At AJILA Value Adding Ventures Limited, our strength lies in our exceptional management and organizational expertise, driven by a team of highly skilled professionals across various disciplines. Our operations are supported by a closely coordinated network of qualified and certified personnel, ensuring efficiency, innovation, and excellence in every aspect of our agribusiness value chain. They bring a proven track record of success across a broad range of experiences at the policymaking level in business, expertise in science, technology, engineering, research or academia, extensive knowledge of governmental, regulatory, legal or public policy issues.
The company is led by Engr. (Chief.) Adedotun ODEKEYE, who brings hands-on leadership and strategic direction to the day-to-day operations. His expertise ensures seamless coordination across our diverse agricultural ventures, fostering growth, sustainability, and long-term success.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Engr. (Chief.) John Adedotun ODEKEYE
MD / CEO
Engr. Olakunle SODIYA
Member
Engr. Thomas Kolawole OYELOWO
Member
Engr. Rufus A. IYIOLA
Member
Pastor (Surv.) Adeyinka ADEBISI
Member
Dr. Williams Babatunde AMAO
Commercial and Marketing Manager / Company Secretary
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Engr. (Chief.) John Adedotun ODEKEYE
MD / CEO
Engr. Olakunle SODIYA
Executive Director (Business Services/HR)
Engr. Thomas Kolawole OYELOWO
Executive Director (Operations)
Engr. (Chief) John Adedotun Odekeye is a seasoned and tested professional in the field of Engineering and Project management.
He graduated from the prestigious University of Lagos and sharpened his management skills in a number of multinational companies including Schlumberger and Chevron Nigeria Limited, where he spent most of his working career, traversing technical and management roles in different countries in Africa, Europe and America.
He demonstrates clear leadership responsibilities in effectively driving multi-disciplined personnel across different functions and has proven success in leading mega capital project delivery teams, setting strategic direction and establishing corporate processes.
He has an avid understanding of processes in multinational organisations and demonstrates ingenuity in the face of challenges. Chief Odekeye’s expertise includes high stake negotiations, stakeholder management and people development.
He is a member of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (MNSE), a member of the American Society of Civil Engineer (ASCE) and Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
Engr. Kunle Sodiya is an accomplished engineer with over 34 years of experience in mechanical engineering and in the international oil and gas sector.
He holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical Engineering from Kwara State College of Technology (1989), a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Abuja (2008), a Certificate in Supply Chain Management from Arizona State University (2011), and a Professional Engineering Certification from the UK Engineering Council (2014).
Engr. Kunle Sodiya began his career in 1990 as a Workshop Manager at SCOA Motors, Lagos, before transitioning to the international oil and gas industry in 1991. Over the years, he has held various frontline, supervisory, and management positions, including: Mechanical Technician, Transportation/Mechanical Supervisor, Logistics Coordinator, Logistics Superintendent, Facilities Management Manager, Marine and Rolling Equipment Superintendent, Logistics Mentor, and Materials Management Superintendent.
He has successfully managed large, diverse workforces from various cultural and educational backgrounds, leading and delivering efficient and effective logistics support services across land, marine, and air transportation, as well as facilities management, materials management, and warehousing. Engr. Kunle Sodiya is a member of: The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), The Society of Operations Engineers / UK Engineering Council, Ikoyi Club 1938, and Island Club.
Engr. Thomas Kolawole Oyelowo is an accomplished engineer with extensive experience in Information Technology, manufacturing, and the Oil & Gas industry.
He earned a degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) in 1986. He later obtained a postgraduate degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 2003.
With over 35 years of professional experience, most of which in the oil and gas industry, Engr. Oyelowo began his career as an Electrical Engineer before transitioning to a role as a Consultant Telecommunications Engineer at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). He subsequently joined Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, where he served in various capacities for 27 years, ultimately retiring as Manager, JV Interface and Business Relations.
Engr. Rufus Abiodun Iyiola was born on December 25, 1958. He obtained his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering and M.Sc. in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering from the University of Ibadan in 1988 and 2003, respectively. In his pursuit of academic excellence, he furthered his studies in Italy in 2002, earning a Diploma in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).
Engr. Iyiola began his engineering career as a Youth Corps Member in 1987. He joined the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority in November 1988, where he rose through the ranks to become the Executive Director (Planning & Design) from 2014 to 2016. He later served as the Executive Director (Engineering) from January 2017 until his retirement from civil service in December 2018. Throughout his career, Engr. Iyiola has been actively involved in the supervision of numerous water resources engineering projects, including the design and construction of Dams, flood and erosion mitigation infrastructures, as well as the development of irrigation projects.
After his retirement, he worked as a Hydraulic Consultant on the World Bank-funded Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP), contributing to initiatives such as the development of the Ibadan City Master Plan, the Ibadan City Flood Risk and Drainage Master Plan, the rehabilitation of Eleyele Dam, the construction of hydraulic infrastructures, and the establishment of a flood early warning system, among others. Currently, Engr. Iyiola serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of RTD Thompsons Ltd. Engr. Iyiola is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers (NIWE), as well as a Member of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE) and COREN registered.
Pastor (Surv.) Adeyinka ADEBISI is a Member of the Board of Directors of AJILA Value Adding Ventures Limited, contributing professional surveying, land management, planning, and strategic leadership to the company's agricultural land and property ventures.
Dr. Williams Amao is a Chartered Accountant, Auditor, Author, Educator, Mentor, Business Consultant and a Corporate Governance Expert with a strong reputation for his ability to simplify complex financial concepts. His expertise spans both academic and professional domains, making him a respected figure in accounting, auditing, taxation, and corporate finance.
Williams began his educational journey at Unity School in Ejigbo, Osun State, before proceeding to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso for his undergraduate studies in Accounting and then obtained a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the same institution. He obtained a Master of Science (MSc) in Accounting from Ajayi Crowther University before pursuing a Ph.D. program in Accounting at the same institution. His academic background is complemented by extensive professional experience, which began as an audit trainee.
Williams joined Ajila Value Adding Ventures Limited as an Accountant, then promoted to Head of Accounting and Finance, before being later transitioned into his current role as the Commercial and Marketing Manager. After Acting for a decade, He was appointed Company Secretary on May 24, 2024.
Beyond his corporate career, Dr. Williams has a passion for education and mentorship. He is an accomplished educator, known for his ability to impart knowledge effectively across various subjects in accounting and finance. As a seasoned educator, he has authored best-selling books, including Corporate Strategic Management & Ethics and A-Z of Operation Research. He is an Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) of ICAN, a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC), a Certified Management Consultant (CMC), Fellow FAIMFIN, Associate Member CITN, and Senior Member SBDFM.
