Chief Michael Ade.Ojo (OON)

Born on June 14, 1938, at Ilara-Mokin in Ondo State, Nigeria, to the family of Chief Solomon Ojo of the Lamilohun Lisa Chieftaincy House and Chief (Mrs.) Beatrice Ademolawe Ojo, the young Michael Ade.Ojo had his primary education at St. Michael’s Anglican School, Ilara-Mokin, after which he proceeded to the famous Imade College, Owo under the headship of the Late Pa. Adekunle Ajasin in 1954 and finished in 1958.

He thereafter undertook an 18-month course at the School of Agriculture, Akure after which he had a brief working stint as a Laboratory Technician in the Ministry of Agriculture, Moore Plantation, Ibadan.

Chief Ade.Ojo proceeded to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1961, where he studied Business Administration and graduated with a Second Class (Upper Division) in June 1965).

He also attended various top Management Development Courses including the Chief Executive’s Programme of the Lagos Business School (CEP-7), and the IESE/LBS Seminar on Competitive Strategy and Value Creation in Barcelona, Spain. 

On leaving the University in 1965, Chief Michael Ade.Ojo worked with CFAO (which had sponsored him in his last two years in the University), The Federal Inland Revenue Department, and thereafter at British Petroleum Nigeria Limited between 1967 and 1971 where he distinguished himself as the Company’s Best Sales Representative.

In fulfillment of his resolve to establish his own business within 10 years of graduation, Chief Michael Ade.Ojo abandoned the certainty of a plum colonial job for the uncertainty of private enterprise.  The result was the establishment of Elizade Independent Agencies; a family business co-founded with his late wife, Chief (Mrs.) Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo in August 1971.

This was later incorporated into Elizade Nigeria Limited in 1973, a company dealing in motor vehicle sales, spare parts, and service.  This business has remained an unsurpassed success in Nigeria’s automobile industry to date, thus corroborating John Scully’s famous statement that “the future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious”.

Today, the company which Chief Michael Ade.Ojo started with just one support staff in 1971 has become a conglomerate with several subsidiaries including Toyota Nigeria Limited, Elizade University, Elizade Autoland, Okin Travels Ltd, Odua Creations Ltd, among others.  In addition, he is the Chairman and past chairman of various companies including Toyota Nigeria Limited, Moore House Sofitel Ltd, Custodian & Allied Plc, Meristem Wealth Management Ltd, Mikeade Properties Development Company Ltd, SMT Nigeria (Distributors of Volvo Construction Equipments, Volvo Trucks, and Mack trucks in Nigeria).  For more than four decades, Chief Michael Ade.Ojo has bestrode the Nigerian Automotive Sector like a colossus.  He began with the sales of various auto brands such as Peugeot, and Toyota; a product he has turned into a household name in Nigeria.

Ade.Ojo was not born with a golden spoon, he worked hard to achieve success.  It would indeed be difficult to discuss the automotive industry, insurance, and education in Nigeria without his contribution in these areas.

He was a Director in several organizations among which are Meristem Securities Limited,   First City Monument Group, Ecobank Nigeria Plc. and a host of others.  This string of entrepreneurial successes informed his invitation (along with other renowned African Business men) to the Leaders’ Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa in November 2005 where he shared his entrepreneurial experience with an International audience.

An incurable lover of his people, Chief Michael Ade.Ojo has transformed his local community (Ilara-Mokin) from a village to an economically vibrant Town through his various Community Development and Legacy Projects. These include the construction of 8.5km Ilara-Mokin Township roads (with side shoulders and drains) at a cost of N205m in 2005, the establishment of Elizade University in 2013, the construction of a 18-hole International Golf Course, Smokin Hills Golf Resort in 2012, and the establishment of the Shield Micro Finance Bank Limited in the town.

He has also assisted a substantial number of indigenes through economic and financial empowerment, as well as employment in various companies and organizations. No wonder he was awarded the prestigious Chieftaincy title of “Aare Ataiyese of Ilara-Mokin” by his people in 1992 and in 2007 was awarded the Asiwaju of Imesi-Ile, the hometown of his late wife, Chief (Mrs) Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo.  In January 2010, he was conferred with yet another prestigious chieftaincy title of Baaloro of the Source, Ile-Ife by the then Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, and in 2017, he was conferred with another chieftaincy title of Fiwagboye of Alade-Idanre.  He is no doubt a “Man on assignment”!

Chief Michael Ade.Ojo is a disciplinarian and has a stickler for details. He inculcates these attributes in his children and staff in preparation for their future endeavors.  He never takes ‘No’ for an answer, insisting that every problem has a solution.  He holds tenaciously to his unchanging principles of hard work, honesty, and integrity, which have seen him through turbulent times.

A patriot and lover of culture, Chief Michael Ade.Ojo has never failed in demonstrating his love for both his country and culture at all times. His passion for the sustenance of Yoruba culture motivated him in the establishment of Odua Creations Limited, a garment manufacturing outfit that specializes in traditional and corporate wear with the use of Nigerian Fabrics.  This has won International Awards at various times.

Chief Ade. Ojo’s love for the economic development of Nigeria led him to the building of a Vehicle Assembly plant which was completed in November 2015 for the assembly of Toyota, and JAC vehicles.  He has invested over $50m in the plant which is capable of assembling 40,000 units of cars, light trucks, and minibuses per year.  His group of companies has also contributed over N200 billion to the economy of Nigeria between 2005 and now, in terms of customs duties, VAT, company income tax, and education tax, excluding personal income taxes of the management and staff of these companies. 

In recognition of his chain of entrepreneurial successes, general contribution to various fields of human endeavors and enormous assistance to religious and socio-cultural organizations, Chief Michael Ade.Ojo has won numerous national and International Awards and titles amongst which are:

AWARDS

(1) Recipient, Nnamdi Azikiwe Distinction Award for Excellence.    (1987)

(2) Recipient of Aloha (A Lion of High Achievement) Award by U.N.A.A.    (1993)

(3) Recipient of the Distinguished Eminent Lions Award from the University of Nigeria Alumni Association.  (1996)

(4) Recipient of the Handicapped Merit Award For Outstanding Support towards the Upliftment of the Disabled.  (1997)

(5) Recipient, Top Award, ACCIMA.  (1997)

(6) Recipient, Rotary Award for Contribution to the Progress of Paul Harris Award Fellowship as Chairman.   (1998)

(7) Recipient, Rotary Award for Outstanding Service for 20 Years.   (1998)

(8) Recipient, Ondo State Man of the Year Award from Ondo State Leaders & Peoples Association.  (1998)

(9) Recipient, Top Honours Award from Akure Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.  (1999)

(10) Recipient, Recognition of Contribution to Commerce and Industry from Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry  (1999)

(11) Recipient, Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Nigeria Alumni Association.           2001

(12) Recipient, Ilupeju Lions Club President Millennium Award in Recognition of Outstanding Contribution Towards The Club’s Diabetes Clinic   (2001)

(13) Recipient, EOM Business Network Outstanding Contributor Towards The Youth Development of Nigerian Economy.  (2002)

(14) Recipient, Recognition of Contribution to Commercialization, Industrialization, and Transportation Development from Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mines and Agriculture.    (2002)

(15) Recipient, Ikoyi Club 38 appreciation in Support of the Straight Handicap Snooker Championship.  (2004)

(16) Recipient, Recognition from the Federal Government For Demonstration Support to a Historical Nigerian National History “From Prison to Presidency”

(17) Recipient, Leader in Achievement in Ondo State of Nigeria.

(18) Recipient, Contribution to Prompt and Total Compliance with Provisions of NSITF

(19) Recipient, Most Outstanding Contributor to Educational Development in Ondo State From National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS).  (2005)

(20) Recipient, Evergreen Honours Award by Nigeria Auto Association.   (2005)

(21) Recipient, Marketing Leaders Award-Nat. Institute of Marketing of Nigeria.  (2005)                                         

(22) Honorary Distinguished Fellow of Akure Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (ACCIMA).   (2005)

(23) Fellow, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (FNIMN).  (2005)

(24) Fellow, Nigeria Institute of Management Chartered (FNIM).   (2005)

(25) Entrepreneur of the Decade Award – Success Digest.  (2005)

(26) Distinguished Personality Award – NUJ, Ondo State Council.  (2005)

(27) Outstanding Developer Award – FUTA Alumni Association.  (2005)

(28) Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) – Federal Government of Nigeria.   (2005)

(29) Merit Award for Contribution to Automobile Industry in Nigeria- Metropolitan Motors .  ( 2005)

(30) Award of Best Supporter of Education (Ondo State) – Organising Committee of President’s Interstate School Debate, Ondo State Chapter.   ( 2005)

(31) Akure Diocesan Anglican Merit Award for Exemplary Christian Discipleship by the Diocese of Akure, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).  (2006)

(32) Award of Excellence for Contribution towards Humanitarian Causes & Fight against Child Hunger – UN World Food Programme & Health Programme.  (2006)

(33) Fellow, Institute of Directors (F.IOD).  (2006)

(34) Distinguished Service Merit Award – Imade College Old Students Association.    (2006)

(35) Fellow, Academy for Entrepreneurial Studies, Nigeria.   (2007)

(36) Admitted Into the Hall of Fame of the Faculty of Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University,    (2007)

(37) Fellow, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Lagos.   (2009)

(38) NIMN Lifetime Achievement & Most Valuable Personality Award.   (2009)

(39) Lagos State Government Tax Compliance Award.    (2011)

(40) ICON of the Nigeria Auto Industry by Nigeria Auto Market Guide.    (2012)

(41) Bible Award for Selfless Service to God and Humanity By the Bible Society of Nigeria.  (2013)

(42) Award of Integrity and Excellence for outstanding contribution to Business, Economic Growth and Development of Nigeria, by ICAN, Akure District Society.   (2013)

(43) FG Award of the Top 100 Business in Nigeria.    (2014)

(44) Award of Excellence to an exceptional leader by CVL.  (2014)

(45) Auto Leadership in Nigeria Award.      ( 2014)

(46) SUN Newspaper Lifetime Achievement Award.   (2014)

(47) Conferment of Honorary Life Vice-President of NACCIMA.   (2014)

(48) ICAN Merit Award (Non-member category).      (2016)

(49) Award of Excellence for distinguished high leadership style by Excellence Foundation International.    (2016)                                  

(50) National Defence College, Nigeria Special Recognition Award.   (2016)

(51) Congregational Commendation Award by the Georgia, United States of America Legislative Black Caucus, for pioneering innovation and Excellence in tertiary education in Africa through Elizade University.    (2016)

(52) African Leadership Medal of Honour by African Leadership Magazine.    (2016)

(53) Award of Excellence by Ondo State Government @40 years.   (2016)

(54) Induction into the African Leadership Hall of Fame by ALM International Board of Advisors.   (2016)

(55) TUC Excellent and Outstanding Achiever in Entrepreneurship Award.  (2016)

(56) ICON of the Nigeria Auto Industry Award by Nigeria Auto Journalists Association.   (2017)

(57) Fellow, Chartered Institute of Administration (FCIA).   (2017)                                        

(58) Award of Nigeria’s Golf ICON by Daily Trust.   (2017)

(59) Vanguard Lifetime Achievement Award.   (2017)

(60) Ondo State Life Time Achievement Award by Yoruba Heritage International Limited.   (2017)

(61) Award of Excellence for Exemplary Contributions to Tertiary Education In Nigeria, by the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.  (2017)

(62) The Destination Awards Hall of Fame as a Top Destination Investor in Ondo State, by the Ondo State Government.    (2017)

(63) Award of Excellence in Business and Education in recognition of Contributions to Nigeria’s Business and Educational Landscapes, Presented by the Faculty of Social Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.  (2017)

(64) PCRC Award of Honour.   (2018)

Chief Michael Ade.Ojo is an ardent lover and supporter of education.  Apart from donations to various educational projects, he set up the Ade.Ojo Scholarship Scheme in 1991 from which more than 133 indigent students have benefited.

In realisation of the death of skilled technicians and artisans in the country, Chief Ade.Ojo and his late wife decided to arrest the situation by proposing to establish Elizade Polytechnic, which was conceived as a skill acquisition centre where technical and entrepreneurial skills could be imparted to youths from all parts of Nigeria and beyond.

The need to move with the contemporary trend, occasioned by the Federal Government’s policy change on Polytechnics coupled with the desire to provide, at the highest level, quality education to the teaming population of Nigerian youths, led to the establishment of Elizade University in February 2012.

As conceived by the founder, Elizade University is a student-centred University, with great emphasis on best practices in the delivery of teaching and community services.

The University, which took off in January 2013 with 13 programs and 2 faculties, now has 31 programs, spread across 5 faculties; Basic and Applied Sciences, Humanities, Social and Management Sciences, Engineering, and Law.  All the University programmes presented for the National Universities Commission’s accreditation got full accreditation status.  

In the same vein, Chief Ade.Ojo has been a great pillar of support for the growth and development of Golf in Nigeria. He has been participating actively and supporting golfing activities in Nigeria since he clocked 60 years. His interest and various donations and sponsorship of different categories of golf tournaments elicited his desire to construct an 18-hole International Golf Course in his hometown called Smokin Hills Golf Resort, at Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, which is adjudged to be one of the best Golf courses in Africa.  It is also on record that, one of his subsidiary companies, Toyota Nigeria Limited sponsors one of the most popular golf tournaments on the National Golfing Calendar- Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo Memorial Golf Tournament annually for the past twelve (12) years now. The latest edition took place at the Smokin Hills Golf Resort in November 2017. Chief Ade.Ojo has pursued this vision of Golf development in Nigeria with great passion.

To the glory of God, at 80, the energetic Chief Ade.Ojo has not slowed down on his busy schedule, moving from one management and board meeting to another without any sign of weakness.

The story of Chief Michael Ade. Ojo cannot be complete without reference to his first love, Chief (Mrs) Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo who was a pillar of support and a source of inspiration to him during her lifetime.  He is currently married to Mrs. Taiwo Ade.Ojo, an intelligent, easygoing paragon of beauty and an ideal wife.

Chief Michael Ade.Ojo, a devout Christian, is blessed with children and grandchildren.