Hon. Tola Faseru is a distinguished Nigerian public servant, entrepreneur, and agricultural advocate. Currently serving as the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in Osun State, he has made significant contributions to the development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Early Life and Education
Born on October 28, 1967, in Ijebu, Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, Hon. Faseru’s journey to prominence began with a strong educational foundation. He attended Government College Ibadan from 1977 to 1982, where he obtained his West African School Certificate. Subsequently, he pursued higher education at the University of Ilorin, earning a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Business Administration between 1983 and 1987. Furthering his academic pursuits, he obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Finance and Marketing from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, between 1988 and 1990.
Professional Career
Banking Sector
Hon. Faseru’s professional career commenced in the banking sector. In 1986, he served as a field attaché at International Breweries Plc. The following year, he worked as an industrial attaché at First Bank of Nigeria. From 1990 to 1998, he held the position of Chairman at Lead Merchant Bank. His extensive experience in the banking industry provided him with a solid foundation in financial management and strategic planning.
Entrepreneurship
In addition to his banking career, Hon. Faseru is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Colossus Investment Ltd. Under his leadership, the company has grown into one of Nigeria’s top 50 non-oil export companies. His strategic business development initiatives, expansion of product lines, and strengthening of export networks have been pivotal to the company’s success.
Agricultural Advocacy
Hon. Faseru’s passion for agriculture led him to assume leadership roles in various agricultural organizations. He served as the President of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) from 2011 to 2020 and as its Vice President from 2003 to 2011. His tenure was marked by significant achievements, including the nomination of cashew as a transformational crop under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government in 2013. In 2015, he played a crucial role in ensuring that cashew was selected as one of the thirteen strategic products aimed at diversifying Nigeria’s economy away from oil.
Hon. Faseru’s efforts led to the increase in cashew production from 100,000 metric tons in 2011 to 250,000 metric tons in 2020. He also facilitated the growth of foreign exchange earnings from cashew exports from $50 million to $250 million by negotiating favorable deals and rebranding Nigerian cashew on the global market.
Public Service
In 2022, Hon. Faseru was appointed as the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in Osun State under the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke. In this capacity, he has been instrumental in implementing policies aimed at revitalizing the state’s agricultural sector. His initiatives include the approval of guidelines for tractor operations across farmlands in Osun State, aimed at reducing the cost of farm operations and enhancing productivity.
Personal Life and Recognition
Hon. Faseru is a devout Christian and holds several traditional titles, including Baba Egbe Aya Bishop at St. Matthew’s Anglican Cathedral in Ijebu-Jesa and Otunba Bobagbimo of Erinmo Ijesa Land. He is also a pastor at Christ Embassy, Loveworld Incorporated. His commitment to community service and leadership has earned him numerous awards, such as the National Cashew Association of Nigeria Award and the Benin Cashew Award for his contributions to the development of the cashew nut industry in Africa.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Otunba Babatola Faseru |
| Date of Birth | October 28, 1967 |
| Place of Birth | Ijebu, Oriade Local Government Area, Osun State |
| Educational Background | Government College Ibadan, University of Ilorin, Obafemi Awolowo University |
| Professional Roles | Chairman/CEO of Colossus Investment Ltd, Former Chairman of Lead Merchant Bank, Former President of NCAN |
| Current Position | Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Osun State |
| Key Achievements | Increased cashew production and export earnings, Implemented tractor operations in Osun State |
| Awards | National Cashew Association of Nigeria Award, Benin Cashew Award |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Hon. Tola Faseru’s educational background?
Hon. Faseru attended Government College Ibadan, where he obtained his West African School Certificate. He then earned a B.Sc in Business Administration from the University of Ilorin and an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Obafemi Awolowo University.
2. What roles has Hon. Faseru held in the banking sector?
Hon. Faseru served as a field attaché at International Breweries Plc in 1986, an industrial attaché at First Bank of Nigeria in 1989, and Chairman of Lead Merchant Bank from 1990 to 1998.
3. What is Colossus Investment Ltd?
Colossus Investment Ltd is a Nigerian company led by Hon. Faseru, recognized among Nigeria’s top 50 non-oil export companies. It specializes in strategic business development and export initiatives.
4. How has Hon. Faseru contributed to Nigeria’s agricultural sector?
As President of NCAN, Hon. Faseru advocated for cashew as a transformational crop, leading to increased production and export earnings. He also facilitated the opening of the Vietnamese market to Nigerian cashew exporters.
5. What is Hon. Faseru’s current role in Osun State?
Hon. Faseru is the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in Osun State, where he has implemented policies to enhance agricultural productivity, including tractor operations across farmlands.
6. What traditional titles does Hon. Faseru hold?
Hon. Faseru holds titles such as Baba Egbe Aya Bishop at St. Matthew’s Anglican Cathedral in Ijebu-Jesa and Otunba Bobagbimo of Erinmo Ijesa Land.
7. Has Hon. Faseru received any awards?
Yes, Hon. Faseru has received several awards, including the National Cashew Association of Nigeria Award and the Benin Cashew Award for his contributions to the cashew nut industry in Africa.
8. What initiatives has Hon. Faseru introduced in Osun State?
Hon. Faseru has introduced initiatives such as subsidized tractor operations for farmers and the establishment of technical centers for tractor maintenance to improve agricultural productivity in Osun State.
9. What is Hon. Faseru’s religious affiliation?
Hon. Faseru is a devout Christian and serves as a pastor at Christ Embassy, Loveworld Incorporated.
10. Where can I learn more about Hon. Faseru’s work?
For more information, you can visit the official Osun State Government website or follow Hon. Faseru on his social media platforms.
Conclusion
Hon. Tola Faseru’s multifaceted career reflects his dedication to public service, entrepreneurship, and agricultural development. His educational background, professional experiences, and leadership roles have significantly contributed to the advancement of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Through his current position as Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in Osun State, he continues to implement policies that aim to enhance food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
His commitment to community service, coupled with his strategic initiatives, positions him as a key figure in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. As he continues to serve in his capacity, the impact of his work is expected to resonate across the state and the nation, fostering growth and development in the agricultural sector.