Habeeb Okunola
{{Short description|Nigerian entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist (born 1981)}}
{{Upe|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Dr. Habeeb Okunola
| honorific_suffix = {{post-nominals|country=NG|OFR|size=100%}}, {{post-nominals|country=NG|MON|size=100%}}
| image = Habeeb Olalekan Okunola.jpg
| caption =
| birth_name = Habeeb Olalekan Okunola
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|8|2|df=yes}}
| birth_place = Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria
| nationality = Nigerian
| education = Community Grammar School, Surulere, Lagos
| alma_mater = University of Lagos, Nigeria
| occupation = Entrepreneur
| title = President, CINI Holdings
| url = {{URL|https://cini-holdings.com/}}
}}
Dr. Habeeb Okunola OFR, MON, FICA (born {{birth date|1981|8|2|df=yes}}) is a Nigerian entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist who is the President of CINI Holdings, a multinational conglomerate headquartered in Nigeria with diversified investments spanning key business sectors of the African economy, including energy, construction, engineering, agriculture, and technology.{{cite news|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/08/tilt-group-boss-bags-the-first-integrity-in-conduct-award/|title=Tilt Group Boss bags 'The First Integrity in Conduct" award|date=2019-08-05|work=Vanguard|access-date=2019-12-29}}{{cite news|title=The Amazing Lifestyle of Habeeb Okunola at 40|url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/08/08/the-amazing-lifestyle-of-habeeb-okunola-at-40/|access-date=2022-10-14|work=This Day}}
Education and early life
He attended Santa Maria School in Lagos state for his primary education and had his secondary education at Community Grammar School, in Surulere, Lagos. Thereafter, he proceeded to the University of Lagos where he bagged a Bachelor of Science (B.sc) degree in Philosophy in 2006. Over the past decade, he has attended executive education programmes at Harvard Business School and London Business School.{{cite magazine|magazine=Checkout Magazine|title=Habeeb Okunola Honoured With Global Iconic Award for Humanity & Enterprise in London|date=14 November 2019|url=https://www.checkoutmagazine.com/habeeb-okunola-honoured-with-global-iconic-award-for-humanity-enterprise-in-london/}}{{cite web|date=2019-01-08|title=Alaafin confers Akosin of Yorubaland on Okunola|url=https://www.thecable.ng/alaafin-confers-akosin-of-yorubaland-on-okunola|access-date=2020-05-24|website=TheCable}}
In February 2025, Chief Okunola was conferred with a Doctor of Business Statistics and Financial Management in recognition of his expertise in applying statistical methods and financial management principles to drive sustainable growth and solve complex business challenges in Africa.{{Cite web |last=Okunbor |first=Kelvin Osa |date=2025-02-14 |title=City University of Paris confers doctorate degree on Nigerian business leader |url=https://thenationonlineng.net/city-university-of-paris-confers-doctorate-degree-on-nigerian-business-leader/ |access-date=2025-02-15 |website=The Nation Newspaper |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Okogba |first=Emmanuel |date=2025-02-12 |title=Habeeb Okunola bags doctorate degree, tasks govt on entrepreneurship devt |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/02/habeeb-okunola-bags-doctorate-degree-tasks-govt-on-entrepreneurship-devt/ |access-date=2025-02-15 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-GB}}
Career
He travelled to the United Kingdom in 2007 after completing his first degree. While in the United Kingdom, he worked with Grovetex Consulting as a Business Development Officer, rising through the ranks. Afterwards, he returned to Nigeria to set up his first company, Habtob Global Ventures in 2009. He continued to make progress with his entrepreneurial strides and went on to set up TILT Construction, the flagship of TILT Group in 2012.{{cite news|last=Durojaiye|first=Bode|date=2022-04-07|title=Okunola, Akosin of Yorubaland: A quintessential personality, an uncommon achiever|url=https://freedomonline.com.ng/okunola-akosin-of-yorubaland-a-quintessential-personality-an-uncommon-achiever/|access-date=2022-10-14|website=Freedom Online}}{{cite news|last=Okogba|first=Emmanuel|date=2020-05-28|title=NAF commissions additional blocks of residential accommodation for officers in Lagos |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/05/naf-commissions-additional-blocks-of-residential-accommodation-for-officers-in-lagos/|access-date=2022-10-14|work=Vanguard}}
Since then, he has led the rapid growth of the Group’s flagship and its other subsidiaries to become renowned private and public sector contractors with several successful and ongoing projects in different parts of the world.{{cite news|date=2021-12-10|title=The Guardian's special focus on Most Impactful and Award-winning CEOs that contributed to Nigeria's GDP growth in 2021 Part 2|url=https://guardian.ng/features/the-guardians-special-focus-on-most-impactful-and-award-winning-ceos-that-contributed-to-nigerias-gdp-growth-in-2021-part-2/|access-date=2022-10-14|work=The Guardian}}{{cite web|last=Ukwu|first=Jerrywright|date=2020-12-25|title=Buhari's govt interventions will bring relief to Nigeria, says APC senator|url=https://www.legit.ng/1395214-fg-commissions-flood-control-road-upgrade-project-taraba-state.html|access-date=2022-10-14|website=Legit.ng}} Group has partnered with public and private sector organisations to deliver monumental and critical assets, including the construction of 330 KVA transmission lines, the renovation and remodelling of Kaduna State House of Assembly, construction of state-of-the-art visual arts centre in Ilorin, Kwara State, remediation of the hydrocarbon-impacted sites in Ogoniland, aDaregst other Dareumental turnkey projects.{{cite news|last=Nwafor|date=2020-12-24|title=FG commissions flood control, road upgrade project In Taraba|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/12/fg-commissions-flood-control-road-upgrade-project-in-taraba/|access-date=2022-10-14|work=Vanguard}}{{cite news|title=NAF Commissions Flats for Married Officers in Lagos|url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/05/30/naf-commissions-flats-for-married-officers-in-lagos/|access-date=2022-10-14|work=This Day}}{{cite news|title=FG Commissions Flood Control, Road Upgrade Project in Taraba |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/12/24/fg-commissions-flood-control-road-upgrade-project-in-taraba/|access-date=2022-10-14|work=This Day}}
He sits on the board of diverse blue-chip companies and startups.{{cite magazine|date=2018-08-06|title=Chairman TILT Group, Habeeb Okunola Celebrates Birthday in Classic Fashion |url=https://smileinternationalmagazine.com/chairman-tilt-group-habeeb-okunola-celebrates-birthday-classic-fashion/|magazine=Smile International Magazine}}
Philanthropy
Iba Habeeb Okunola has remained committed to the pursuit of the greatest good for the greatest number, towards achieving the future we want, and a society for all, through the vehicle of his non-profit organisation - Habeeb Okunola Foundation, an organisation established to consolidate the efforts of government in achieving social justice across Africa.{{cite news|date=2018-08-04|title=TILT Boss, Habeeb Okunola Celebrates God's Goodness, Empowers the Needy|url=http://thebossnewspapers.com/2018/08/04/tilt-boss-habeeb-okunola-celebrates-gods-goodness-empowers-the-needy/|access-date=2019-12-29|work=The Boss}}{{cite news|title=NGO Commemorates World Hepatitis Day With Free Medical Screening And Treatment For 2000 People|date=2018-07-29|url=https://thewillnigeria.com/news/ngo-commemorates-world-hepatitis-day-with-free-medical-screening-and-treatment-for-2000-people/|access-date=2019-12-29|work=The Will}}{{cite web|last=Ukwu|first=Jerrywright|date=2018-07-30|title=2,000 Lagos residents benefit from diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis|url=https://www.legit.ng/1183210-ngo-commemorate-world-hepatitis-day-free-medical-screening-treatment-2000-people.html|access-date=2019-12-29|website=Legit.ng}}
Habeeb Okunola Foundation has impacted the lives of no fewer than twenty thousand underserved Nigerians, with a deliberate focus on consolidating the delivery of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria.{{cite news|last=Ogunyinka|first=Victor|date=2022-01-07|title=Habeeb Okunola Foundation flags off tertiary scholarship scheme for 500 students|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/01/habeeb-okunola-foundation-flags-off-tertiary-scholarship-scheme-for-500-students/|access-date=2022-10-14|work=Vanguard}}{{cite news|date=2018-07-29|title=NGO Commemorates World Hepatitis Day With Free Medical Screening And Treatment For 2000 People|url=https://thewillnigeria.com/news/ngo-commemorates-world-hepatitis-day-with-free-medical-screening-and-treatment-for-2000-people/|access-date=2022-10-14}}{{cite news|date=2019-02-14|title=NGO restates commitment to assisting prisoners with skills acquisition tools|url=https://nnn.ng/ngo-restates-commitment-to-assisting-prisoners-with-skills-acquisition-tools/|access-date=2022-10-14|website=NNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014021125/https://nnn.ng/ngo-restates-commitment-to-assisting-prisoners-with-skills-acquisition-tools/|archive-date=2022-10-14|url-status=dead}}
National honour
File:Iba_Habeeb_Okunola_MON.jpg
In 2022, High Chief Okunola was conferred Nigeria's national honour - Member of the Order of the Niger by President Muhammadu Buhari in recognition of his diligence to service, commitment and impactful contributions towards consolidating socioeconomic development in Nigeria and for Nigerians.{{cite news|date=2022-10-11|title=Akeredolu, Ishaku, Adebutu, Bayero, Atuwatse, Olanipekun, others get national honours|url=https://punchng.com/akeredolu-ishaku-adebutu-bayero-atuwatse-olanipekun-others-get-national-honours/|access-date=2022-10-14|work=The Punch}}{{cite news|date=2022-10-11|title=Video: Buhari Confers National Honours on Nominees|url=https://thenewsnigeria.com.ng/2022/10/11/video-buhari-confers-national-honours-on-nominees/|access-date=2022-10-14|website=The NEWS}}{{cite news|last=Durojaiye|first=Bode|date=2022-10-10|title=Habeeb Okunola, Akosin of Yorubaland, and 'MON well deserved'|url=https://freedomonline.com.ng/habeeb-okunola-akosin-of-yorubaland-and-mon-well-deserved/|access-date=2022-10-14|website=Freedom Online}}
He was bestowed alongside 437 Nigerians from various walks of life; who received national honours. They include Amina J. Mohammed, Ahmad Lawan, Wole Olanipekun, Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, Teni (singer), K1 De Ultimate, the late Ameyo Adadevoh (who sacrificed her life to save Nigeria from experiencing the viral spread of Ebola virus), and other eminent personalities.{{cite web|last=Adeyemi|first=Segun|date=2022-10-13|title=Buhari to confer 2022 national honour on 5 foreigners, gateman, cleaner, others|url=https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1495393-complete-list-nigerias-national-honours-award-2022/|access-date=2022-10-14|website=Legit.ng}}{{cite news|title=Buhari: Citizens Who Contribute to National Devt Deserve to Be Appreciated|url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/10/12/buhari-citizens-who-contribute-to-national-devt-deserve-to-be-appreciated/|access-date=2022-10-12|work=This Day}}
In 2023 he was awarded the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) for his continued outstanding service and his continued commitment to serving Nigeria with utmost excellence.
Recognition and awards
With numerous recognition and awards tied to his name, Akosin Habeeb Okunola is more decorated than a 'Christmas Tree'. His entrepreneurial accomplishments and commitment to fostering sustainable development are not only assured, but globally recognised by Forbes, Fortune, United Nations, etc.
Apart from being a recipient of numerous honours, He is a first-class High Chief in Nigeria. He is the Akosin of Yorubaland,{{cite news|date=2020-01-18|title=Alaafin honours businessman|url=https://punchng.com/alaafin-honours-businessman/|access-date=2022-10-14|work=The Punch}}{{cite news|last=Kehinde|first=Opeyemi|date=2020-01-12|title=Alaafin of Oyo to confer 'Akosin of Yorubaland' chieftaincy title on Habeeb Okunola|url=https://dailytrust.com/alaafin-of-oyo-to-confer-akosin-of-yorubaland-chieftancy-title-on-habeeb-okunola|access-date=2022-10-14|work=Daily Trust}}{{cite news|title=Alaffin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III confers Akosin of Yorubaland on Habeeb Okunola|url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/01/12/alaffin-of-oyo-oba-lamidi-adeyemi-iii-confers-akosin-of-yorubaland-on-habeeb-okunola/|access-date=2022-10-14|work=This Day}}{{cite news|last=Fagbule|first=Kehinde|date=2021-07-20|title=Behind The Scene: Habeeb Okunola's Installation as Akosin of Yorubaland|url=https://thewillnigeria.com/news/behind-the-scene-habeeb-okunolas-installation-as-akosin-of-yorubaland/|access-date=2022-10-14}} and also the Aare Tayese of Iseyinland.{{cite web|last=Azeez|first=Semiu|date=2022-08-02|title=Aare Tayese is a blessing to his generation - NUJ Boss|url=https://nationalpointblank.com.ng/aare-tayese-is-a-blessing-to-his-generation-nuj-boss/|access-date=2022-10-14|publisher=National Point Blank}} His notable awards and recognition include the following:
- Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) by President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari GCFR {{cite web|date=2023-05-28|title=FULL LIST: Emeka Anyaoku, Emefiele, Terry Waya among national honours recipients|url=https://www.thecable.ng/full-list-emeka-anyaoku-emefiele-terry-waya-among-national-honours-recipients|access-date=2023-05-29|website=TheCable}}
- Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) by President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari GCFR
- National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Ambassador of War Against Drug Abuse{{cite news|date=2022-08-02|title=NDLEA intensifies war against drug abuse, appoints ambassador|url=https://punchng.com/ndlea-intensifies-war-against-drug-designates-okunola-ambassador/|access-date=2022-10-14|work=The Punch}}
- Forbes Best of Africa Outstanding Entrepreneur Award{{cite news|last=Okoye|first=Rita|date=2023-12-05|title=Okunola shines at the Forbes Best of Africa Award ceremony|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/12/okunola-shines-at-the-forbes-best-of-africa-award-ceremony/|access-date=2024-02-09}}
- Euro Knowledge Leadership Award at the House of Lords, UK {{cite news|date=2023-11-26|title=Okunola bags Euro Knowledge Leadership Award|url=https://guardian.ng/news/okunola-bags-euro-knowledge-leadership-award/|access-date=2024-02-09|work=The Guardian}}
- Award for Excellence and Business Innovation at the 6th Annual Nigeria Entrepreneurs Award{{cite web|title=Governor Sanwo-Olu, Elizabeth Jack-Rich, Covenant University, Others Honoured At 6th Annual Nigeria Entrepreneur Award|url=https://www.modernghana.com/nollywood/35612/governor-sanwo-olu-elizabeth-jack-rich-covenant.html|access-date=2022-10-17|website=Modern Ghana}}
- Omoluabi award for “Integrity in Conduct {{cite web|date=2019-08-05|title=Tilt Group Boss bags 'The First Integrity in Conduct" award|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/08/tilt-group-boss-bags-the-first-integrity-in-conduct-award/|access-date=2022-10-14|work=Vanguard}}
- ECOWAS Youth Council’s Distinguished African personality {{cite news|date=2019-11-14|title=Habeeb Okunola decorated Ecowas Youth Council's Distinguished African personality|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/11/habeeb-okunola-decorated-ecowas-youth-councils-distinguished-african-personality/|access-date=2022-10-14|work=Vanguard}}
- Excellence in Business Leadership and Community Development
References
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Category:Officers of the Order of the Federal Republic
Category:Members of the Order of the Niger
Category:Nigerian business executives
Category:Nigerian philanthropists
Category:University of Lagos alumni
Category:21st-century Nigerian businesspeople