Dr. Dotun Jegede, PhD has charged Ogun State Government, Federal Government, University Of Ibadan and Akarigbo Of Remoland To Immortalise Late Sir (Dr) Olatunde Ayedun Agbato.
Recall that the well respected Veteran Veterinary Doctor, Sir (Dr.) Olatunde Ayedun Agbato was finally laid to rest on Friday, 21st January 2021.
Dotun Jegede, PhD written statement reads in part:
“Papa Agbato returned to glory about 5 months after celebrating his 70th birthday -a major symbol of completion of earthly mission.
“A frontliner, forefather and noble leader in the livestock, poultry industry. His emergence in the industry, revolutionised, professionalised, and institutionalised the practice, giving it desirable nobility, deserving and well fashionable outlook-now appealing to the globe.
“Pa (Dr.) Agbato was a trailblazer, whose 45-year reign as CEO and founder of one of the most successful livestocks firms in Africa, witnessed tremendous, successful, development and expansion, causing monumental wave, innovation and diversity in the industry, growth and phenomenal development.
His ardent crusades and outcry around the industry yielded global and national recognition, thus was a voice to the noble recognition of the industry.
“A technocrat, seasoned leader, an erudite business mentor, revered coach, and one of the greatest employers of labour with close to 2,000 direct employees in the industry, and several thousands of indirect workforce nationwide.
“In our research and findings of 50-year standing indigenous businesses in Nigeria and Africa, Papa Agbato is one of the fewest global leaders who have sustained uninterrupted corporate leadership. He staged, stabilised and sustained the seat of CEO for 45 years with uncommon feat, advanced progress, unyielded commitment, forthrightness, authencity, corporate discipline.
“Without foreign support or local funding partnerships, he forged ahead to create an unabated milestone, progressive pathway for others to make a mark. A case to be studied in business schools. Whilst several business leaders could not hold the fort for 20 years and above, in particular, in an industy tainted with complex challenges, he single-handedly built a global monument, national empire, industrial emancipation for the profession. He rose to prominence and became a national pride and championed consistent success, which the country can be proud of in an uncommon territory.
“He overcame the firebrand, the unfavourable climate, the competitive arena, the primitive limitations and the poor global perceptions of the profession, rising to limelight, strengthening others and building capacities across the spheres of Nigeria, with his popular mantra: “a candle loses nothing by lightening others.”
“Pa Agbato’s focus and vision for the industry was well orchestrated; he had plants in the North and another in the East, ensuring he was able to touch and unite Nigeria, amid restrictions, volatility and ethnical differences; where many fail, success abounds.
“A mentor to several leaders, a credible activist with influence, advancing the practice and the profession of livestock, animal production throughout Africa and the world.
“His company became the first livestock conglomerate in Nigeria and a leading livestock concern in Nigeria and internationally. The company today is the only member of International Egg Commission from Nigeria and one of the few from Africa.
“His company has won several awards including: Farmer of the Year Award of the Central Bank of Nigeria twice in 1987 and 1989 at the state level and in 1992 at the national level; National Best Farmer Award of the National Council of Agriculture – the highest agricultural policy organ in Nigeria in 1995.
“A fellow of the College of Veterinary Surgeons in Nigeria, the first recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, and also a recipient of the Distinguished Veterinarian Award of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association as well as a Fellow, Farm Management Association of Nigeria.
“He was the pioneer of the Poultry Show, which has grown to become the largest international poultry exposition in Nigeria.
“In addition, he orchestrated Commercial Egg Producers Association of Nigeria (CEPAN) in the 90’s.
“In every generation, God blesses community and mankind with rare, exceptional personalities, like Baba, whose arrival heralded unusual, uncommon mission-critical purpose through Ogun State to the livestock profession.
“An illustrious son of Ogere, Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. This gift to mankind, the noble profession, was birthed and raised to prominence across the globe.
“Whilst Pa Olatunde Agbato sleeps on, his memories, monumental impacts linger on.
“In the words of John Wesley, — ‘In all the ways you can, In all the places you can,
At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.”
“He was a blessing to several families, businesses, communities and all.
“A leader with servant voice, rare humility and humble personality.
“A Knight of John Wesly, who fought forthrightly, faithfully and committedly for the right and success of the common man.
“I hereby charge the Federal Government of Nigeria, The Ogun State Government, the University of Ibadan, all and sundry to immortalise this illustrious, noble veteran, Sir (Dr.) Olatunde Ayedun Agbato.
“Baba, sun re o.”
© Dotun Jegede, PhD
Senior Partner,
DEE BEE Consulting, Consultant with British Council/European Union, and former Head, HR/Corporate Resources, Animal Care (2010-2012).
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