Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide, popularly known as Odidiomo, is evidence of the fact that “If you always let yourself love others, you’ll get back more than you give,” as the display of his love for his people propelled the good people in his immediate community and the state at large to push for his engagement in politics. “You can argue anything with me but not my love for my people, society, and the needy. My political involvement was born out of my love for the people,” he said while hosting some journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Sunday.
Born into the family of Alhaji and Mrs Lateef Olajide of the popular Akuru family of Agbeni, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in southwestern Nigeria, Odidiomo grew up in a close-knit family that valued education, tradition, and community service. His parents, both respected members of their community, instilled in him the importance of hard work, integrity, and perseverance from a young age. This could have played a significant role in shaping his identity and aspirations.
Right from his early education at Alafia Nursery & Primary School, Mokola, Ibadan for his primary school education, to Methodist High School, Ibadan/Lagos Road for his secondary school education, and his tertiary education at Rutgers University, New Jersey USA where he obtained B.Sc. in Information Technology, Odidiomo demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for learning. His inquisitive nature and thirst for knowledge were evident from the start.
His formative experiences and influences during Odidiomo’s early life played a crucial role in shaping his character and ambitions. They laid the groundwork for his future pursuits, driving him to break barriers, achieve excellence in his chosen fields and prioritise giving back to his society.
Career Journey and Achievements
Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide has made significant strides in his professional journey, marked by a series of commendable achievements and contributions, especially in, the oil and gas and technology industries. His career trajectory is a testament to his dedication, innovation, and leadership prowess.
Odidiomo’s career impactful trajectory in the technology industry was profound. As a co-founder of several tech startups, he played a pivotal role in steering these companies towards innovation and market leadership. His work in tech has been characterized by a relentless pursuit of cutting-edge solutions and a deep commitment to leveraging technology for societal benefit. Notably, his projects have often focused on bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusive access to technological resources.
He is the CEO of Bentley Energy Nigeria Limited, a company with a vast interest in Oil & Gas. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide, a bio-informatician has a vast knowledge in human–genomics. He worked professionally with Fortune 50 Companies in the USA for almost 25 years! He has been a leader in the application of Advanced Computing Architectures to deploy High-Performance, Scalable, Highly Available, and Cyber Security Solutions. Most recently, implemented solutions based on Secured Cloud Architecture, Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD), Service-Oriented Architectures (SOA), including Web Services, E-Business, Enterprise Portals, Internet/Intranet, client/server, Enterprise Application Integration (EAI), Middleware, Data Warehousing, and Transaction Processing, enterprise architecture (infrastructure and application), delivery management, technical leadership, project management, development and Risk Management in remediation of regulations.
He has also managed diverse project teams, including offshore development organizations. He is an effective communicator with good interpersonal skills, a strong and enthusiastic mentor, and will commit to delivering results that meet or exceed expectations, on time and within budget.
Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards and recognitions. These accolades highlight not only his professional excellence but also his contributions to broader industry advancements. He has been honoured with awards such as the “Innovative Leader of the Year” and has been featured in various industry publications as a top influencer and visionary.
Odidiomo’s leadership style is defined by a blend of visionary thinking and pragmatic execution. He is known for his ability to inspire and motivate teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. His unique approach to leadership emphasizes empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to ethical practices, which has consistently driven organizational success and stakeholder satisfaction.
His career is a remarkable journey of achievements and influence. His contributions to finance, technology, and beyond underscore his multifaceted expertise and unwavering dedication to driving positive change in every field he touches.
Personal Life and Interests
Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide is a figure whose influence extends well beyond his professional achievements. In his personal life, Odidiomo is an individual of diverse interests and deep passions. Philanthropy is a cornerstone of Odidiomo’s personal life. He is deeply involved in various charitable activities, focusing particularly on education and youth empowerment. Through scholarships and mentorship programs, he endeavours to provide opportunities for young people to excel and achieve their potential. His philanthropic efforts are a testament to his belief in giving back to the community and fostering a culture of growth and development.
His philanthropic gestures endeared him to individuals and groups who practically ‘dragged’ him into politics, hence he is quick to ascribe his joining politics as a divine arrangement rather than coincidental.
Odidiomo linked his engagement in partisan politics to a divine arrangement, not a coincidence, to better give back to society, which has always been his priority.
“I had been helping people to the best of my ability, running charity programmes without any political motivation, by my God-given means, before I ever agreed to join politics; here we are by God’s divine arrangement,” Hon Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide.
Following the confidence people reposed in him, which he earned through his non-political love for his people, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide contested and was elected as the federal lawmaker representing the Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency. Five years down the line, he has delivered quality representation.
“We will continue to serve our people in the best capacity we can and I can assure you that we will not disappoint,” the House Committee on Cyber Security’s chairman assured.
Impact and Legacy of Odidiomo
Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide has made an indelible mark on various spheres, extending his influence beyond personal achievements. His work has inspired a generation of mentees and resonated profoundly with colleagues and communities. Odidiomo’s mentorship programs have served as a beacon of guidance and support, nurturing talent and fostering a culture of excellence. His commitment to empowering the next generation is evident through the numerous success stories attributed to his guidance.
Colleagues often laud Odidiomo for his collaborative spirit and visionary approach. His ability to galvanize teams and drive projects has led to significant innovations and advancements in his field. His initiatives often emphasize sustainability and long-term impact, ensuring that the benefits of his work are felt for years to come. Noteworthy among his projects is the community development initiative which aims to provide educational resources and infrastructure to underserved areas. This project, among others, underscores his dedication to creating lasting change at the grassroots level.
Odidiomo’s influence extends to his community, where his philanthropic efforts have made substantial contributions. From scholarship programs to healthcare initiatives, his actions reflect a deep-seated commitment to improving the quality of life for those around him. His legacy is built on a foundation of compassion, innovation, and unwavering dedication to societal betterment.
The Marines (One Agenda), a political organization within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, recently congratulated and celebrated his one-year in office as a two-term federal lawmaker representing the Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West federal constituency at the National Assembly, while listing some of his numerous achievements in the service to his constituents.
While acknowledging the lawmaker’s dedication and hard work in serving his constituents, the group described Hon. Olajide, as a man of impeccable character and a champion of the masses, who within five years in the House of Representatives, has many laudable achievements, bills, and motions to his credit.
Looking ahead, Odidiomo’s aspirations are both ambitious and impactful. He envisions a future where his ongoing developmental efforts continue to break barriers and create opportunities for all. His focus on sustainable development and inclusive growth in his constituent and Oyo State generally sets a precedent for future leaders. By spearheading initiatives that address pressing issues in his constituency and Oyo State with its reflections on the nation at large, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide aims to leave an enduring legacy that transcends generations. His vision for the future is a continuous improvement and relentless pursuit of a better world, ensuring his impact remains significant and far-reaching.
