It is our custom at Entrepreneurs.ng to look out for outstanding entrepreneurs that are making a difference in their Industries. We believe that honor should be given to whom it is due. So today, we are flashing our torch on another oil and gas magnate, Taiwo Afolabi who has paid his dues and has become a big deal in the Industry.
See Also: Resources that will help you start, market and grow a sustainable business.
We present to you an entrepreneur, public speaker, lawyer and philanthropist, who is recognised all over the world.
So, read on and get inspired.
Taiwo Afolabi Background
Taiwo Afolabi (MON) was born on the 29th April, 1962 to Chief & Chief (Mrs.) Samson Afolabi. Although he was born in Ondo State, he is a native of Idokunusi Ijebu in the Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria.
Taiwo was raised by his mother Alhaja Ayisat Afolabi who was a first class trader. He ran the business with his mother and assisted her in hawking her wares. The experience gotten from participating in his mother’s business prepared him for the business world.
The Business Mogul is married to Folashade Afolabi and they are blessed with children. One of his children is Damilola Afolabi, a popular Nigerian recording artist known as L.A.X.
Dr. Taiwo is a lover of sports, especially football.
Taiwo Afolabi Education
Taiwo Afolabi started his education at Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Ondo State. He later proceeded to Baptist Grammar School, Ibadan where he obtained his West African School Certificate (WASC).
Afterwards, Taiwo Afolabi acquired a LLB certificate in Law from the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar by the Body of Benchers in November 2009.
In his quest for knowledge and advancement in career, he enrolled for a masters degree at the University of Lagos where he obtained a certificate in International Law and Diplomacy.
He is also a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Financial Management (NIFM), Institute of Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (IFFN), and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators of Nigeria.
Taiwo Afolabi Early Career
He did start early because even when he was still in secondary school Taiwo and his friends would collect newspapers from vendors and sell for a commission. He later worked with his Uncle, Otunba Olatunde Olowu who was the MD/CEO of Nigerian Express Agencies Limited, a freight forwarding company in 1981.
While working at Nigerian Express Agencies Limited, he grew to love the maritime sector and paid close attention to the operations of the company. In no time, he rose to the position of a clearing manager.
Due to his interest in building a maritime business, he traveled abroad to study Shipping Management. When he returned, he became the Head of Operation of the Company.
Taiwo Afolabi Journey Into SIFAX Group
As a man with eyes for business, he started SIFAX Group as a Freight forwarding Company in 1988. Through risk taking and sound decision making skills, Taiwo has been able to grow the company’s operation across oil and gas, hospitality, maritime, aviation, haulage and logistics, among others.
SIFAX Group, which started in Lagos, Nigeria now have presence in United States, Ghana, United Kingdom, South Africa, Belgium, Holland, Morocco, Spain and Djibouti to mention a few.
SIFAX Group Subsidiaries
Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited
This is the port operation arm of SIFAX Group. The company was established in 2006 and the operations are carried out at Terminal C in Tin Can Island Port, Lagos Nigeria. PCHS is one of the few terminal operators with concession to run ports in Nigeria.
SIFAX SAHCOL Plc
This was formerly known as Skypower Aviation Handling Company Limited before it was privatised and taken over by SIFAX Group in December, 2009. The company is established as an aviation ground handling service provider under CAMA 1990
SIFAX Offdock Nigeria Limited
A company established in 2004 to handle the offdock facilities and services of the group.
SIFAX Haulage and Logistics Limited
A leading haulage and logistic company in the West-African sub-region.
SIFAX Clearing and Forwarding Limited
A company offering clearance and delivery of consignments from customs in both airports and seaports.
SIFAX Oil and Gas Limited
An oil and gas company incorporated in 2010. The company acquired a land in 2012 to build 60,000,000 metric tons capacity tank farm. Currently, the company has acquired a license to build a 120,000 barrel per day capacity greenfield refinery in Nigeria.
SIFAX Logistics and Marine Services Limited
The company specializes in the provision of special transportation and marine related services.
SIFAX Shipping Company Limited
A company established to offer quality shipping services to its clients.
Philanthropic Gestures of Taiwo Afolabi
It is said of Mr. Taiwo that no one goes to him with tears and not return full of smiles. His philanthropic gesture is majorly focused on education. He has funded several students from primary to tertiary level.
One of his many works is the 18-seater toyota hiace bus donated to the medical students association of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun.
He also donated a 1,000 capacity lecture theatre at Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomosho.
Due to his outstanding contribution to nation building, four different Universities awarded him with Honorary doctorate degrees. The universities include Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomosho, Oyo State; Cornerstone University and Theological Seminary, Jerusalem, Israel and USA; European-American University, Dominica and Commonwealth University, Belize.
Apart from that, the philanthropist has also received more than thirty individual awards from various organizations.
Other Awards and Recognitions
Member of the Order of Niger (MON) – 2010
Daily Sun Business Person of the Year – 2014
Honorary Consul-General of the Republic of Djibouti in Nigeria
Member, Institute of Directors Nigeria; Ikoyi Club 1938, IBB Golf Club, Abuja
Member, Building Committee of the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce and Industry
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