The 85th birthday of Chief Oyin Jolayemi, the Chairman of Daily Need Industries Limited, was a grand occasion marked by heartfelt tributes and a resounding celebration of his remarkable life and achievements. The festivities commenced with a thanksgiving service at Our Saviour’s Church in Lagos, where dignitaries from various spheres of life gathered to honour the esteemed industrialist. The service, led by the Bishop of Lagos Diocese, Rt. Revd. Ifedola Okupevi, was a testament to Jolayemi’s enduring influence and impact on society. The Bishop’s sermon, centered on the theme of “Unmerited Grace,” extolled Jolayemi’s purposeful life and encouraged him to further dedicate his time to mentoring younger generations. This call to mentorship underscored the importance of guiding and supporting Nigerian youth amidst the challenges that often lead them to seek opportunities abroad.
The religious ceremony transitioned into a lavish reception held at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, where an outpouring of tributes further highlighted Jolayemi’s contributions to industry and nation-building. President Bola Tinubu, represented by Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, conveyed his congratulations and gratitude for Jolayemi’s role in job creation and national development. This presidential acknowledgement underscored the significant impact of Jolayemi’s entrepreneurial endeavors on the Nigerian economy and its workforce. The Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Kayode Alabi, also added his voice to the chorus of accolades, describing Jolayemi as a source of pride for the state and a role model worthy of emulation. Alabi’s personal reflection on his first encounter with Jolayemi further emphasized the industrialist’s lasting impression on those he met.
Written tributes from Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State highlighted Jolayemi’s integrity, business acumen, and philanthropic spirit. Governor Sanwo-Olu lauded Jolayemi as a pillar of wisdom and inspiration, emphasizing his enduring influence and contributions to society. Governor Abiodun, in his tribute, acknowledged Jolayemi’s entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic endeavors, recognizing his significant legacy in business and nation-building. These gubernatorial tributes underscored Jolayemi’s widespread respect and recognition across state lines.
Further tributes from the leadership of Odu’a Investment Company Limited celebrated Jolayemi’s visionary leadership in building the Daily Need Group into a respected brand. They commended his mentorship of professionals, his inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, and his notable contributions to national development through pharmaceutical and personal care innovations. This recognition from a prominent investment company highlighted Jolayemi’s significant contributions to the business landscape and his impact on various industries.
The heartfelt tributes extended to the personal sphere, with Jolayemi’s children expressing their gratitude for the values of integrity, hard work, and selfless service instilled in them by their father. Their emotional testimonies revealed the profound impact Jolayemi had on their lives, emphasizing the importance of family values and their enduring legacy. The unveiling of Jolayemi’s autobiography, “The Triumph of Virtues,” added another layer of significance to the celebration. This reflective work encapsulated his life’s journey, struggles, and triumphs, offering a deeper insight into the man behind the accomplishments.
The birthday celebration culminated in a gathering of prominent figures from various sectors, including former Supreme Court Justice George Oguntade, Senator Florence Ita Giwa, and Prince Samuel Adedoyin, Chairman of Doyin Group of Companies. Their presence underscored the wide reach of Jolayemi’s influence and the respect he commanded across different fields. The event served as a fitting tribute to a life dedicated to industry, philanthropy, and nation-building. The numerous accolades and heartfelt expressions of gratitude painted a portrait of a man who had not only achieved remarkable success in his own endeavors but had also touched countless lives through his generosity, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to service.
