From automobile pioneer to education advocate, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo’s journey reflects innovation, philanthropy, and national development.
The man in the image is Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, a distinguished Nigerian businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose influence spans the automobile and education sectors. He is best known as the founder of Elizade Motors and Elizade University, two institutions that have become symbols of innovation, excellence, and national pride.
Born on June 14, 1938, in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, Michael Ade-Ojo’s early life was marked by resilience and ambition. Coming from humble beginnings, he understood the value of hard work and education from a young age. After completing his early education, he attended Imade College, Owo, and later graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he earned a degree in Business Administration in 1965.
Shortly after graduation, Ade-Ojo began his career at the British Petroleum (BP) company. However, his entrepreneurial drive soon led him to establish his own business. In 1971, alongside his late wife Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo, he founded Elizade Independent Agencies (EIA) — a company that would later become synonymous with automobile excellence in Nigeria. The name “Elizade” was coined from the combination of Elizabeth and Ade-Ojo.
Under his leadership, Elizade Motors revolutionized the Nigerian automobile market. Ade-Ojo secured partnerships with international car manufacturers, most notably Toyota Motor Corporation of Japan, which eventually led to the widespread adoption of Toyota vehicles in Nigeria. His visionary business strategies and consistent reliability earned him the affectionate nickname “Mr. Toyota.”
By the late 1980s and 1990s, Elizade Motors had become a household name, representing quality, trust, and innovation. The company’s success story laid the foundation for Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL), which became one of the leading automobile distributors in the country. Ade-Ojo’s model of efficiency and integrity helped shape the Nigerian automobile distribution landscape, inspiring many young entrepreneurs.
Beyond business, Chief Ade-Ojo has made enormous contributions to education and community development. In 2012, his long-held dream of establishing a world-class higher institution came true when the Federal Government of Nigeria licensed Elizade University, located in his hometown of Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State. The university, built with a vision to promote excellence and innovation, offers a serene learning environment and modern infrastructure — a testament to Ade-Ojo’s commitment to youth empowerment and national progress.
Through his philanthropic initiatives, Ade-Ojo has funded scholarships, endowments, and educational projects to support talented but financially disadvantaged students. It is reported that he has invested over ₦40 billion into Elizade University, reflecting his lifelong passion for education and human capital development.
His achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 2005, among several industry and humanitarian awards. Despite his success, Ade-Ojo remains deeply connected to his roots. He continues to invest in the infrastructural development of Ilara-Mokin, transforming it into one of the most progressive towns in Ondo State.
Today, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo’s legacy extends beyond automobiles and education. He embodies the values of perseverance, innovation, and community service — qualities that have inspired generations of Nigerian entrepreneurs. His story reminds us that success is not merely about wealth, but about creating institutions that outlive one’s lifetime.
References:
Elizade University Official Website
Vanguard Nigeria, “Ade-Ojo at 85: Celebrating the Man Who Brought Toyota to Nigeria” (2023)
The Federal Road Safety Corps, on Friday, urged motorists who are participating in the fasting periods, to ensure that they take rest at intervals, to avoid road crashes.
The FRSC Commander in-charge of the Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway corridor, Mr Nasir Mohammed, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ota.
He noted that the advice had become expedient following the commencement of fasting periods by both Christian and Muslim faithfuls.
NAN reports that Catholic faithfuls had commenced lenten season with the distribution of Ash on Wednesday, which period is marked by 40 days fasting.
In the same vein, Muslim faithfuls had also began observation of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar, which period is also marked by fasting.
Mohammed urged motorists to be cautious of fatigue and possible dehydration during the fasting periods, and ensure that they take hours of rest before returning to the steering.
He also warned motorists against over speeding and wrongful overtaking, which could lead to tragedy, adding that drivers must strictly adhere to all safety rules while on the road.
“We are appealing to motorists, especially Muslims and Christians who are fasting, to always observe the rest after every four hours of driving, to prevent avoidable loss of lives.
“Also, all motorists are enjoined to drive to stay alive; Wishing all safer roads and fuller life.” he said.
Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye has disclosed that the Nigerian Tiktoker, simply identified as Mirable, has been admitted to a State-owned health facility, and is currently receiving comprehensive medical attention.
Adeleye added that an investigation had begun and the survivor is presently receiving psychosocial support, and is responding positively to medical treatment.
The commissioner stated this on Thursday night shortly after visiting the survivor at the health facility, in the company of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and the Medical Director of the facility.
According to her, the visit was aimed at assessing the survivor’s condition and ensuring that appropriate medical and welfare interventions were promptly administered.
The Commissioner praised the personnel at the State-owned medical facility and the State Ministry of Justice for their quick response, as well as the Nigeria Police Force and Ogun State Police Command for their rapid and timely action as soon as the case was transferred to the State.
“This structured approach is intended to protect the survivor’s welfare while guaranteeing that investigations are conducted professionally, thoroughly, and strictly on the basis of verifiable evidence”, Adeleye said.
She added that detailed examinations and all required clinical procedures are being carried out in line with established standards for managing cases of alleged sexual assault, while the security agency is carrying out their investigation simultaneously.
“The welfare, dignity, and safety of every survivor remains our utmost priority. The Prince Dapo Abiodun led- administration maintains a zero-tolerance stance on sexual and gender-based violence, stressing that “while we stand firmly with survivors, we are equally guided by due process.
“Investigations must be evidence-based, transparent, and fair to all parties involved, even as whosoever is found wanting would be made to face the full wrath of the law,” she said.
She urged residents to steer clear of speculative narratives or sensational commentary that could compromise due process while assuring them that the State Government would get to the bottom of the issue to ascertain the veracity of the claim.
Meanwhile, she assured members of the public that further updates would be communicated at the appropriate time as credible findings emerge from ongoing investigations.
Nigerian TikToker, known simply as Mirabel has finally opened up on the allegation of rape she earlier raised in a viral video.
It was recalls that the content creator, with the username @mirab351 had, alleged that she was sexually assaulted by an unknown man at her residence in Ogun State.
She claimed that the alleged rapist inflicted an injury on her privates with a blade.
Her story generated reactions across social media, causing the Nigeria Police to swing into action.
Some netizens, however, expressed scepticism on the factuality of the allegation, stating that the stories were not adding up.
But the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said on Thursday that the command was investigating the matter.
However, Mirabel, who opened up to Popular social media activist, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, VDM said she had been into drugs and could be hallucinating.
