Engr Ifeoluwa Oyedele may not need a new laurel to solidify his status as one of Africa’s best professionals and leaders of the past decade, but adding another prestigious one wouldn’t hurt.
From his primary school days when he started going home with laurels, Oyedele, who sits on the board of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) as the Executive Director (Networks), has never left anyone in doubt of his brilliance, finesse and strength of character as one of Africa’s shining star.
Unsurprisingly, he’s being celebrated as African Man of the Year 2022 in the faraway Gambia at the 12th edition of The Voice Africa Magazine Awards.
The award, conferred on Oyedele by The Voice Africa Magazine in the Netherlands, recognises Africans who have distinguished themselves in service to their country and continent.
Other recipients include President Adama Barrow of The Gambia, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Fatima Bio, among many other diplomats, and political, traditional and business leaders across Africa.
Oyedele is not only receiving the prestigious award, but he was also chosen to present the keynote address at the award ceremony that will be held in The Gambia from August 18, 2022, with a focus on “Reinventing Africa’s Future through Participation”.
His latest continental award has also received a presidential nod from President Muhammadu Buhari.
President Buhari, in a statement by Femi Adesina, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, commends Oyedele’s dedication to the development of the country through his profession, electrical engineering, and participation in democratic processes, which includes playing an active role in the merger of the APC, and achievements of the party.
For those who have been following Oyedele’s trajectory, his global exploits didn’t come as a surprise.
From the early days of his professional career with DAFEC Consultants, Ibadan where he acquired experience in the design, supervision and monitoring of electrical engineering projects especially rural electrification, to his stint in the Oyo State Ministry of Works & Transport and then the Office of the Oyo Governor as a pioneer staff of the Rural Electrification Unit (later known as the Directorate of Rural Development), which marked the beginning of his remarkable career in the Power Sector, Oyedele’s professional career has been on a rollercoaster.
When he later transitioned into the private sector and joined other like minds to set up a private engineering company, Matcom Limited (MCL), in 1992, his fine blend of public and private sector experience has stood out in all his endeavours.
A Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a Registered Chartered Engineer, he is equally a Fellow of the Risk Management Society of Nigeria. Oyedele has also earned the Fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (FNIEEE) as well as the Nigerian Institute of Power Engineers (FNIPE).
Since his appointment, first as Executive Director (Engineering and Technical Services) of Niger Delta Power Holding Company and later as Executive Director, Networks, a position he presently occupies, Oyedele has demonstrated a high level of dexterity and brilliance that has made his life like a book for the younger generation striving for excellence to study.
From the private to public sector and political office, Oyedele’s personality as a stickler for orderliness and excellence and as an incorruptible professional has remained without blemish.
As Oyedele continues to distinguish himself as a quintessential engineer, an exemplary leader, and an altruistic philanthropist, the world is waiting to see more of his ascension to greater heights beyond the shore of Africa. We will not be surprised when t starts happening.
We celebrate the achievements of the Okitipupa-born engineer conquering the world, one step at a time!
