Jacob Olabode Amao, born on October 18, 1932, into the Amao family in Agunbiade Compound, Oja-gbo in Ibadan, embarked on a remarkable journey marked by resilience, determination, and unwavering faith. This piece delves into the life of Chief Bode Amao, tracing his early challenges, his pursuit of education and professional excellence, and his enduring commitment to community development and philanthropy.
Early Challenges and Mentorship
Jacob’s life took an unexpected turn when his father passed away, leaving him under the care of his devoted mother and his maternal uncle, E.A. Sanda. It was through his uncle’s guidance that Jacob began his educational journey, enrolling in Oja-gbo Elementary School and subsequently Aremo Primary School and Central School, Mapo. Despite displaying wayward tendencies during his childhood, Jacob’s uncle instilled invaluable lessons of discipline and moral virtue, laying the foundation for his transformation into a successful individual.
Educational Pursuits and Challenges
Jacob’s pursuit of education continued as he gained admission to Ibadan Boys High School, Oke-Bola. However, his rebellious tendencies led to a regrettable decision to drop out of school. Despite this setback, the teachings of discipline and morality instilled by his uncle continued to guide him, ultimately becoming instrumental in his future success.
A New Beginning in Lagos
In 1953, determined to chart a different course, Jacob made the bold decision to relocate to Lagos. There, he immersed himself in an apprenticeship program modeled after the German automobile maintenance system known as Glazier Technical Training College. His dedication was evident in his meager two-pound salary during the apprenticeship. Remarkably, he excelled in this endeavor, completing the program in just three years, an achievement that typically took five.
Tragedy Strikes and a Scholarship Opportunity
In 1957, tragedy struck when Jacob’s disciplined uncle passed away. However, this very year marked a pivotal moment in his life when he was awarded a scholarship to pursue studies in Automobile Engineering abroad. This exceptional opportunity was granted by a German company where he had been employed as an assistant engineer in Ibadan, Nigeria. His brilliance and exceptional talent had earned him recognition and respect at the company, and this scholarship was a testament to his potential.
A Setback and a Moment of Despair
Regrettably, a dark incident marred his path to success. He found himself in a confrontation with a jealous European boss who coveted his scholarship. The dispute escalated into a physical altercation, resulting in the heartbreaking loss of his scholarship and his subsequent departure from the company. This setback left him disheartened and uncertain about his future.
A Moment of Desperation and Redemption
Jacob’s life took a darker turn as he faced dire circumstances with only his struggling mother to rely on. She eked out a living by selling okro, and they had no other source of support. At his lowest point, on May 26, 1957, he contemplated ending his own life, clutching rat poison and a hymn book. However, an unexpected twist of fate intervened. As he began to sing the hymn titled “Ona ara l’Olorun wa’,” a sudden rush of joy filled his heart. In that moment, he questioned why he had allowed anger to dictate his actions. Despite his lack of assets and parental support, he realized that perhaps God had a different plan for him. This epiphany saved him from the brink of suicide.
Transformation and Second Chances
News of his near-tragic incident reached his mother, leaving her devastated and regretful for having him as her only child. Nonetheless, she continued to show him unwavering parental love. Jacob, too, underwent a profound transformation and devoted himself to the church. Coincidentally, after a period of joblessness, he crossed paths with another boss who had admired him during his previous employment. This European boss recognized his potential and proposed that he travel to Kano to represent the company’s interests. Seizing this opportunity, he embarked on this new chapter with the generous support of his mother, who selflessly contributed her last 15 pounds towards his journey.
A New Beginning in Kano
Venturing into the unknown, Jacob set out for Kano, a city where he had no acquaintances. Fate intervened during the unforgiving cold season when he crossed paths with the father of a childhood friend, who graciously offered him shelter in Kano. Finding his footing in Sabon Gari, Kano, he embarked on a career as a grinder machine repairer. Remarkably, within a mere month, he had accumulated 47 pounds through his diligent work. His financial success only soared in the subsequent months, with earnings of 127 pounds and 260 pounds in the second and third months, respectively.
Entrepreneurial Success and Innovation
Armed with the proceeds from his burgeoning repair business, he took the bold step of establishing himself in Kano. He expanded his enterprise to encompass the sale and repair of grinding machines and their spare parts. This was just the beginning, as he later diversified into the thriving markets of electronic appliances and bicycles. His engineering expertise did not go unnoticed, and UAC (United Africa Company) recognized his talents, extending an offer of employment as an engineer. However, he declined this enticing opportunity in favor of continuing his flourishing business endeavors.
Navigating Ethnic Tensions and Relocating to Lagos
In the backdrop of recurring ethnic tensions, particularly between the Hausa and Igbo communities, Jacob heeded the wisdom of a Yoruba proverb: “Iku to npa ojugba eni, owe lo npa fun ni” (The death that befalls a prominent figure serves as a warning to others). In response to the prevailing unrest, Bode Amao made the decision to depart Kano for Lagos, accompanied by friends who shared his concerns.
Entrepreneurial Expansion and Challenges
In Lagos, he ascended to become the licensed sole distributor of Sony electronic appliances through his company, Achievers Electricals. Under his leadership, the company also secured the coveted license to manufacture television and audio electronic appliances within Nigeria, solidifying his reputation as a visionary entrepreneur. As he expanded his business empire in Lagos, Bode Amao boldly ventured into the establishment of large manufacturing factories and companies. His enterprises became significant employers of labor, both domestically and internationally, even attracting white employees who joined his workforce. However, the economic downturn that gripped Nigeria eventually led to the departure of these foreign employees as his manufacturing industries were adversely affected.
Successes and Setbacks in Business Ventures
Among his ventures in the JOAS Group of Companies was Atlantic Carpet, a company specializing in carpet manufacturing. To jumpstart production, he recruited a team of seven white experts. Unfortunately, the company’s heavy reliance on electricity made it susceptible to Nigeria’s erratic power supply, ultimately resulting in its closure. To this day, the factory remains dormant, its machinery lying unused. In contrast, the foam production industry managed to weather the storm of Nigeria’s economic fluctuations and remained a staple in households, particularly for mattress production. Bode Amao also dipped his toes into the financial sector, becoming a shareholder in Lead Bank and Fountain Trust Bank. However, these investments, too, suffered losses amidst economic challenges.
A Humble Leader and Philanthropist
Due to his exceptional industriousness and influence, Bode Amao found favor with prominent political leaders like Obafemi Awolowo, who attempted to persuade him to enter the world of politics. However, he declined these overtures, choosing instead to maintain his role as a local leader dedicated to the development of Ibadan. He channeled his efforts through the Central Council of Ibadan (CCI), initiating decisions that contributed to the city’s growth. Under his leadership within the CCI, he implemented a groundbreaking mandate requiring each compound within Ibadan to have at least one Higher National Diploma (HND) holder among its members. This visionary policy translated into significant human capital development within Ibadan, with the city boasting hundreds of professors as a result.
Recognition and Honors
Later in life, Bode Amao humbly accepted traditional chieftaincy titles, including the prestigious Asiwaju of Ibadanland. He attributed this honor to his unwavering industriousness, humility, and the enduring impact of his uncle, E.A. Sanda, who had contributed significantly to the development of Ibadan but had tragically passed away before receiving such recognition. He was also the recipient of a national honour, Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
Legacy of Philanthropy
Chief Bode Amao was honored by the Jericho Businessmen Club (JBC) with the ‘Exemplary Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his humanitarian work and steadfast support for the JBC. He is renowned for his Bodefoam brand, which provides quality sleep products to many Nigerians and West Africans. Through the Bode Amao Foundation (BAF), he has offered university scholarships to over 275 Nigerian students and actively supported causes like the University of Ibadan Women’s Society (UIWS). His generosity extended to building the first structure at the University of Ibadan Creche and Nursery School’s permanent site, and later adding a computer-equipped storey building, resulting in the storey being named in his honor by the University’s Governing Council. In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Chief Bode Amao received an honorary degree from the University of Ibadan in November 2016, alongside two other prominent Nigerians. BAF, founded in 2002, continues its mission to assist underprivileged students in pursuing higher education.
Conclusion
Jacob Olabode Amao’s life journey is a testament to the transformative power of determination, resilience, and unwavering faith. From facing early challenges and setbacks to becoming a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader, Chief Bode Amao’s legacy is one of inspiration and service to humanity. His story serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that with perseverance and a sense of purpose, one can overcome even the most daunting obstacles to achieve greatness. Hence, he deserves our badge of Akinkanju for this week.
Reference
http://news.biafranigeriaworld.com/archive/2003/dec/01/0012.html
https://thenationonlineng.net/chief-bode-amao-90-disaster-upon-catastrophe/
https://punchng.com/ibadan-boys-high-school-alumni-honours-amao-ex-president/