Osibo

THE GENTLE GIANT AND A REMARKABLE ACHIEVER: ADEBAYO OSIBO 

By

Seye Adetunmbi

By nature, some people are generally calm, gentle and not given to publicity, yet, their accomplishments are worthy of acknowledgment and celebration in the public domain. Relatively, this kind of people would rather let their achievements speak for them because by inclination, they are humble, easy-going and naturally disposed to modesty in going about their affairs. One of the distinguished Nigerians in this category is Chief Adebayo Olanrewaju Osibo. By contemporary standard, he has done so well for himself having excelled in his chosen career. Yes, he made his mark in the manufacturing concern, asserted his acumen in the business environment, made his presence felt in his community, paid his dues as an asset in the Anglican communion through his numerous resources committed to integrated God’s work and to the glory of God, he stands out among his peers. Apparently, his achievements are manifestations of hard work and commitment to excellence by a focused man over the years.

Chief Bayo Osibo started his working career with Lever Brothers of Nigeria PLC, now Unilever PLC in 1979 as Senior Field Manager and later became the Commercial Manager of Nigerian Textile Mills Limited between 1982 and 1984. Thereafter, he joined West African Portland Cement Company as the National Sales Manager of its subsidiary, Portland Paints and Products Nigeria Limited. Through dint of hard work, he became the General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of the Company in 1990. In 2004, he led a team of managers to acquire the company in a Management-Buy-Out (MBO) and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer. This was a feat because there were very cases of MBO in the real sector of the Nigerian economy at that period of time. Under his management, the company diversified into many other related activities, and acquired value-adding franchises of notable foreign companies. The company also became quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 2009, yet another feat.

Chief Bayo Osibo standing 3rd from left with fellow Form 1 students of Christ's School in 1965

 He distinguished himself as a great manager of resources, this among other reasons earned him election as the Chairman of the Paint Manufacturers Association in 1993 and served till 2003. During this period, he established the Institute of Paint Technology at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos for the training of technical manpower for the paint industry. His wealth of experience and diligence in outstanding service to paint manufacturing industry, earned him an appointed as the Chairman of the Working Committee on Manufacturing of the Nigerian Content Consultative Forum in 2005. He also served as the Chairman of the Chemical and Pharmaceutical sub-sector of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, (MAN) and a member of the National Council of MAN. 

    No doubt, the pedigree of Chief Osibo influenced his choices and laudable activities in life. He was born on Tuesday 23rd September, 1952 to the devout Christian family of Chief Theophilus Babasanya Osibo and Princess Sarah Banjoko Osibo. His mother was a granddaughter of the first Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Okukenu I. No wonder, the royal blood in him reflected in his carriage and elegant personality. 

    He started his primary school education at Government Demonstration School, Surulere in 1958. He is a product of Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, which he attended between 1965 and 1969 and his school number is 65/075. He also attended Igbobi College, Yaba for his Higher School Certificate course in 1970-1971 before proceeding to the University of Ibadan for a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and graduated in 1976. He later obtained master’s degree from University of Lagos in 1978 and he is a product of the prestigious Lagos Business School.

An accomplished manager who is a member of the British Institute of Management, the Nigerian Institute of Management, the Institute of Directors, and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Marketing. He is on the board of Portland Construction Limited, The Design Centre and Square One Group of Companies as the Chairman. He also served as the vice-chairman of the Governing Council of Graceland Polytechnic, Offa.

Chief A. O. Osibo is a well-rounded gentleman. He is happily married to Mrs Bamidele Osibo, and blessed with four children that are doing his family proud. Coming from a family with a strong Christian background, his commitment to active service in the church is a natural part of him. He served as a chorister in the choir of Bishop Adelakun Howells Memorial Church in Surulere, where his mother was an active parishioner. The contributions of Osibo family to the development of Christianity in general and the Anglican Communion in particular are legendary. He continued the family heritage of giving by establishing a 120-capacity chapel in honour of his mother, the “Sarah Chapel of Praise” where a permanent pastor conducts praise worship services three times in a week. His contribution to the development of St. David’s Anglican Church, Ofada in Ogun-State had been very significant and this earned him the eminent chieftaincy title of the Baba Ijo of the parish.

Chief Bayo Osibo is a highly prized alumnus of Christ’s School because of his huge commitment to the restoration project of his alma mater. He was elected the Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of Christ’s School Alumni Association. He is a member of the Metropolitan Club, Yoruba Tennis Club, and Ikeja Golf Club. He worships at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, where he is President of Charity Band and Treasurer of the Christian Friends Society.