Olutoyin Okeowo @70: Salute to a rich tradition of excellence and leadership

Reaching the age of seventy is a remarkable milestone, one that signifies not just the passage of time but a lifetime of achievements, experiences, and impact. On Saturday, February 1, 2025, we will celebrate a man whose journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. The ascent to the seventh floor and entry into the septuagenarian club is worthy of celebration for Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo, a corporate titan, visionary leader, mentor and builder of legacies. His contributions have not only shaped industries but have also inspired countless individuals to strive for excellence.

At seventy, his chequered history is one of resilience, ambition and unwavering dedication to business excellence. From humble beginnings to standing at the pinnacle of corporate success, his journey is a testament to the power of hard work, strategic thinking, and an unshakable commitment to excellence. He deserves to be serenaded as he marks this milestone, reflects on the defining moments of his career, his leadership philosophy, and the enduring legacy he continues to build.

Greatness is not stumbled upon and titans are forged in an unalloyed medley of rare steel. It is earned through perseverance, vision and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. From his early years, it was evident that he was destined for something extraordinary. His education and formative experiences laid the foundation for a career that would be marked by ingenuity, strategic foresight, and transformative leadership.

He started his career as a lecturer in the faculty of Business Administration, University of Lagos before he resigned to join the family business in 1986. Dr. Okeowo is the Chairman of the Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN) and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan Foundation. He is a member of the Governing Council of several institutions including the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State and Immanuel College of Theology, Ibadan. In recognition of his unwavering and outstanding dedication to the service, in 2019, he was conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Science (D.Sc) Bin usiness Administration by Ajayi Crowther University. He holds a master’s degree in Management Science and Technology from the University of Wales, UK, Institute of Science and Technology. He is an alumnus of Lagos Business School and a Fellow of the Institute of Directors of Nigeria (IOD).

As he ventured into the business world, he quickly distinguished himself as a leader with the ability to see opportunities where others saw obstacles. Whether in finance, industry, or corporate governance, he made bold moves that not only secured success but also redefined best practices. His keen sense of business, coupled with an ability to build and inspire, positioned him as a force to be reckoned with.

A true corporate titan is not just someone who accumulates wealth or rises to the top but one who redefines the standards of leadership and governance. In every organisation he has been a part of, his impact has been profound. Throughout his career, he has championed corporate integrity, innovation and sustainable growth. His leadership style blends decisiveness with compassion, ensuring that businesses thrive not just in profits but also in long-term impact and value creation. He has an extraordinary ability to navigate challenges, turning potential setbacks into stepping stones for even greater success.

His boardroom presence is legendary and marked by clarity of thought, strategic depth and unwavering commitment to ethical leadership. He has served as a guiding light for many, mentoring the next generation of leaders and ensuring that his legacy is not just about personal success but about empowering others to rise. Transforming industries and shaping economic ecosystems is Dr. Okeowo’s forte. One cannot speak of his contributions without acknowledging the industries he has transformed. His influence extends far beyond his own enterprises, as he has played a key role in contributing to shaping national and global economic landscapes. Dr. Okeowo is the Managing Director/CEO of Metropolitan Motors Limited. He has a wide range of experience having served on the board of several companies, including VT Leasing Limited, Meyer Plc., Greenwich Trustees Limited, Funds Electronic Transfer Systems Limited, Kabelmetal Nigeria Plc., Oasis Insurance Plc and TMJ Properties Limited.

His leadership has driven innovation, expansion and sustainable development across multiple sectors. He has been at the forefront of policy advocacy, economic transformation and corporate reforms ensuring that businesses operate in a way that benefits not just shareholders but society at large. Even at seventy, his mind remains as sharp as ever and constantly evolving, always seeking new opportunities to contribute to progress and prosperity.

Beyond his corporate accomplishments, his greatest legacy lies in empowering human capital. He is not just a leader but a mentor, a role model and a guiding force for those who have had the privilege of working with him. His commitment to mentorship and leadership development is evident in the countless individuals who have benefitted from his wisdom and guidance. He understands that true success is not measured by personal achievements alone but by the number of lives uplifted and careers shaped.

Moreover, his heart for philanthropy and social impact is one of his most admirable qualities. He believes that wealth and success come with responsibility. The responsibility to give back, uplift communities, give back and create opportunities for others. Through his charitable initiatives, educational programs, and community-building efforts, he has transformed lives and provided hope where it was needed most.

Dr. Okeowo is a man of character and conviction. At the core of his success is something far more valuable than business acumen. His character. In a world where corporate success is often pursued at the expense of values, he has remained steadfast in his integrity, humility and unwavering ethical standards. Those who know him personally speak of his wisdom, his generosity and his deep sense of responsibility. He leads not with arrogance but with humility, not with force but with persuasion, and not with mere authority but with inspiration. His ability to balance ambition with compassion, power with humility and success with service is what truly makes him a titan – not just in business, but in life.

Looking ahead, the legacy continues and at seventy on Mother Earth, most would consider slowing down – but not him. Even as he reaches this incredible milestone, he remains as visionary, as ambitious and as dedicated as ever. His passion for progress continues to drive him forward, proving that true leadership knows no age. His legacy is far from complete. As he steps into this new chapter of life, his influence will continue to shape industries, guide leaders and transform communities. The foundations he has built will stand the test of time, ensuring that his impact is felt for generations to come.

Today and in advance of the big day, we do more than celebrate a birthday. We honour a legacy. We pay tribute to a man whose life has been a beacon of excellence, a model of leadership and an inspiration to all. To the corporate titan, the visionary leader, the mentor, and the philanthropist – We salute you! Your journey has been one of greatness, and the best is yet to come. Happy 70th Birthday! May this new decade bring even greater fulfillment, happiness, glad tidings, joy, and continued success.

Ayoola Ajanaku is a communications and advocacy specialist based in Lagos, Nigeria