Ex-chairman of Ecobank John Odeyemi has revealed that his success was made possible by the scholarship provided by the late nationalist Obafemi Awolowo.
Odeyemi, 85, stated this on Sunday at the latest edition of ‘God in My Life’ series organised by the Torchbearers Society of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, GRA, Lagos.
The series features accomplished Nigerians, telling the stories of their lives and how God helped them to attain great heights.
Odeyemi said, “Today’s young generation must focus on integrity and educational advancement to build a better future. I am grateful to God Almighty and the Anglican Church for their role in developing human resources that fuel the progress of our industries and economy.”
“My success was made possible by the support of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s scholarship, which allowed me to pursue my studies and teach in secondary schools.
“Those formative years, along with the friendships I forged, were crucial to my career development,” he added.
He contrasted past and present times, emphasising the need for the current generation to rebuild the community spirit of earlier years.
“In the past, we focused on mutual growth rather than mischief. Today, we face economic challenges, but we can overcome them by returning to our foundational values,” he said.
Born in Ile-Ife, Osun State on 4th April 1939, Odeyemi is the Obasewa of Ile Ife and fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.
He was the chairman of Ecobank Nigeria Ltd from September 2006 to March 2010 and has sat on the board of several companies.
