The Magical and Miraculous Transformation of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) Under the Auspices of Dr. Patrick Adebola

Brief History of CRIN 

CRIN was established on the First day of December 1964 as an autonomous research institute in the likeness of the Nigerian sub-station of the defunct West African Cocoa Research institute, WACRI established in 1944, which had its headquarters in Tafo, Ghana. 

The new Insitute was formed to be different from WACRI, which sole focus was Cocoa. The Nigerian Research institutes Act No. 33 of 1964 expanded CRIN's mandate to cover research on kola and coffee in addition to cocoa, but in 1975, the Agricultural Research Institutes Establishments Act further added cashew and tea to the crops under its purview - and in 2024, the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, ARCN, disclosed the inclusion of Vitex doniana (aka Black Plum), to the crops covered. Today, CRIN has a mandate to conduct research on six crops, viz, Cocoa, Kola, Coffee, Cashew, Tea, and Black Plum. The organisation's core mandate includes research to improve the production of those crops making them highly resistible to diseases. It also investigates their ecology, and effective usefulness, and making the research results available and accessible to farmers and other end users. 

Structures of CRIN 

CRIN has substations in six locations across the country, where the mandate crops have a comparative advantage, viz. 

1.Owena in Ondo State to caters for cocoa, robusta coffee and kola, in the south-west zone rain forest belt 

2.Uhonmora in Edo State, catering for cocoa in marginal forest areas. 

3.Ochaja, Kogi State for the production of cashew and kola. 

4.Ibeku, Abia State in the South-East zone to cater for cocoa and cashew. 

5.Ajassor (Cross River State) for Cocoa and Kola, and 

6.Kusuku-Mambilla (Taraba State) for Arabica coffee and tea. 

In addition, the institute also has six experimental stations across the country. They are in 

1.Okondi (Cross River State) for robusta coffee, 

2.Mayo-Selbe (Taraba State) for cocoa and robusta coffee, 

3.Ibule (Ondo State) for cocoa, 

4.Kabba (Kogi State) for robusta coffee, 

5.Ugbenu (Anambra State) for cashew, and 

6.Onisere (Ondo State) for cocoa. 

Over the years, CRIN has become indispensable in the country's quest for food security and a major pillar of agricultural research in the African sub-region. To achieve these feats, the institute is organised into eight departments under two umbrellas of technical research and service delivery. The departments are: 

1.Research (R), 

2.Farming System Research & Extension (FSR&E), 

3.End-Use Research (EUR) 

4.Production & Sub-stations (P&S). 

5.Planning Budgeting and Training (PBAT), 

6.Library Information and Documentation (LID), 

7.Finance and Account (F&A), and 

8.Administration and Supplies (A&S) 

These Departments are under the control of the Executive Director/Chief Executive, who in turn is also responsible to the ARCN and the Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources. 

The Institute in turn maintains bilateral relationships with international organisations that deal with cocoa and other mandate crops, and links with other National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIS) in state and national agencies through which its technologies and information are disseminated. 

Unveiling the Executive Director, Dr. Patrick Olusanmi Adebola 

Dr Patrick Olusanmi Adebola is a Plant Breeder/Geneticist and the current Executive Director of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, (CRIN) Ibadan. He is an International Agricultural Research Scientist with strong background in Applied Genetics and Plant Breeding. He obtained his BSc (1987), MSc (1990), and PhD (2003) degrees in Botany from the University of Ilorin. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Business Leadership (MBL) from the Graduate School of Business Leadership, University of South Africa. Dr Adebola has more than 30 years’ experience in agricultural research and international development. 

He was a Research Team Leader for the plant breeding division of Agricultural Research Council (ARC-VOPI), South Africa, for over ten years and led many successfully completed international donor projects. Dr Adebola also previously worked for the Africa Rice Center (Africa Rice) as a Deputy Director General of the Central Agricultural Research Institute in Liberia. Before his appointment as Executive Director, CRIN, Dr Adebola worked for the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) as a Senior Scientist and Project Leader where he led the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funded Africa Yam Project and coordinated the project activities in four target countries (Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria) with partners in Japan, USA, France, and United Kingdom. 

Dr Adebola was a recipient of the National Productivity Order of Merit, NPOM Award, (2021). This is an award of excellence, honour and dignity conferred by the president, on the most productive individuals in Nigeria. He is also a recipient of the South Africa National Research Foundation (NRF) postdoctoral fellowship and the Rothamsted International Postdoctoral Fellowship award hosted by the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA), Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom. 

Dr Adebola has over 80 scientific publications in highly rated peer reviewed international journals and has supervised several postgraduate students in Nigeria and South Africa. He is a member of several scientific /professional bodies and multi-disciplinary academic societies, the most prominent of which are Science Association of Nigerian (SAN), Botanical Society of Nigeria (BOSON), Genetics Society of Nigeria (GSN), Horticultural Society of Nigeria (HORTSON), Agricultural Society of Nigeria (ASN), and Biotechnological Society of Nigeria (BSN). Dr. Adebola was recently decorated as fellow of The Chartered Institute of Public Resources Management and Politics (Ghana) and Horticultural Society of Nigeria (HORTSON). He is a widely travelled person, who during his career visited several countries including the United Kingdom, Netherlands, South Africa, United State of America, China, Taiwan, Sweden, Belgium and France among others. 

Advancement of CRIN Under Dr. Patrick Adebola as ED 

As soon as Dr. Adebola was appointed ED in 2020, he began the development move that improved on the works of previous leaders and directors of the organisation. His developmental projects rub off on human, capital and physical areas as highlighted below: 

Safety and Security 

Knowing that the safety of lives and properties should be prioritised for development, Adebola ensured the management approved the engagement of private operatives (The rangers) to boost the existing security architecture in the head office, equipping them with adequate tools, such as defensive materials, mobility and communication gadgets. Their presence on campus is reassuring that staff members and visitors can transact their businesses without fear and hindrances. 

Industrial Harmony 

Dr. Patrick Adebola resuscitated the culture of research from its comatose state by instituting a consultative approach of open-door policy that grant stakeholders free access to him. He also built a strong team spirit among the workers, ensuring a mouth-watering motivation by settling backlog of salaries, allowances and other welfare packages that were pending since 2002. 

Old staff and pensioners were carried along under the 'staff first policy’ that built workers’ confidence and fostered unity - as soon as workers received their dues; protests, strikes, and other indices of industrial disharmony vanished from the system. 

Physical Infrastructures 

The current administration has brought significant improvement to CRIN infrastructures. Perimeter Fencing and Gates: The first thing that welcomes a visitor to CRIN is its beautiful perimeter fence and gate. Aside from its aesthetics, the structure demarcates and secures the institute’s premises. 

Remodelling and rehabilitation of Admin Block: To make the working environment exciting for all categories of staff, the ED embarked on massive remodelling, renovation, and furnishing of offices in the head office and out-stations. The administrative block was given a complete turnaround, wearing a new outlook. 

Power and Internet Access: Solar energy and generating sets were also installed to boost power supply, and a 24-hour internet access is now guaranteed following management's upgrade of the bandwidth from 4 mbps to 100 mbps. 

To boost its core research mandate, a model fermenter, equipped with modern tools and set to transform the process of fermentation has been built at the head office. 

Dr Adebola and his team have just completed the construction of Cocoa Flavour Laboratory, a cutting-edge technology facility constructed in partnership with the World Cocoa Foundation, WCF. The lab is a reference point for cocoa flavours aid genotypes research in the continent. 

Road Network: All major roads in the headquarters have been tarred and failed portions on the road have been rehabilitated. The compound has also been well landscaped to make the headquarters surreal and ideal for rigorous research. 

Establishment of a Modern Gymnastics Centre. 

Health is wealth; Dr. Adebola’s administration built a modern gymnastic centre with the state-of-the-art facilities to ensure that staff and their families are healthy. 

The mother of all achievements in terms of infrastructure is the ongoing construction of a mega multi-purpose hall. The 1,500-capacity gothic edifice is close to completion and indeed beautiful to behold. The hall is expected to boost the revenue base of CRIN. 

Other efforts targeted at improving Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, include the establishment of a sachet water factory and another for beekeeping and honey production. 

Research, Innovations, and Internal Revenue 

CRIN Scientists have recorded several life-changing research breakthroughs in all its mandate crops. The studies are generally focused on producing early bearing varieties and improved yields for all crops. The institute has developed hybrid varieties of the mandate crops, including cocoa pods, G-series cashew genotypes, and draught-resistant tea genotypes. 

Millions of hybrid seedlings have been distributed to farmers all over the country. This initiative has greatly impacted the mandate crops, leading to astronomical increases in their production, revenue generation, and a better standard of living for farmers, through research, CRIN recently developed cocoa-specific fertilizer under the IDH/OCP/CRIN/AITA project. The program is a game changer, with commensurate potential of transforming cocoa farming in all regions of Nigeria. 

The institute has also embarked on maximising the value chain of the mandate crops, leading to the production of consumer goods along the value chain, some of which are in commercial quantity. These products include cocoa powder, soy chocolate, Choco-bread, cocoa wine, cocoa custard, yoghurt, and cocoa flakes. Similarly, bathing soap, washing soap, body cream, hair cream, and low-calorie cookies, and CRIN has announced the production of highly hygienic poultry feeds. 

Conclusion 

Dr. Patrick Olusanmi Adebola holds a magical wand and is endowed with miraculous touches. Like Midas, everything he touches turns to gold. He wants people to remember him as an executive director that CRIN with open door policy who contributed in terms of human resource and infrastructural developments, renovated assets, collaborated with other institutes locally and internationally, brought peace and harmony to the institute, paid arrears of over 90 Million NGN, owed no staff and had no single fracas in during his tenure.

Man-to-Man Caught in the Act

Nigerians, due to Africanism, religiosity, and high moral standards, often believe that homosexuality is taboo within their culture and alien to the traditional belief system.

In view of this, anyone engaging in such acts is considered barbaric—likened to a pestilence or an epidemic that must not only be disdained but also ostracized, lest they become a contagious germ capable of causing collateral damage and a societal pandemic.

A shocking discovery was made on May 20, 2025, at approximately 1:35 p.m.—not in a remote village, but in Mushin, a city located in the heart of Lagos State. There, an angry mob nearly lynched a young man, approximately 42 years old.

The man, Tunde Akande Theophilus, was caught in an intimate act with another man by a neighbour, who subsequently alerted the entire community. The partner’s name was unknown at the time of reporting, as he had escaped the ensuing brutality.

Tunde and his partner were beaten and sustained injuries; their clothes were shredded, and they were nearly set ablaze but for the timely intervention of the police, whose arrival was signaled by the blaring siren of a Toyota Tacoma patrol vehicle operated by the Nigerian Police Force.

Further investigation revealed that Tunde had been involved with several other men—one of whom was Rabiu Kazeem Olalekan (popularly known in the area as KC), a husband and father of one. KC is a micropreneur recognized locally for his role as a study teacher.

KC was born and raised in Mushin. His residence, located at 24 Shokunbi Street, was ransacked by community members seeking to identify more individuals like him. Fortunately, he was not home at the time of the mob’s visit. However, his family members were not spared from the wrath of the aggrieved community, which continues to search for “the germ called KC,” whom they believe has committed an abomination capable of destroying their community.

The question that community leaders and residents still expect Rabiu Kazeem Olalekan to answer is: ‘How come he married a wife, had a child, and still gets intimate with a fellow man?’ If Tunde was telling the truth and the evidence discovered on his phone proves reliable, then KC is not homosexual; he is bisexual.

In Nigeria, homosexuality or bisexuality is classified as a criminal act, punishable by up to fourteen years in prison.

The police are continuing their search for KC and other individuals allegedly involved in this illicit activity, while the community is doing everything within its power to bring them to justice.

Money is the only thing that makes people win election - Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, OFR.

There are monarchs, royalties and nobles and there are special mankind that take obeisance of kings … not because of any spectacular standards – age or creed - but because of divine orchestration. When ocean roars and people shout on top of their voices that, ‘It is a magic moment!’ Many people may wonder what and why but there can never be a more magical moment than human perception and besides, the magic moment cannot be as spectacular as the magic that makes the moment fascinating. For example, it is rare to find leopards walking the streets and of the cats’ family, there is something unique and inspiring about leopards – it is their spots and great hunting skills. 

Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, OFR – an astute pharmacist/businessman, an articulate executive, a noble with excellent character who wields the magical wand that makes every moment and place phenomenal, one afternoon, in his Sonibare Estate abode hosted the duo of Lanre Olusunmade - the Publisher of Synochure International magazine and Yomi Abayomi in an inspiring and educative session that x-rayed his life from childhood to all the daring adventures he has taken and how far the Lord has taken him nationally and internationally. Excerpts below:

Sir, in 2023, you contested  for the primaries of the presidential election under PDP. What was the motivation behind this?

Well, the motivation is that all my life,  especially my adult life, I have agonized about the situation of Nigeria. I have had a passion to play some roles to see Nigeria move from an underdeveloped third world to a prosperous, competitive first world - and that passion has been hastened by the fact that a couple of countries classified as third world in the 60’s like China, Singapore and many others have either become first world nations or close to it as developing nations. Nigeria is still third world and every human development index you look at seems to be going back instead of going forward. The corruption perception index, human development index, the longevity of life, mortality rates, infant and maternal. Malaria has remained with us since I was born. Other diseases have come and gone. There are just too many things that say that Nigeria is not moving. That passion led me into advocacy through the Manufacturer Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, the Nigerian Employers Consortium, the Organised Private Sector, and the Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce. I've advocated at the state and national levels. I've written books upon books on  my thoughts on what Nigeria needs to do. I've participated in conferences ad-infinitum. The most significant one is the Vision 2010, the Strategy Conference Vision 2020, the Nigerian Political Reform Conference of 2005-2006 … all in an effort to see Nigeria become a globally competitive nation that works for all - and when all these didn't work, especially when Muhammadu Buhari came to power and Nigeria went down to anomy, poverty, criminality and everything negative. The spirit of God tugged at my heart that, ‘It's time to quit advocacy … stop complaining, and see if the work can be done. That was the major motivation that made me go all out and see if I can emerge. All I have left was just to resign and forget about Nigeria but it is difficult for me.

Why under PDP? Why not the ruling party?

When I decided to join a political party, I had two issues. First, I had been identified with PDP. I joined PDP several years ago and persuaded my younger brother to join politics in 1998 because I was quite busy with my career - and my brother being a political animal was encouraged to be where decisions are made from my constituency, ward and upwards.  So, when I thought of the ideal political organisation, PDP readily came to my mind. Secondly, I was coming with an ideology of a new Nigeria.  I did not see the performance of APC and its ideology appealing to me because I cannot identify something positive that APC did to Nigerians that mights make me join the group.  In a sane world, APC should have been punished for the way they ran down the economy of this nation like it happens in America … if I hadn't gone to PDP, I would have gone to  ANPP.

In one of the interviews you granted during that time in one of the national dailies, you said even people in your constituency did not vote for you. What will you say is responsible for that?

It is because the Nigerian political culture is completely monetised. What is the criterion for electing anybody in any political partyin Nigeria? It's how much money you have; there's nothing about capacity, competence, or character. You can be a paedophile, armed-robber, kidnapper, and assassin combined in ope body … you may not have gone to school but if you have enough money, people will vote for you.  That is what happened in 2023.  During national elections, we have Nigerians who vote for ideology, conscience, capacity, competence, to a degree, even though that may not win you the election if you don't have sufficient money to deal with INEC, to deal with security people. Even if INEC or those who rig don't rig for you, you cannot stop them from rigging  for another person. So, money still plays a vital role when it comes to political selection process  at the primaries. The only thing that makes people win election is money, nothing else. 

Sir, looking back, what was the experience like?

Wonderful … very intersting … so fascinating. It did so much for me. First, I went around the country three times - and that enabled me to see the ends of this country and to associate with the people, to feel their pain, to ride on their rough roads, to enter their rough rooms and hotels, to feel the weather and   all that happens in those areas. I witnessed security problems face-to-face. There was a day we were driving in the north, coming from Zamfara, the bandits were on the other side of the road. The only thing that separated us was the median, but God saved me because I was on the other side, they were there with about 200 motorcycles. God was just merciful onto me and my entourage. Luckily enough, we’d had a car break down. One of the cars in our convoy broke down, and the moment the security people with us saw them, they told me to just drive off, and leave the broken-down car, which we did. I experienced everything we should know because part of the problems of leadership in Nigeria is that leaders are far from us, they are distant from us, they do not connect with us.  The second experience was that I got to know about Nigerian politics and understand it better. All of us who are not politicians interpret Nigerian politics in different dimension.  I also understood how Nigerian politicians think and it was clearer to me why Nigeria is where it is today. So, I resolved on a lot of things. I used to say, ‘Why is this or that?’ Now, I know why. Thirdly, as I told you, I went with a motivation. Permit me to say it is divine so I feel fulfilled that I did not chicken-out, I followed up to the end, did what I could do.  All I know today wouldn’t be known if I had disqualified myself because I didn't have much money or knew political father or because of my age. I have no guilt whatsoever, I feel good that I answered God's call and I believe that is not the end of the story …there is still something else God wants to achieve by that motivation.

So, are you still nursing the ambition of going back into the political ring in the future?

I cannot rule that out, but if you ask me if I want to run now, I will answer no. By doing so, I'm just limiting myself to my feelings because the first time I ran, I never thought I would go into politics. If I’d wanted to go into politics, I would have gone in the late 80’s and 90’s. In 1992, the governor of Abia  State invited me to serve in his cabinet. That would have been my first introduction to politics but I was already high up in my career ladder. At the end of the interview, the deputy governor called my sponsor and told him that my performance was extraordinary that I was the first person they made up their minds to choose but they are now struggling with the ministry that they can put me in as a pharmacist. The health ministry was the first natural option but they felt it was going to be too small for me. They even thought of making me the Commissioner for Information and Strategy to sell the State. The interview was conducted on Monday, the Deputy Governor called my sponsor on Wednesday - and on Friday the List of the Commissioners came out and my name was not in it. Was that a political game? I don't so; it was a divine intervention. How did I know it was a divine intervention? If I’d been named, I would have resigned from my job to become a Commissioner, and I would have done the work for one year, because the government was overthrown in 1993. The same May 19912, my appointment as Deputy Managing Director of Pfizer came out. If I had become Commissioner, I wouldn't be the MD. So I see the hand of God in everything.  My sponsor believed it was a political game but I told him it's the humble work of God and the moment they announced me as Deputy Manager, he organised a party to thank God that he did not divert me from my career.

What advice do you have for the younger ones who want to become politician in future?

With my experience; if you want to be a successful politician in Nigeria, you should start early. It is like a recruitment …an apprenticeship. Start early as a Councillor, become a chairman, House Rep. You must build it like a career. Don't do like those of us who come into politics, eyeing an elective office, from a business or other professional careers. Just be a professional politician. It's difficult to work-out except you've made a lot of money or you have people who are willing to sponsor you. To come in the middle is a tough job. So, my advice is enter into politics like an apprentice … climb … run, if you want to run, or have enough money to spend or look for the people who have the money to sponsor you. That's why we have this ‘Godfatherism Syndrome.’ But that's the only thing that works in Nigerian politics you can't run on your own goodwill without money. 

For the sake of our reading public, let's get to know you sir. Who is Mazi Sam? 

I was born on the 16th of August 1950. I'll be 75 years on earth by August 2025, and those years are actually more than 100 years for a normal person. I've lived for 100 years, given the kind of things I've been through. On my 25 years old birthday as a final year student at the University of Ife, I told my birthday  audience that i've lived half of my life, that if God gives me another 25 years, He would have done something extraordinary for me. Imagine someone like me who thought 25 years was half of his life who has had no reduction in his level of activities, with full utilisation of talents and skills, offering services and leadership everywhere he goes --- given an opportunity of 50 more years.  My life is full of testimony; I was born in Portharcourt, my parents and grandparents came from Abia to settle there. I am  first of 12 children from one father and two mothers. I did my primary school in Port Harcourt, St. Michael's Primary School. In 1964, I went to Okrika Grammar School, River States till Form 4 when the war broke out in 1967 disrupting my education. In 1968, I joined the Biafra Army and God helped me to survive. In 1970, I joined Government School in Owerri where I did my school cert. I went to the University of IFE  in 1972 to read Pharmacy,  I graduated in 1976, joined Pfizer in 1978. By 1993, I had become the Managing Director and CEO of Pfizer International, Pfizer Nigeria. The next year I became Regional Managing Director for Pfizer West Africa. I worked till 2011 when I retired, having spent 33 years in the industry. 18 years as CEO between Pfizer and Niemeth.

You were drafted into the Biafra Army as a young lad to fight in the war.  After the war, you went back to school in the east - but when it was time for higher institution you came to the West. Why Ife and why pharmacy?

My parents actually preferred I go to Nsukka but by nature, I like to travel. I decided to go far from home. I took Ife, Ibadan and Nsukka. I preferred Ibadan being the oldest university in Nigeria but it offered me Pharmacology while Ife gave me Pharmacy, even though I didn’t know the difference between the two. I attended the interviews for both schools. I didn’t go to Nsukka at all. When I got to Ife, by the time I drove from the gate and climbed to Ife and saw the building and the campus I fell in love with the school. I said, ‘This is the place!’ So, I forgot Ibadan. I didn’t plan to read Pharmacy as there was no career counselling. I was a bright student, thought to be a medical doctor. If you ask me what I loved was to be a lawyer, a journalist or humanist. I also thought about doing Geology because I had some senior friends who studied that. Because I’d lost 3 years to the war, I cant spend another 7 years studying Medicine. There was no money as such.  I needed a shorter course like business management, but my uncle persuaded me to read Pharmacy.

What was your experience like at Ife, and how do you compare what was obtainable in your time to what we have now?

I had a very beautiful experience at Ife but there is no way I can compare what I had with what my daughter had. I ensured my daughter chose Ife for her Pharmacy but I never visited her until she’d spent more than 2 years in Ife. I went to her hostel, they had 6 bunks in a room, which means they were 12 in a room and then she told me they all had squatters in a room which means they are like 24 in a room. When I was in Ife we were 2 in a room. Things have gone down.  When I became CEO I did my bit in the school. I am not one to complain. 

In what ways will you say going to Ife has impacted on your profession?

The basic thing about Ife was the colouration and the mix of the people. It was ethnically balanced, people from all tribes - even from other nationalities. There was no known discrimination against the igbos. Ife taught me discipline especially pharmacy. 

Why did you choose Business and Management for your postgraduate, or was it going back to your first love ?

It was Pfizer that sent me to Columbia University for the executive management programme. I didn’t opt for it on my own --- and I can even say it is divine arrangement. 

When you joined Pfizer, did it cross your mind that one day you will become the Managing Director of Pfizer?

It was after the first five years of joining Pfizer that I started noticing some changes because my initial plan was to spend between 3 to 5 years because I had an uncle who asked that we start a pharmaceutical business together. Very attractive offer but God restrained me. Those 5 years at Pfizer were years of extraordinary works, not necessarily for the good of the company but for my own good.  My growth in Pfizer exceeded my bosses’ expectations. In 1980, I became the Regional Manager and in 1985, I became the National Sales Manager.  1983 that was supposed to be my 5th in Pfizer, and the year I needed to fulfill my promise to my uncle by resigning in January but at the Christmas and annual award party, they called me to receive my 5 years service award/certificate, the chairman of our company was arguing. I didn’t know what they were arguing about. Eventually, the Chairman stepped out and asked, “Sam, have you been only 5 years in this company?” I answered, “Yes sir!” He said, “Unbelievable! You made this kind of impact in just 5 years. My son, you have a bright future. Keep it up.’ 10 years after my encounter with the then Chairman I became the Chairman/CEO.

Sir, you left the buy-over of 60% equity and you never converted. Why did you do that ?

All my life I have never been money-conscious or lived a selfish life. I can’t claim not wanting to but there is this special enablement by God, who has always been providing for me, going ahead of me and softening the road, fighting my battle -- and that has influenced my behavior. I have never made money an issue, I enjoy sharing. I don’t regret my action. My joy is that the company is still alive and doing well.

You are a man of many parts how do you joggle all effectively without one rubbing of on the other?

Its tough. I have learnt the job, and practised the act of time management. I keep diaries and journalise the day. I have a detailed outline of what I am going to do per day. All I am doing are in focus. 

While growing up who was your role model?

As a young person, my role model has always changed in line with what I look out. One person that was a role model for me as a young person was Nnamdi Azikwe. I loved him and revered him.  In my Adult life, I have 3 areas that I was looking at role models such as community development, there was a man Pa Chris. I was the chairman of his burial committee.  I loved him because he was a community-minded person. He did things for the community. In my profession as a pharmacist, the man that I looked up to was Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi (CEO Juli Pharmacy). He still remains my mentor and hero in pharmacy. Then in corporate management as a CEO, I looked up to someone like Felix Onyiwere of Nigerian Brewery Plc.

What advices do you have for the younger ones ?

My recommendation for them are as follows; (1) Whatever it takes; get education, without education nothing can stand. It sets you apart. It opens your mind and broadens your scope, (2) They should embrace God however they believe God. (3) They must learn to exercise their talents and use their skills and abilities for humanity and honour God. (4) Everybody can succeed in life, it depends on your measure of success.  There are 5 things every man must know to drive him to success in any positive endeavor. They must have purpose or vision. They must plan every move, project on things they want to do. They must be a hard worker; hard work does not kill. They must have passion; passion is what produces the oxygen to drive when everybody else is in difficulty. They must plan for providence. They are all do able.

How do you unwind?

I unwind by doing different things. Being in the presence of God to me is unwinding. My relaxation is in-built into my several activities. I am a social animal; I attend parties . I also do some bit of sports.

What do you want to be remembered for?

The guy that came, and ensured anywhere he went, he tried to make it better than he met it.  I want to be remembered as a man who believed in sharing the love of God and everthing he has with other people … a man who believed in putting smile on the faces of people by supporting them in his own capacity

Cardinal Richard Cushing's Prayer of Submission and Relevance

Dear God,

Help me be a good sport in this game of life.  I don't ask for an easy place in the line up. Just put me where You need me. 

I'll only ask that I can give You 100% of all I have. If the hard drives seem to come my way, I thank You for the compliment.

Help me remember that You never send a player and have him do more than he can handle. 

Help me, Oh, Lord, to accept the bad breaks as part of the game. 

And may I always play the game on the square no matter what the others do. 

Help me study the books so that I can know the rules. 

Finally, God, if the natural turn of events go against me and I am benched for sickness or old age, please help me to accept that as part of the game, too. 

Keep me from whimpering or squealing that I was framed or that I ruined a deal, and when I finish the final inning I ask for no laurels. All I want is to believe that in my heart I played as well as I could. 

Amen !