By Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto, OON
Asiwaju Engr. Dr. Prince Olatunji Olusoji’s birthday celebration may have ended, but the occasion continues to provide an opportunity to recognise a personality whose story brings together business ambition, traditional honour and a commitment to humanitarian service.
In a society where success is often measured by wealth, social status and political influence, the enduring value of achievement lies in what an individual contributes to the lives of others. This is the principle that informs my tribute to Asiwaju Olusoji, a respected businessman and philanthropist associated with several community-focused interventions in Kogi State.
Asiwaju holds traditional titles as Asiwaju I of Ayere Kingdom and Basorun Akinjagunla of Ogidi. In the corporate world, he serves as Chief Executive Officer of Grosvenor Global Services Limited, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tratun Energy Limited, and Executive Director of Regions Oil and Gas. He is also the founder of the Prince Olatunji Olusoji Foundation, popularly known as PROOF.
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His journey to business leadership began with education and professional experience. After attending Kings & Queens Preparatory School and Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Secondary School, Effurun, in Warri, he studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Benin.
He subsequently began his career as a Management Trainee at Odessa Marine Services Limited before building business interests across oil and gas, marine logistics, aviation, security, mining and infrastructure development.
Beyond these achievements, his philanthropic activities have drawn attention to the role private individuals can play in supporting vulnerable communities.
Through PROOF, Asiwaju has reportedly provided educational assistance to indigent students, supported scholarship initiatives, contributed to school development, empowered market women and artisans, and extended help to widows and other people in need.
These interventions are significant because community development is not measured only by the construction of major infrastructure. It is also reflected in the opportunities available to young people, the ability of small businesses to survive, and the support accessible to families facing hardship.
A scholarship can help a student pursue an education that might otherwise remain out of reach. Support for a market woman or artisan can strengthen a household’s income. Assistance to a vulnerable family can offer relief during a difficult period.
Such examples underline why philanthropy, when implemented responsibly and transparently, can complement wider development programmes.
Asiwaju has also been associated with support for security initiatives in Kogi State, including the provision of operational vehicles and financial interventions reportedly exceeding ₦90 million to assist efforts against crime.
The importance of security to development cannot be overstated. Communities need a safe environment for businesses to operate, children to attend school and residents to pursue their livelihoods without fear. Support for properly coordinated security institutions can therefore form part of a broader commitment to community welfare.
As the State Project Coordinator of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project in Kogi State, I recognise that sustainable progress requires collaboration among government, private-sector organisations, civil society groups and community leaders.
No single institution can address every development challenge alone. Partnerships that are transparent, accountable and focused on measurable outcomes can help mobilise additional resources for the benefit of society.
Asiwaju Olusoji’s reported philanthropic interventions offer an opportunity to reflect on this shared responsibility and encourage more people of means to invest in education, livelihoods and the wellbeing of vulnerable citizens.
On the occasion of his recent birthday, I join my family, the Global Green Pillars Initiative (GGPI) and the entire Kogi ACReSAL family in celebrating him and wishing him continued success.
His journey remains a source of pride to Ayere Kingdom, Ijumu Local Government Area, the Okun nation and Kogi State. May his next chapter bring fresh opportunities to expand his business achievements and deepen his contribution to humanity.
May God grant him good health, wisdom, peace and prosperity, while preserving him for greater service to his community, state and country.
Happy birthday to Asiwaju Engr. Dr. Prince Olatunji Olusoji, the Asiwaju of Africa and the People’s Asiwaju!
Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto, OON
State Project Coordinator, Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), Kogi State
Chief Executive Officer, Global Green Pillars Initiative (GGPI)