OLUMIDE ORIGUNLOYE: THE GOLDEN BOY CHAMPIONING THE CAUSE OF REDEEMING AKURE

 

OLUMIDE ORIGUNLOYE: THE GOLDEN BOY CHAMPIONING THE CAUSE OF REDEEMING AKURE

By Sunday Ajibola

Men (referring to both men and women) make things happen. We are the harbingers of all the good available in the world. Name it. Be it the scientific, technological, industrial, and educational breakthrough, men are the brains behind them. We have the power and privilege to bring about change by improving ourselves, our surroundings, and the lives of others. Talking about bringing lasting and developmental improvement, only individuals with discipline, dedication, vision, passion, and a love for others can carry it out.
Anyone can think only of themselves and improve their lives in the process—it doesn’t require rocket science. Most of us belong to that category of people, which explains Nigeria's current backward position and the heightened suffering of its people. However, there are a few rare individuals whose works and activities are tailored toward enriching others. These are the rare breeds Nigeria, Ondo State, and Akure in particular, desperately need.

For decades, I have been deeply perturbed about Akure, the dwarfed capital city of Ondo State. Both political leaders and, disturbingly, Akure’s own indigenes have collectively turned Akure into a glorified city. It feels like a gang-up. To understand the severity of the underdevelopment inflicted on the city, observe the number of its youth seeking opportunities outside the state and abroad. Do not blame them. There are no business establishments, companies, or industries where they can make a living.
At a time when I was on the verge of losing hope for the city, and failure of my generation to turn things around, a blinding ray of light pierced the thick darkness enveloping it. These are interesting times indeed. Men make times and seasons memorable with their actions, leaving marks on the sands of time and charting new courses.
In Akure, one man has stirred the hornet’s nest. He is changing the narrative, championing a new cause, and writing his name in gold. His name is Olumide (Oluyimide in the Akure dialect) Origunloye. He is fast becoming a brand. Though his name, Origunloye, (head fits the throne in Akure dialect) is purely local, he possesses the mindset and posture of a cosmopolitan, international businessman. Real business leaders know that a brand’s name and identity often surpass its owner. That is the path Olumide Origunloye is treading.
Are you asking who Olumide Origunloye is? I will not blame you. I asked same question the first time I heard it. He is the Proprietor of the wave-making CREST 106.1 FM, a Radio Station in Akure. When Crest FM launched, no one suspected it would become a game-changer in broadcasting. Nothing initially suggested such an impact; it was presumed to be just another radio station. However, within a few years, through its unique programming, news packaging, and presentations, it has become a force to reckon with.
Crest FM stands out as the only radio station in Ondo State that trains budding journalists and broadcasters at its academy, absorbing many into its workforce. The Radio Station equally provides other consultancy services to a myriad of professionals on marketing, publicity, packaging and delivery. Who will not seek assistance of an outfit with proven track-record success? When asked about the station's operations—which he doesn’t interfere with—Olumide reportedly replied in his beloved Akure native dialect,  agbe ni more. Ian kan mo  use Radio lii ludi re. Han se daadaa. (“I am a farmer. Experts in broadcasting are in charge, and they are running it well.”) Interestingly, although his home is a stone’s throw from the station, he has not visited it in over a year!
To ensure smooth operations, at inception, Origunloye engaged the indefatigable management impresario, Prince Ade Adekanbi, as the Board Chairman. CREST is Prince Ade Adekanbi's second voyage into Radio management in Ondo State. It’s worth noting that during Adekanbi’s tenure as General Manager of OSRC in the early 1990s, the organization enjoyed its golden era. The Radio arm became so popular that civil servants would abandon their duties until after 9 am when some programmes would have ended. So, the meteoric rise of Crest FM’s is not surprising. Olumide brought a winner.

Having achieved this milestone, Olumide is expanding his empire. Now, there is the CREST CENTRE, the corporate office of his ventures. The revamped building, formerly known as Morims, adjacent 'Police' A Division, has been turned around. It exudes modernity and sophistication, reflecting the innovative touch Olumide brings to everything he does.
Olumide’s strides bring hope to right-thinking people. While he is not the first or wealthiest Akure-born businessman, he stands out for his commitment to economic development, rather than politicking. Many who could have aided Akure’s progress have diverted their focus to self-serving political endeavors.
Interestingly, Olumide is based in Ibadan, Oyo State, yet he continues to invest heavily in Akure. His initiatives defy the trend of our generation, where many sell off their inheritances—land, houses, and farmlands—instead of building on them.
Thank you, Olumide. Oruko li ro o.  "Olumide" has no meaning in Akure dialect. What we have in Akure is Oluyimide, which translates to "my glorious one has come." True to his name, Olumide Origunloye is blazing a trail. He has raised the bar. Let other wealthy, thoughtful Akure indigenes follow his example. Redeeming the city of Akure from the shackles of underdevelopment is a task that must be done.

And Olumide Origunloye has shown the light and open our eyes to the reality that it is doable.
Yesterday evening, Olumide Origunloye got a richly-deserved award of the Proprietor of the Year from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Counci.

Congratulations to the Golden Boy. Something good, someone good has come out of Akure. Olumide Origunloye is it.