BIYI OTEGBEYE: A RARE BREED @56
By Femi Salako( Triangle News Media)
There are times when curious thoughts are birthed, especially when it comes to defining or debating the person and deeds of great minds. Such is the moment that brought the person of Biyi Otegbeye to the fore front. Many know him as one with outstanding and consequential outputs, others say he’s a man unusual. He’s different things to different folks.
Biyi Otegbeye was born on October 11, 1963 to the family of Late Mr. Festus Oladunjoye Otegbeye and Mrs. Anuoluwapo Otegbeye of Ilaro in Ogun State. He began life in a humble way. His parents were God fearing, comfortable and contented and because both parents were seasoned teachers, they gave all their children good education and upbringing. After his primary education at Christ Church School, Porogun Alapo, Ijebu Ode, Biyi was enrolled at the famous Comprehensive High School, Aiyetoro, Ogun State in 1974. He completed High School in 1979 and proceeded to the prestigious CMS Grammar school Bariga, Lagos for the Higher School Certificate.
Young Biyi was admitted to the University of Lagos in 1981 to study Insurance and he graduated in 1984 at the age of 20. Between 1985 and 1987 he studied for Masters’ Degree (MBA) in Financial Management and accounting at the same University. Young and brilliant Biyi qualified as an Associate of the Chattered insurance Institute London (ACII) in 1988. In 1991, he enrolled to study Law at Lagos State University and graduated with LLB in 2001. He was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 2003 as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Biyi began his working career at the United Nigeria Insurance Company Limited (UNIC) in 1986. His journey to the top of his career was very rapid. Between 1990 and 1991 he was the General Manager, Capital Asset Insurance Brokers. In 1991, he became CEO of Excel Insurance Brokers. In 1993 at the age of 29, Biyi founded Regency Insurance Company Limited and became one of the youngest CEO in the Nigerian insurance Industry. An Insurance guru and entrepreneur, he took Regency to a greater height in 2007 when it became a publicly quoted company.
He sits on the boards of many companies either as chairman or director. They include: Regency Alliance Insurance Limited, Ghana, Earth Energy Nigeria Limited, Treasurygate Nigeria Limited, RIC Microfinance Bank, RIC Properties and Investment Limited, Global Medioptions UK Limited, Ripples Ventures Ltd and El-Bethel Schools Lagos to mention but few. In 2012, Biyi was appointed by His Excellency Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the Governor of Ogun State to serve as a member of the fact finding panel of Gateway Industrial and petroleum Institute, Onne.
In recognition of his contribution to the nation, he was appointed in April 2013 by His Excellency, the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, as Chairman of the Governing Board of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. He’s a member of Olabisi Onabanjo University Development Foundation, a Fellow Lecturer, University of Lagos; Fellow, School of Management, The Bell University and Fellow, School of Management, Caleb University. He is a recipient of many recognitions and awards including Merit Award Ogun State Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Merit Award Compronians, Merit Award, University of Lagos Alumni, 3 times Merit Award Distinguished Son of Yewa; Orona day and Vice President, Boys Scout, Kosofe Division, Lagos State. Biyi is a passionate community man and philanthropist; he is reputed for his zeal for youth education and empowerment in Yewaland.
As a devoted Christian and a committed man of faith, Otegbeye brings his faith to bear on his deeds, even in the political front to the admiration of many. Constituents say having him on the Senatorial race of Ogun west is a sturdy hope that our generation will not be a total waste in the political history of the district. He as few others are the light of progress that beacon on the entire senatorial district. A light that will put an end to the darkness that had for long dragged it behind in its journey out of wilderness. He belongs to the corporate world, he is highly connected, he is young and articulate, he is brilliant , resourceful and highly successful, he founts great thought and has the capacity to lead.
Many believe that electing a personality like Otegbeye should be the major concern of every Ogun west youth and patriots. He and few others are symbols of our long struggle for political prominence in a state his constituents have for long been heavily marginalised and relegated to the background. His participation in the poll as the SDP flagbearer was a decision well thought of and driven by strong desire to contribute his quota to the economic and political advancement of Ogun West, which for avoidance of doubts , needs quality leadership to transform it from its present state of inexplicable backwardness.
BOT, as popularly known and addressed, has thrown up great enthusiasm among his many fans, particularly within the very short period of our coming on political stage. The BOT initiative which heralded Biyi’s political project as one that has touched many lives as it’swell tailored to identify the various needs of our people and the kind of intervention that can change the living standard of our teeming artisans, market women and other professionals. Otegbeye saw the state of infrastructures and poor road networks across the Senatorial district that speaks volume about the neglect of the area in the scheme of things. These and other alibis motivated him to step up to bring himself to the service of the people by offering to represent the his people in the political arena. It was indeed a venture he conscientiously undertook with self conviction, and there has been no regrets in any front as the unfolding scenario about the future signals giant prospects as he is ever ready to do more for the people in future.
We do know him as one who is passionate sincerely about improving on the lots of many. Everyone acknowledges and appreciates his various contributions and assistance to the building of his constituencies. Even prominent personalities, friends, family members , party leaders and supporters towards confess his great deeds of altruism. Since he came to the political space, Biyi has done a good record, moving through the nooks and crannies of the district and have personal contact with the people even within the remotest part, thus giving him the opportunity to know his people and the challenges of the various communities. For Biyi it all has proven a worthy endeavour that he will love to have again and again regardless of cost and time consummation. He believes no good venture is cheap and no commitment is too big to make for the people that he holds so dear to heart.
Biyi reiterates deep affection for his people and a strong commitment to the growth and development of the area that produced him. On his lips remains his hearty confession as being dedicated and committed to the social welfare of my people through the pet project: “Building Opportunities for tomorrow (BOT)’’, a programme that continues to promote the welfare of the people as part of his social contract with the people of Ogun west.
Biyi, a propitious star anyday and a carrier of huge , profound prospects, in either private or public dealings. Even today, as always, we raise our faith in this illustrious man whose sheen illuminates beyond bounds.