By Banji Ayoola
A renowned business tycoon and philanthropist, Ambassador Surajudeen Oladotun Ajilesoro, has been unveiled as the Osun Youth Role Model and Mentor by an American firm, Rowland Empire Innovation Prince and Princess Pageant USA for its 2023 Face of Osun Pageant, the Light Edition.
The Pageant Director, Prince Timi Abiri, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, said that the choice was predicated on what he described as Ambassador Ajilesoro’s exemplary strides in business, social, and community development.
An accomplished and visionary leader, Ambassador Surajudeen Oladotun Ajilesoro, hails from the royal lineage of Obalufon in Ile-Ife, the heart of the Yoruba race.
His educational foundation was laid at the revered Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, where he earned both his Bachelor’s in Political Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration, after which he further expanded his academic pursuits.
Ajilesoro had his Master’s in Public Administration from the Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso; a degree in Sociology and Industrial Relations at Fountain University, Osogbo; and another Master’s degree from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
His business ventures are vast and varied, beginning with Shea-Galore Logistics Nigeria Limited, a multifaceted firm specializing in freights, shipping, consultancy, and packaging.
Also, he diversified his business exploits and ventured into Agriculture with Ajilesoro Farms in Osun State, which is recognized for its pioneering mechanized farming and making significant contributions to food production and distribution in the entire South West Region comprising Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, and Lagos States.
Besides, the hospitality sector felt his Midas touch with the establishment of Abike Hotels & Comfort Zone Bar in Ile-Ife.
Ambassador Ajilesoro’s uncommon entrepreneurial spirit led him further to establish the D-Glowbiz Logistics, offering a wide range of services from logistics consultancy to general development and equipment supplies.
Also, his footprint in the automobile industry is significant, having established Ajilesoro Motors Nigeria Limited, which swiftly became a prominent name in this sector.
Having traveled extensively as a businessman, Ajilesoro’s commitment to societal well-being is unwavering. In 2007, he launched the Ajilesoro Foundation, a beacon of hope renowned for its philanthropic initiatives.
The foundation is particularly celebrated in Ile-Ife for its compassionate outreach to the vulnerable, notably the elderly and school children, echoing Ajilesoro’s belief in giving back to the community that shaped him.
Face of Osun Pageant is a beauty and leadership contest brand with a shining reputation spanning eleven years in the cultural promotion, Tourism development, and women empowerment in the state.
The grand finale of this year’s Eleventh Edition of the Pageant will be held in November in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.
