Chief Joseph Bayo Akinola FNIM

High Chief Joseph Bayo Akinola, FNIM, fondly known as the Ojomu of Offa, is a distinguished leader, entrepreneur, consultant, and devout Christian whose life has been marked by excellence, service, and impact.

Born in Offa into the respected family of Pa Samuel Aasa Akinola of Ile Ojomu Arojojoye and Madam Elizabeth Bilewu Akinola (née Opadinrin of Ile Ologa, Offa), he grew up with deep cultural roots and strong Christian values that shaped his life of service and integrity.

His early education began in Offa, where he attended 1st Baptist Primary School and later Iyeru-Okin African Church Primary School. He proceeded to Government College, Kaduna for his secondary education and later Rumfa College, Kano, where he excelled as a school prefect and was awarded the Mathematics Prize for Best Student in his final year. He went on to study Physics at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, graduating in 1970 with distinction.

Chief Akinola’s professional journey began with W. J. Bush & Co. Limited, a British manufacturing company in Nigeria. Rising quickly through the ranks, he became Finance Director and later Deputy Managing Director before venturing into private enterprise in 1991. He went on to establish Jobak Nigeria Limited, a diversified company with divisions in management consulting (Jobak Konsult) and environmental services. Through this, he has played a key role in enterprise management, industrial and financial consulting, human resource development, and environmental sustainability, both in Nigeria and abroad.

Beyond his professional pursuits, he is deeply committed to Christian service and community development. As a student, he was active in the Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS), where he served as President of his chapter. In his later years, he has served in various leadership roles within the church, including Elder and Chairman in the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA), Finance Board Chairman of ECWA headquarters, Vice Lay President of The African Church (Kwara Diocese), and Chairman of several committees at national level. He is also a life member of the Bible Society of Nigeria and has authored impactful books, including “Members’ Welfare – A Challenge to the Church of Christ” and “What is African about The African Church.”

A Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), Chief Akinola has held prominent positions within the Institute, including Zonal Chairman (North Central Zone), Council Member, and Pioneer Chairman of the Kwara State Branch and Offa Chapter. His expertise in management and governance has also been recognized through his roles with the Kwara Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA), where he served as Deputy President, and as consultant/adviser to numerous companies and organizations.

Chief Akinola has also dedicated himself to philanthropy and social impact, notably as Chairman of Love Initiative For Every Child (LIFE), which provides life-saving medical treatment, care, and support to children with serious health conditions across the world.

His leadership and contributions have been honored with multiple traditional and religious titles, including:

• Baba Ewe Onigbagbo of Iyeru-Okin African Church Archdeaconry (2007) – Father of the Christian Youth.

• Otun Bashorun of Offa (2009) – by HRM Oba Mustapha Olawore Olanipekun, Ariwajoye II.

• Ojomu of Offa (2012) – conferred by HRM Oba Mufutau Muhammed Gbadamosi Okikiola Oloyede, Ajagungbade I, Esuwoye II.

• Asiwaju Ijo (Okunrin) of Iyeru-Okin African Church (2020).

A man of faith, wisdom, and humility, Chief Akinola has dedicated his life to bridging the worlds of business, faith, and community development. His contributions span leadership in management, youth empowerment, social investment, and Christian service.

He is happily married to Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Modupe Akinola (née Odepidan of Ile Ejisun), the Otun Iya Ewe of Offa, and together they are blessed with children and grandchildren.

Today, High Chief J. B. Akinola remains an inspiring figure, bringing decades of experience, wisdom, and a passion for service into every sphere of influence. His blend of professional expertise, cultural heritage, and Christian devotion makes him a priceless asset and a beacon of guidance in any institution he serves, including his role as a valued Advisory Board Member of St. Hannah Foundation.