was at the Adesugbas in Surulere (Lagos), a distinguishing feature was how close-knit the family was; you could feel the special family bond which seemed to envelop you in a welcome cuddle. Whether your visit was to see Soji or Dayo (younger brother of Soji, more outgoing and extroverted), or to pick up the communal football in their custody on weekday evenings, you will not fail to notice the doting, kind but assertive presence of Mama and, of course, the lovely and effervescent Jumoke (Soji’s younger sister), in the background doing her homework or some little chores.

If he was around, you will be sure to contend with the gentle, noble and friendly authority of Baba, who will always ask after your parents; counsel Page 9

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba with his brother Dayo, and grandmother, Aladesola, in Lagos, 1966

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba’s dad, Samson Adeyanju Adesugba, with Omotinuwe, 1985

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba with his brother Dayo, in church, Ogbagi, Ondo state, 2012

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you about life and engage you in decent conversation.

I cannot for the life of me remember what we spoke about but it was always a pleasure being with Baba.

One thing was however certain when you visited, you did not leave empty handed; it was either you sampled Mama’s cuisine for the day or you go home well drilled

by Baba about the essence of uprightness in life. For me, I always preferred the former!

In passing, it’s important to point out that despite being the custodian of the communal football because the neighbourhood playground was beside their residence, none of the Adesugba brothers especially Soji could be said to possess any worthwhile talent in soccer as neither hardly ever made the ‘set’ team all through the evening, week in week out!

DAD’S INFLUENCE Prof. Adesoji Adesugba’s dad, Samson Adeyanju Adesugba,(1920 - 2012).

If the truth must be told, Soji was lucky to have found an important head start early in life that a lot of his peers probably may not have had.

In his Dad, he had a friend, a counsellor and a mentor who from an early age patiently schooled him about life. He used his experience as a soldier in the British Army during the Second World War and a senior staff and unionist in the old Post and Telecommunications Department (P&T) to groom the young Soji, taking him through the twists and turns of life and moulding him into the model citizen that he is today.

Unquestionably, Soji’s cosmopolitan, mature, pacific and unassuming outlook to life was largely influenced by his father’s progressive disposition and, of course, his mastery of the

mores and traditions of the Yoruba cosmology.

Baba did more: he took Soji to Ogbagi Akoko, (a few kilometres from Ikare Akoko) the land of his birth and explained his genealogy to him with visitations to key landmarks and traditional institutions in the community.

Likewise, he ensured Soji visited his mum’s homestead in Ogori Magongo despite the protestations of the ever-protective Mama for her son’s safety.

Obviously, the visits to Ogbagi made a strong impression on Soji who soon after began to identify with his relatives in the village. He built a home Page 11

there in 1997 through the encouragement and supervision of his amiable Uncle, Engr. Nelson Olukayode Olu-Ibukun (formerly Chief Engineer, Ondo State Government).

Predictably, Soji’s home in Ogbagi, located beside the residence of his uncle, Mr. Joseph Oladele Sanusi, the former CEO of First Bank Plc and past Governor of the Central Bank, became a melting pot about the late nineties, playing host, at different times, to a lot of Soji’s friends and associates.

Of course, another motivation for the perennial visits was to savour the irresistible music and performance of the amazing Olusegun Adagunodo (aka Santana to all but Santakoko to Soji) in Ikare. In any case, any visit to that part of the country at that time without touching base with ‘De Koko’ (Santana’s shindig) will be an incomplete venture.

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It is gratifying to note that under Soji’s able supervision, a biography of his father detailing the family lineage, his experience and service to his fatherland befittingly titled ‘The Union Soldier” was published in 2010 to mark Baba’s ninetieth birthday before his call to glory.

Interestingly, one of the gifts Baba cherished so much was the surprise visit, at the behest of Soji, of the then Honourable Minister of Labour to his residence as part of the activities marking his ninetieth birthday. The significance of the visit for Baba was that honour (personified by the Labour Minister) came looking for him (a former unionist) at home! Baba felt it was the Lord’s doing and clung to the memory of that visit till he passed away.

It is also worthy of note that when Baba departed for the land of the elders, Soji, Dayo (Pastor Adedayo Adesugba, a notable expert on tourism and hospitality and current Chairman, Institute of Hospitality (UK), Nigerian Branch) and Jumoke (Mrs Jumoke Soromidayo George, Director, Corporate Affairs & Sustainable Business, Ghana & Nigeria, Unilever), their families, friends and the entire Ogbaji community and its environs gave Baba a burial that is reserved only for royalty. People from all walks of life and different parts of the country and abroad were in attendance and it was a glorious outing for Baba, his children and his relatives.

I recall that the juju maestro King Sunny Ade was in his majestic element on the bandstand on that memorable day.

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba’s mum, Ruth Adesugba (nee Akande) ,1922 - 2008.

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba in Calgry, Canada, 2014

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, 1961

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba and his siblings, Adedayo and Soromidayo

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“Although our parents back in the days were strict,

brooked no nonsense and, of course, didn’t spare the rod, there were the occasional trysts and truancies that attracted severe punishments.

”

SURULERE/LAGOS Page 14

Regardless of the sanctions, boys will always be boys especially in the companionship of Soji and others like Jide Savage (Savvy) of blessed memory, Sola Oluwole (Oluwoor), Tunde Dada (Leklanshe), Gbolahan Bello (Gbolly), Akinkunmi Savage (Kiks), Tunde Ajayi (Oosha), Dayo Adesugba (Rakapu), Fasoranti (Fash), Kayode Oyajobi (Shobe), Tunde Oluwole (Igo Gan), the Arogundade brothers, Bayo and Kunle (Aro), among others. The egbons in the area were not left out namely: Niyi Adebayo (later became the first civilian Governor of Ekiti state), Yemi Oluwole (Zeemeh) former member & Chairman Appropriations Committee, Federal House of Representative, Emeka Udobi (OJ), retired Physician/ Director, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Dapo Sobowale (Mo Zageti), a senior member of the Bar, MT Abdulrasaq (MT) now foremost Professor of Taxation and the irrepressible Kayode Akinsola (Kaydee), a specialist in marketing

communication.

Later the likes of Aliko Dangote (yes, currently the richest man in Africa), Captain Akaba, and others joined the committee of friends in the area.

As I trudge the path of recollection, my mind nostalgically goes back in time to the Surulere of our childhood.

Public utilities worked with decent efficiency: water ran endlessly from the taps – no wells, no boreholes; public spaces including roads, walkways, drainages, playgrounds and their surroundings were fastidiously maintained and kept in top shape; electricity was available almost all day and we took it for granted that street lights will come on automatically in the evenings and go off by dawn

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba with his boarding house mates at St. Gregory’s College, Obalende, 1976

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without fuss.

Healthcare also fared well: there were functional hospitals in different locations with well stocked pharmacies managed efficiently by government in the main with a sprinkling of private clinics on the sides to cater for the wellbeing of the people; and, likewise, waste disposal was swift and discreet By the same token, every neighbourhood in our area had its own public primary school: solid structure, spacious, well-ventilated with clean conveniences. In our area, it was the Surulere Baptist School (SBS). I remember with pride our diligent and redoubtable teachers like Mrs Victoria Ndem, Mr. Akinwunmi, Mrs Felicia Ojo, among others. They were conscientious, dedicated and God-fearing in the discharge of their duties.

Back then, the transportation system was organized and seamless: LSTC (Lagos State Transport Company) buses and some private transport companies like Elias Transport Service, Osinowo Transport and others efficiently plied major routes in the township and interstate destinations at specified times with accustomed regularity, the same way that smaller commuter buses took care of business on the minor routes.

Similarly, the media, mainly owned and controlled by the government, was very professional and efficient.

There were no satellite television stations back then but you enjoyed the array of programming available.

Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) and Radio Nigeria had all kinds of programmes that satisfied the most avid and critical TV and radio lover. There Page 16

In like manner, whenever you listened to football commentary on radio, it was sure going to be a bargain - two for the price of one because, apart from the reportage of the event, the extra, which sometimes had more premium, was the manner and style of the commentary especially if it was the ace broadcaster, Earnest Okonkwo that was behind the console!

I remember also that occasionally, during errands on Sundays around Shitta-Bey area (commonly called A-level classmates in St. Gregory’s College, 1975. From left: Tony Ofili, John Obomanu, Oye Akinsemoyin, Soji Adesugba and Paul Alade

were segments for news, governance, sports, business, current affairs and if you were a sucker for the glitz and glamour of showbiz as I was then, you were sure to be awestruck by the likes of the prodigious impresario, the great Art Alade: his vocal prowess and virtuosity on the piano were always delightful to watch. Darey Alade, a successful musician and entrepreneur in Nigeria, is the son of Mr. Art Alade.

ation than music. His non-conformist style and lyrics on human rights, the malaise in the society and black consciousness resonated very well with us and emboldened us to question the status quo and demand for a better Nigeria.

It was in Surulere at the Baptist primary school that I met Soji. Although we were all in our impressionable years and had no worries in the world, yet you couldn’t help but notice the shy happy-go-lucky bow legged fella with a smile who preferred the companionship of the female students than that of the boys!

I ask, Soji where is ‘our’ Surulere?

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba with his childhood friend, Kayode Tani Olu

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba with his boss and friend, Sir Emeka Offor and his bosom friend, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN, CON.

Rugged brothers at NAS, Azu Anionwu and Prof. Adesoji Adesugba

Shitta) in the same Surulere, one would hear the unmistakable rhythm of highlife from the fledgling Koola Lobitos band led by the bohemian Fela Ransome-Kuti doing the ‘Sunday Jump’ from the once popular Surulere Night Club. In retrospect, the band’s highlife had a fresh ring, it was more contemporary and had wider appeal in comparison to the accustomed beats of the genre. Unknown to all, afrobeat was in the making! In any case, Fela meant more to our gener-

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba in Oxford with his High School friend, Captain Ayo Akinjobi and his daughter, Sahara. 2010

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba with some deck mates at the PWC MIT Sahara Deck, May 2019

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COMPETING WITH

THE BEST In the meantime, Soji whose sobriquet Scooby, had gained traction from his time in MBHS, moved to St Gregory’s College Obalende for his Higher School Certificate (HSC). By this time, Soji’s academic endowments and brilliance had come to the fore as he could hold his own academically and socially among the brightest and the best students drawn from the elite schools in Lagos and the entire country.

If my memory serves me right, some of his mates at this time include Tunji Lardner (Award- winning/veteran journalist and one time Editor of Punch Newspaper), Ekpe Asuquo (presently a senior lawyer at the

Graduating Doctor of Business Administration (Summa Cum Laude) at the California Southern University 2018.

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Professor Adesoji Adesugba, M.Sc. Investment Promotion and Economic Development, Edinburgh Napier University, with his nephew Dr. Olugbenga Akande

Bar), Dr. Fabian Ita, late Vincent Nzeli (VC), Emmanuel Obi (BOFF – Biafran Organization of Freedom Fighters, a throwback to the Nigerian civil war; Emmanuel claimed without evidence to have been an active BOFF cell during that period), Paul Alade (of the Ofege band fame), Ike Ehiribe (Smesh), Ayo Rosiji, Elsie Oruche (now Mrs Elsie Hudson), Emmanuel Azinge (of blessed memory), Akin Ajose-Adeogun, Alma Etuk, among others.

Soji’s choice of social science subjects served him in good stead as he soldiered on to a higher institution of learning that will determine the next course of his life.

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba in the Gemology class at the Moscow State University, Russia

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Prof. Adesoji Adesugba with Prof. Akinola Ladeinde of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, back in the University of Lagos, 1978

UNILAG/ TURNING POINT After making impressive grades from the HSC examinations and undergoing a rigorous selection exercise, the prestigious University of Lagos (UNILAG) admitted Soji into its Social Sciences faculty to study Business Administration.

Aside from being a model student academically, he was also on top of his game in the social circuit. He and some of his friends from the days of Surulere reunited in UNILAG and created a club called ‘FOADS’ in December 1977. The name was derived from the first letter of the surnames of the founders: (Fasoranti, Oluwole, Adesugba, Dada, and Savage). Incidentally, it is perhaps the sole surviving social club of that era in existence today in the institution. Others like Rho, ABC and Freemix (the last promoted mainly by Gbenga Daniel who later Page 20

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba at the University of Lagos Matriculation, 1977

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba during his Call to Bar, 1989

became the Governor of Ogun State) have since become defunct.

At the UNILAG, Soji had the pleasure of the friendship of the following persons: Dapo Adegorioye (Cardoso), a civil engineer of repute and now a full time pastor; Olaseni Lawal (Tackle, Tackler, Tackling !!!) recently retired Deputy Controller General of Immigration, Dayo Ajakaiye (Jaji) of blessed memory, Sheni Balogun (Boogie) currently a financial consultant and retired banker of note, Bayo Okuowobi (Bayus) an actuary, Dolapo Ajogbasile (Ajo), Demola Mumuney (he reunited with Soji later in the Customs service), among others.

Another important friendship Soji made at the University of Lagos was that of Tokunbo Kayode (TK) (Ikaram Akoko Prince, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and former cabinet Minister

in the regimes of Presidents Umaru Yar’Ardua and Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. At different times, he was in charge of four ministries viz: Culture & Tourism, Labour & Productivity, Justice (Attorney General of the Federation) and Defence. He is currently the President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).

Beyond the fact that both have Akoko ancestry and were resident in Lagos at that time, a certain chemistry brought them together and their incredible friendship has endured to date.

By the way, it was also in UNILAG that Soji’s sense of activism was ignited.

His dislike for injustice, tribalism and nepotism became deep rooted, and the fire for egalitarianism and a better Nigeria was kindled in his belly. He found a platform to pursue these

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba on the Bosporus, Turkey, 2009

ideals in the Pyrates’ Confraternity (National Association of Seadogs) and has since risen to the highest membership cadre of the association having been a distinguished member for an unbroken period of more than 40 years.

Unfortunately, as it happens most times in life, an incident occurred in 1980 that changed the course of Soji’s life. In his final year, a few days to his final exams, tragedy struck: there was a riot on campus and he was attacked and left for dead. He was revived in the hospital from where he wrote his final exams and struggled to complete his thesis. In the circumstances, his grades were adversely impacted and this affected his final results when he graduated.

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LADY AYOTUNDE & CHILDREN Soji was recruited into the Nigerian Custom Service (NCS) and shortly after he got married to his heartthrob, Ayotunde, and started raising his family.

Soji’s family is blessed with 4 wonderful children who to the glory of God are making their mark in their different callings. They are: Omotinuwe (Social Media Marketing Specialist in Lagos); Adeolu (Medical Scientist based in Canada); Adesola (HR specialist with Main One Cable in Lagos); and Oluwafolakemi, a journalist/correspondent with Arise TV).

It is worthy of note that Soji’s spouse, Ayotunde, a lady of beauty, distinction and grace pursued a career in the civil service at the federal level where she rose to the pinnacle to become the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information in the Page 22

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba marries Ayotunde Akinyebo in London, 20th December, 1984

administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Like his Dad, Soji has a close knit family and a lot of friends those days complained that he had become inaccessible on account of his marriage.

Mrs. Ayotunde Adesugba being sworn in as Federal Permanent Secretary, November 10, 2015

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, family photograph 1998. From left, Ayo, Folake, Prof. Sola, behind is Deolu and Tinuwe.

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ACADEMIC “Soji, congratulations and wishing you a very happy birthday in good health with long life and God’s continued blessings. Amen” Aliko Dangote 5/5/2019

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, with Aliko Dangote and other dignitaries at a function at the State House, Abuja

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LAURELS

Despite having a reasonably good job, Soji did not rest on his oars and become complacent. A few years after securing the NCS appointment, he sought and got admission to study Law in the University of Lagos. One of his lecturers at this time was his old friend (and in fact the godfather to his son Deolu) named Oluyemi Osinbajo (now Professor of Law and current Vice President of our dear nation). Soji worked hard at his studies despite the tedious workload of the NCS, and his efforts were rewarded by resounding success for his law degree as well as having a good performance at the Law school.

With hard work, determination and the will to excel, Soji went ahead to obtain the following post graduate degrees and other certifications: a. Masters of Business Administration (MBA), b. MSc Investment Promotion and Economic Development, c. Diploma, International Commercial Arbitration (UK), d. Certificate in Arbitration (Columbia Law School), and e. Certificate in Chinese Economic Development.

He has capped it with a Doctor of Business Administration (Suma Cum Laude) from University of Southern California, USA. Page 25

Soji: FM, I am confiding in you, I am working towards leaving the Customs soon.

FM: Why would anyone, except a crazy fellow like you, want to leave NCS? Why do you want to leave anyway?

Soji: Custom’s work is challenging but I long for a regular career with painstaking and rigorous application of my education and training.

FM: How will you achieve this? Would you be leaving the known for uncharted territory?

Soji: I will keep trying and not relent until I succeed.

CAREER PROGRESSION

With colleagues at ACCI, from left: Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, Vice President ICT; Mrs, Roseline Nwosu, Vice President Mining; Dr. Johnson Somadina Anene, Vice President Commerce; and Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN, CON, President

While in the NCS, he applied himself diligently and passionately to achieving the objectives of the organization at every post where he served. At various times, he served in Cross Rivers, Kano, Katsina, Lagos and Rivers states and his duty posts include the airports, borders and ports of the aforementioned states.

Again, hard work paid off for Soji as he was reputed to have led teams that made groundbreaking contraband seizures in different parts of the country as well as ensuring that those concerned were prosecuted. At some point during his tour of force in the NCS, Soji’s presence at any of the nation’s ports and border posts was bad news for smugglers as this often signified imminent seizures and their arrests.

In due course, he was promoted at various times in recognition of his meritorious service to his fatherland in the NCS. His squad set tagged Page 26

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba at a Customs parade, 1986

31000 within the NCS was well regarded for discipline and knowledge of the custom’s procedure and regulations.

Some of his squad mates include: Demola Mumuney (of UNILAG; he left NCS at the same time as Soji to set up his own shipping company), Sani Abubakar, retired as Assistant Controller General, Dan Ugo, Austen Warikoru and Mrs. Banke Adeyemi (the last three retired as Deputy Controler General of Customs), among others.

That Soji is discerning and strategic in his approach to issues is not surprising to those who know him. He’s always a step ahead of his game at virtually every point in his adult life.

An example will suffice. After spending over 18 years in the NCS, Soji in the course of one of his several visitations to Ibadan, pulled me aside and the following conversation ensued:

The above dialogue represents the quintessential Soji. He was willing to leave his comfort zone and embark on a quest that’s more inspiring and fulfilling.

In the long run, he had his wish and got an appointment with Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) in 2000. He served diligently as is usual with him and within a short time of posting his usual sterling performance, he was seconded to Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) to head the Communication, Marketing and External relations department.

When he returned to NIPC after the completion of his brief in BPE, he worked assiduously to reposition the investment promotion portfolio of the agency and it was not surprising at all when he became the substantive Director of Investment Promotion in the organization before another offer came calling, after all, as it is often said, ‘a goldfish has no hiding place’.

He was head hunted to become the Senior Technical Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Labour and Productivity. In this position, he became the engine room of the office of the Minister supervising all issues pertaining to Labour relations and the critical interface with labour unions

generally in the country (Undoubtedly, labour is in his DNA). Since this was a political appointment, he had to officially retire from the federal civil service having put in the mandatory years of service as a result of the merger of his years of service at NCS and NIPC.

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba Explaining a project to former President Olusegun Obasanjo at Snake Island Lagos 2016

On the basis of his usual high level of achievements in the post earlier referenced, he was, once again, seconded to head the Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) of the Ministry of Labour as the Chairman.

After serving one term, he left the IAP because the place became toxic as a result of intrigues, political interference and nepotism.

As usual, Soji has his hands in many pies but his main preoccupation presently is the Business Entrepreneurship, Skills, and Technology (BEST) Centre of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI). He is the Founder and Provost.

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FRIENDSHIP/ GENEROSITY

Among other sterling qualities, Soji is a bridge builder and because he understands the core values of friendship, he has made friends across the country, most of whom remain his friends to date.

Soji’s love for friends is without measure. He will visit friends wherever they maybe to bond, have a good time and share whatever he has with them.

From Katsina, Calabar or Lagos, Soji will visit me in Abuja and spend time with me. When I relocated to Ibadan, Soji with his unofficial personal assistant (Azu) in tow became a regular visitor in his imposing maroon and gold plated Nissan Patrol (before SUVs became a fad in the country) and my entire household and friends looked forward to his visits because with it came gifts, goodies and joy.

Mrs. Adetokunbo Akinola, Gbolahan Arogundade (GQ), Dr. Olumide Okunola, Kayode Talabi, and a host of others will testify to Soji’s uncommon generosity.

I confess to being a direct beneficiary of the generosity and kindness of Soji. If he is not sending me gifts on important milestones like birthdays (he still did this year) and the likes, he will buy some appurtenances which he feels I should have and send to Page 28

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, with his bosom friend, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode SAN, CON, on a visit to the Minister of Communication, Abdur Raheem Shittu Adedayo. 2016

me. For example, sometime last year, he sent me four brand new tyres as he was not impressed with the ones on the wheels of my car when we met in Akure shortly before then.

“As unbelievable as it may sound, Soji’s generous spirit is such that he finds it difficult to eat alone; as much as possible, he would rather have the companionship of friends especially during lunch and he would insist on picking the bills all the time.”

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba with his friend of many years, Comrade Tur Ukor, the DG of the National Troupe

There’s no gainsaying that his office in all the places he worked was a meeting point at lunchtime from 2000 to 2012 on weekdays except when he was out of Abuja.

Incidentally, when he eventually left for Abuja in 1999 it was in the company of my confidant and friend, the amiable, engaging, and brilliant Dr. Olumide Okunola (now a Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank) who became his protégé after they met through me.

It is also important to note that whenever I was in Abuja in the early 2000s, he will insist that I put up with him even though he was staying in shared apartments at that period and this often led to having spats with the other occupants but Soji, undaunted, will not forsake his old time, itinerant friend, no matter the circumstances. I should mention that by this time, his family was based in Paris where his wife was serving in the information unit of the Nigerian embassy.

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, with Methodist Boys High School classmates.

1975

In Pretoria, South Africa, on a visit to Madedor Boni, a primary school classmate, with her son, Anthonio. 2013

At Ikoyi Club, Lagod, with old friends from University days, 2018

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EXCEPTIONAL

MENTOR

If there is something that gives Soji joy, it’s putting a smile on the faces of others. This could be in the form of scholarships, securing employment or funding businesses to help alleviate poverty for people he knows and for a legion of others that he does not.

In terms of scholarships, he will have undoubtedly funded the education of over 300 indigent persons in different institutions of learning in the country, many of whom have publicly ac-

PERSONAL STYLE knowledged his kindness.

In the same vein, he has secured employment for countless others from different states in the places he worked and beyond. He does not discriminate about anyone’s state of origin because he is a detribalized Nigerian.

What keeps him going is the fact that he brings a smile to the face of everyone he comes in contact with.

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba with graduands of the BEST1000 Skills, February, 2019

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Prof. Adesoji Adesugba on vacation, fishing in The Gambia River, 2016

From personal interaction with Soji, I got to know that our needs as human are very limited and this is obvious in his outlook and personal style.

He is trendy without being ostentatious and while he makes conscious effort to look good, he is not prone to extravagance. His style is restraint just like the subtlety of his favorite perfume, the alluring Chanel.

I am not sure a lot of people know that Soji is a connoisseur of art. His first apartment in FESTAC town and his house in Ogbagi are littered with numerous works of masters like Bruce Onobrapeya, Professor Abayomi Barber, David Dale, Kolade Oshinowo, Yusuf Grillo, and Tom Quaye as well as the works of the young Turks like Nse Abasi Inyang, Olu Ajayi, Biodun Olaku, Spinn Eromosele, James Sule and others.

In fact, Soji used to sponsor Art Exhibitions as well as Art Apprecia-

tion Barbecue for young artists in the 1990s.

His love for art is only matched by his support for Arsenal Football Club, especially under the legendary Arsene Wenger. His support for Arsene was because of the business end of the game which he feels thrived greatly under the French man.

The basic principles guiding Soji’s interactions with people are threefold: • Don’t expect anything from anyone and you will not be disappointed; • Anyone including the closest persons to you can disappoint you, therefore manage your expectations from people; and, • Fear your God and be equitable to all men and women.

The profundity of the principles have been put to test at different times over the years and not once have their validity failed.

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AN ENTREPRENEUR & SOCIAL REFORMER

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba at a Gemology class at the Moscow State University, Moscow, 2018

With classmates, Masters in Investment Promotion and Economic Development, Class of 2009 Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland.

At ACCI function with Eze Anumnu and Ugo Okocha, 2005

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Soji has been an entrepreneur for as long as I remember. He co-founded the following organizations: i. Richard Munds, a marketing communications firm; ii. Afprohand Limited, a television production outfit; iii. Networks Computers Ltd, a computing network firm formed 2 years after Microsoft; iv. On line Sports magazine: www. supereagles.com (1997) v. Environmental Initiatives, an NGO with focus on environmental issues; vi. Gemstones Institute of Nigeria: to regulate and strengthen Gemstone mining in Nigeria vii. Gemstones Miners and Marketers Association of Nigeria (GMMAN): Streamlines and registers all practitioners in the sector; vii. Nigeria Chamber of Miners: to regulate the practice of mining in Nigeria; ix. Women Industry Development and Entrepreneurship Program (WINDEP): to generally promote entrepreneurship amongst women in government and private sector; x. Corporate Social Responsibility and Governance Institute: to streamline and regulate CSR in Nigeria; xi. Heart of Ruth Foundation: to empower the less privileged and reduce the level of poverty in our society.

In addition, I am aware that a lot of business startups have been funded and promoted by him.

POST OFFICE

PROMISE

Since a promise is a debt, I wish to remind Soji of one he made to me many years ago. He told me then that when he turns 60, he will spend more time in Ogbagi and every month end, he will in his trademark shorts, visit the post office to collect his pension stipends and dividends for his upkeep! He also made me promise that I will be a regular caller.

I am using the medium to inform him to count me out of such risky visitations until I am assured by the police that kidnappers are no longer on the prowl in our once safe hinterlands in Nigeria.

Esprit de Corp, Customs Officers graced Prof’s father’s funeral in his Hometown, Ogbagi, Ondo State, 2012

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LAST WORDS

As I conclude this tribute, I salute and celebrate this enigma, this incredible gentleman, a man of courage, an entrepreneur, a sage, a man who gives unflaggingly, a strategist, a man of vision, a mentor of men, a man of candour, a man who has enjoyed the grace of the Almighty and most importantly, a man who has the fear of God in him.

Scooby!

Maiyegun!!

Arowa!!!

BLB Baba!!!!

Ahoy Typhoon Worsted Seadog (TWS)!!!!

Iba Olusegun Sanni (FM)

Olusegun Sanni (FM) Page 34

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About the Author The author, Olusegun Sanni is a childhood friend of Prof.

Adesoji Adesugba. FM as he is popularly called went to the same neighbourhood primary school, Surulere Baptist School, with Soji. As the two young men grew up, they were known to share common values and friends.

The love of music from maestros such as Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Ebenezer Obe, Bob Marley, and others drew them closer as they grew up. FM who lived just a stone throw to the Adesugbas would play soccer with his bosom friend Soji and his brother Dayo at the football field next to the Adesugbas’ home at weekends. FM attended the popular Lagos High School St Gregory’s College where his paths again crossed that of Soji who went there for his A levels after leaving Methodist Boys High School, Lagos in 1975. Olusegun Sanni is a well known Marketing Communication expert.

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