•Says Ibadan’s rich commercial heritage can produce next generation of global business giants
Arisekola made the remark after attending the opening ceremony marking the commencement of the sale of shares in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos, describing the development as a remarkable milestone that should inspire entrepreneurs across Ibadan and Oyo State.
Reflecting on the historic occasion, Mogaji Arisekola said his immediate prayer after witnessing the ceremony was that Ibadan would soon produce an entrepreneur capable of attaining a similarly prestigious position on the global business stage.
His words carry particular significance given Ibadan’s long-standing reputation as a major centre of commerce, enterprise and intellectual development in Nigeria.
According to him, the city has a proud history of producing enterprising men and women who distinguished themselves through courage, innovation and outstanding contributions to commerce and industry.
He therefore prayed that Almighty God would continue to elevate sons and daughters of Ibadanland and open greater opportunities for them to compete successfully within Nigeria’s increasingly competitive business environment and the wider global economy.
Mogaji Arisekola, who is widely regarded as a strong advocate of Ibadan’s cultural heritage, entrepreneurial spirit and socio-economic advancement, also invoked the blessings of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, saying he looked forward to seeing more Ibadan indigenes attain remarkable heights in business.
He said it would have been a deeply inspiring moment to see the Olubadan on the stage at such an occasion, witnessing one of his subjects achieve an extraordinary feat in the business world.
For Arisekola, however, the significance of the Dangote Refinery share sale goes beyond the immediate financial transaction.
He sees it as a powerful reminder that Nigerian entrepreneurs can build enterprises capable of attracting massive investment, creating jobs and competing at the highest level internationally.
His message also comes at a time when the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has emerged as one of Africa’s most ambitious industrial projects, with its development widely regarded as a major step towards strengthening Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity and reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.
Located in the Lekki area of Lagos, the refinery represents a landmark private-sector investment and has become a major symbol of the possibilities that exist within Nigeria’s vast industrial and entrepreneurial landscape.
Against this backdrop, Arisekola, the publisher of Street Journal and Mogaji Ajenigieye of Oje, Ibadan, believes that the next generation of entrepreneurs in Ibadan must seize the opportunities presented by Nigeria’s evolving economy and aspire to build businesses of national, continental and global significance.
He urged young entrepreneurs to dream beyond immediate success, work with determination and remain committed to creating enterprises that can stand the test of time.
The respected Ibadan figure also prayed that the historic development would inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs from Ibadan to aim higher and pursue ambitious ventures capable of putting the ancient city on an even bigger global economic map.
His message reflects a broader aspiration among Ibadan stakeholders to see the city regain and strengthen its position as one of Nigeria’s foremost centres of commerce, enterprise and investment.
With Ibadan’s rich history, strategic location, large population and deep pool of human capital, the city remains well positioned to nurture businesses capable of making significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.
Arisekola’s prayer is therefore not merely about personal wealth or individual recognition. It is a call for a new generation of Ibadan business leaders to build enduring enterprises, create employment, attract investment and leave behind legacies that future generations can celebrate.
Concluding his message, Mogaji Arisekola invoked the enduring spirit of Ibadanland with the traditional prayer: “Àsìkò Kabiyesi, His Imperial Majesty, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, yóò san wá fún owó, yóò sì san wá fún ọmọ.”
He added: “May this historic achievement inspire a new generation of Ibadan entrepreneurs to dream bigger, work harder and reach even greater heights.”
“Òkè’Bàdàn á gbé wa o!” he concluded in the unmistakable spirit of Ibadanland.
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