The sleepy settlement of Oyin Akoko in the present day Akoko North-west local government area of Ondo state and Nigeria at large became a better place on January 16, 1964; the day baby Yinka savoured her very first air of this world.
The model of virtuousness began life with optimism and later got married to Tunji Ojo; but the union was quite short lived due to her husband’s untimely death. The prayerful woman, expectedly got devastated by the incident of her husband’s death; but, she refused to get broken. She rather, remained determined and resolutely renewed her trust in the Lord with intensified prayers.
Notwithstanding the initial setback, the resilient Yinka was determined to brave all odds and she actually did. Against all odds, she acquired quality education and also gave the best of education to her only child, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Through determination and hard work, Yinka Tunji-Ojo rose to the position of General Manager Finance & Investment of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Ibadan, before she exited the conglomerate in 2022. Meanwhile, she had earlier served as the Group Internal Auditor of the company from April 2007 to March 2012. She had also earlier served in an acting capacity in the same position from April 2006 to March 2007.
Mrs Tunji-Ojo had meritoriously served Odu’a Investment Company Limited in various capacities at different times. She was earlier held the position of Senior Manager (Audit) of Oodu’a Investment Limited from April 2004 to March 2006. She was also the Audit Manager of the same establishment from August 2001 to March 2004.
Yinka had also served as the Chairman of the company’s Asset Disposal Committee from 2008 to 2020. She also served as a member of Finance and General Purposes Committee from 2008 to 2014 and member of Strategic and Monitoring Committee of the Board in 2008.
Yinka was appointed the Secretary of Odu’a Board Special Committee on investigation of Glanvills Enthoven Nigeria Limited from 2009 to 2010 and a member of Odu’a Board Special Committee on Odu’a Textiles Limited Assets from 2010 to 2012. She also served as a member of Odu’a Management Committee on Sketch ex-staff matters in 2012 and the Chairman of the Steering Committee on Project Sage in 2018. Moreso, Yinka was appointed the Chairman of the Steering Committee on Project West from 2017 to 2018 and equally acted for the Group Managing Director whenever he was unavailable.
Much earlier, the highly religious Yinka Tunji-Ojo had also served as the Director of Ire Clay Products Limited, Lagos Airport Hotel and Wemabod Estates Alternate. Earlier in the cause of her career, Yinka worked with Sketch Press Nigeria Limited as the Chief Accountant from August 2000 to July 2001. She also hand a stint with Z.O. Ososanya & Co. Chartered Accountants, as an Audit staff/ Manager from February 1993 to June 2000.
The forensic Accountant cut her career teeth at Gurara Securities & Finance Company Limited as an Investment Officer from 1991 to 1992 during her
mandatory one year NYSC programme.
Yinka Tunji-Ojo is a holder of Master degree in Business Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State. She had earlier bagged Bachelor of Science in Accounting (second class upper) from Bayero University, Kano. She is also a holder of Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from College of Education, Benin CityCity, Edo State. She obtained her West Africa Secondary School Examination Certificate (WASC) from Ansar-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Ikare Akoko in 1981.
The unquenchable thirst of Yinka Tunji-Ojo for further academic attainment
took her to the United Kingdom for an Advance Certificate in Project Management (ACPMTM) at the Business Management Training Council in August 2012. The Forensic Accounting expert also attended Lagos Business School, Lagos where she obtained Certificate in Senior Management programme SMP 22 in October 2004.
She belongs to several professional bodies some of which include The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. She passed the institution’s professional examination in November 1998. Yinka also became a Certified Forensic Accountant of Nigeria in March 25, 2019 and had earlier became a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria in April 9, 2010.
Yinka is a member of the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN). She had also attended several leadership training courses within and outside of Nigeria. Mrs Tunji-Ojo was at the Manchester Business School in United Kingdom where she attended International Top Executive Leadership Programme in June 2012. She had also been presented with several Certificates by some professional institutions.
Some of her professional certification include that of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Forensic Accounting Certification Programme in August 2018; the Association of Corporate Women in Governance and Professionals Women in Governance of Nigeria, in November 2017 amongst others.
Mrs Tunji-Ojo had won several awards in the cause of her academic pursuits. She won the award of the Best Graduating Accounting Student at the 12th Convocation Ceremony of Bayero University, Kano on February 22, 1992. She was the winner of 1985 College of Education, Benin Convocation
award for the Best Student in Geography and Economics.
The septuagenarian is definitely a model of a good mother, mentor, coach, and devout Christian, who believes totally in the power of prayers. She is evidently selfless and has been of immense benefits to humanity. She, nonetheless deserves national accolades for her abilities to raise her only child all alone, to national prominence. The only child, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo was a former member of the Federal House of Representatives and now the highly performing Nigerian Minister of Interior.
Yinka is a pride of Oyin Akoko, just as her son, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is likewise the pride of the entire Akoko land. She is reputed and respected for her brilliance, analytical skills, boardroom skills, native intelligence and integrity. She is also known for her meticulousness as well as her ability to miltitask. She is likewise very proactive in decision making and on disciplinary matters. The consistent honesty, forthrightness and firmness of Yinka Tunji-Ojo readily attest to her professed Christian faith.
God has indeed been very faithful to Yinka Tunji-Ojo and her family thus far. She actually looks a lot younger than her real age; which makes 60 to look very good on her. She has also been imbued with the grace of excellent health and sound mind. Likewise, she continually experience overflow of joy over her only child and grandchildren. These and many more are clear manifestations of God’s faithfulness in the life of the Yinka Tunji-Ojo. .
The easy going woman may not have birthed more than one biological child; but the only child, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has turned out to be a child that is actually worth more than a million children. In addition to her biological child, Yinka Tunji-Ojo also has a number of adopted and spiritual children.
This woman of faith, prayer and virtue has undoubtedly impacted humanity in her 60-years of existence.She had risen above all odds and successfully carved a career niche for herself. She has thus far, intentionally dedicated her time and resources to the service of God and humanity. Yinka Tunji-Ojo is by every measure, a successful woman, who has even raised a far more successful son.
Everything gets better with age, just like Yinka Tunji-Ojo is a lot better at age 60. She has truly developed love of life that is contagious, and this makes the world brighter each day. Yinka Tunji-Ojo can only be wished a 60th birthday that is filled with smiles, laughter, and endless joy.
Salako writes from Abuja
