Case Study: Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola and Nigeria's manufacturing sector

Title
Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola and Nigeria's manufacturing sector 

Author
Nohria, N; Mayo, A, Otudeko, F; Benson, M 

Pages
28 

Product Type
 

Reference #
9-407-027 

Teaching Note
 

Institute

Setting
Nigeria 

Year
2006 

Keywords
Business and society; Business history; Diversified companies; Emerging markets; Entrepreneurs; Leadership; Manufacturing



Summary/
Abstract
Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola was an important contributor to Nigeria's manufacturing sector, creating a multimillion-dollar conglomerate including three factories, a retail franchise, a cattle ranch, a 5,000-acre plantation, a sawmill, and an exporting business before the end of British colonial rule in 1960. Seizing business opportunities as he saw demand, Odutola moved between markets at every opportunity, creating companies servicing a diverse variety of needs. Odutola's keen, unwavering interest in improving the infrastructure of Nigeria allowed him to enjoy a successful career in business and politics, despite the vastly fluctuating political landscape of Nigeria. From British rule through civil war and subsequent coups and countercoups, Odutola remained a popular leader for his commitment to promoting Nigerian business ventures. Elevated to Prime Minister of his tribe - the Ijebu-Ode - in 1956, and later selected as the first President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Odutola campaigned for manufacturing interests and consulted with government officials about national fiscal policy. As a statesman and as a business leader, Odutola worked tirelessly to improve the infrastructure of his country.

 


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