Capacity-filled Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Law Auditorium of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, literally shook to its foundations as soon as his name was mentioned for honour, with the mammoth audience spontaneously going into frenzy, roaring in acknowledgment of his accomplishments, significance, relevance as well as his contributions to the society through various philanthropies. In response to the tumultuous validation however, with a calm and cool mien, a face wizened by wisdom, experience and exposure; he rose to his feet as his loaded and enviable profile was to be read out, preparatory to the conferment of honorary degree.
His superlative fame, based on his uncommon achievements; has obviously assumed a very meteoric and dazzling level, attributed to the sages in the crucible history of mankind. Indeed, Barrister Dr. Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi (MON) who was one of the three eminent Nigerians celebrated recently by Ajayi Crowther University (ACU) on its 15th convocation ceremonies with the conferment of honorary degree (honoris causa) is one of the diamonds that continue to shine luminously in the Nigerian landscape with his giving hands, having been noticed in several areas of the socio-economic life of the nation.
But who is he and what is his pedigree? Barr. Afolabi is the Chief Executive Officer of SIFAX Nigeria Limited which has become a leader in ports and shipping with offices in Tema Ghana, Durban South Africa, Houston USA, Rotterdam Belgium and London. His company was the leader of the consortium that bidded for and won Port Harcourt Ports Terminal “A” in 2006. His company also won the concession of Tin Can Island Ports Terminal ‘C’. In addition, the company has also diversified into the aviation sector with the acquisition of the foremost aviation ground handling company, Skypower Aviation Handling Company Ltd., through its subsidiary, Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, in a competitive bidding process supervised by the Bureau of Public Enterprises.
Born in Ondo State to the family of Chief and Chief (Mrs.) Samson Afolabi, Barr. Afolabi is a native of Idokunusi, Ijebu in the Ijebu East Local Council of Ogun State. He started his educational pursuit at Ansar Ud Deen Primary School in Ondo and proceeded to Baptist Grammar School, Ibadan where he obtained his West African School Certificate (WASC).
His quest for higher education led him to the University of Lagos, where he obtained first and second degree in Law. He began his working career with a shipping outfit, The Nigerian Express Agency Ltd (NEAL), where he became an outstanding young manager in Shipping Operation and Ports Management before travelling abroad to study Shipping Management. Barr. Afolabi came back and worked with the same company as its Head of Operations. However, because of his burning desire and passion for the development of the maritime sector, he left NEAL in 1988 to establish his own company – SIFAX.
The story of this handsome man of means is a story of remarkable achievements, uncommon courage, dedication, discipline and phenomenal philanthropy as he has consistently used his voice for kindness, his ears for compassion, his hands for generosity, his mind for gratitude and his heart for love towards humanity.
For instance, Afolabi who has been supporting education all over the place built a 1,000-capacity auditorium for Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso a few years back when his intervention was sought in addressing infrastructural deficits in the university. He moved from Ogbomoso to Ife and donated a new 18-seater bus to the medical student association of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.
He has also been sponsoring, in the last six years, the free rural medical mission of the dental students of the University of Ibadan. Students of the University of Lagos have also benefitted from his benevolence too. He has sponsored the Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime Conference (TAAM), a conference which is meant to cultivate the interests of students in sub-Sahara Africa in the maritime sector. This conference alongside a Blueprint competition for students in the Law faculty in various universities have helped to shape the knowledge of the students in maritime law.
As a practical demonstration of his philanthropic commitment, Afolabi established a foundation known as Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation (AAAF) which focuses on education, health, entrepreneurship and empowerment. Taking a kaleidoscopic view of this Foundation, however, it is on record that AAAF in 2023 paid tuition fees of 217 scholars who are children of the widows in the society. On health, the AAAF offered over 500 patients a range of services in eye care, dental care, treatment of malaria, typhoid, cancer, diabetes, hypertension.
Afolabi’s philosophy is predicated on the belief that happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give, thus, touching every life on his way with love unfeigned. He therefore remains the light by which several groping feet are guided. His selflessness, however, is so discernible to the point that many people have something positive to say about his altruistic disposition. Fair and firm moralist of high social standing, Afolabi believes that Nigeria cannot realise her true potential until the country subscribes to the principles of morality, accountability, transparency and responsibility.
On why he accepted ACU’s honour, hear him, “I have received this kind of honour from about five universities, both locally and internationally. But this one is special because of the ownership and vision of the ACU, being a faith-based university owned by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and with a mandate of producing graduates who are imbued with the fear of God and a sense of service to humanity, I am particularly glad that I am a recipient of this honour from an institution that cares about the enthronement of morality and ethics – two key values that have been badly eroded in our public life in the last few decades.”
Afolabi has contributed immeasurably towards the betterment of the society as he lifts humanity out of poverty within the scope of his wealth. He has offered employment to all manner of people without prejudice to their social status, tribe, religion, creed or colour. As he provides strength in distress across the country. Perhaps the thrust of his preaching is that those who have been blessed should rise and be blessings to the less-privileged in this poverty capital of the world. May God continue to replenish this votary of truth as he continues to assist the needy.
• Saanu (08034073427) who is with Ajayi Crowther University on sabbatical, is Media Assistant to the Vice Chancellor. Email: sundaysaanu@gmail.com
