This column originally appeared in Vanguard
I first met Aderemi Muyinudeen Makanjuola in 2003 when I was Special Assistant to Dr Abiye Sekibo, the then Minister of Transport; and he immediately struck me as exceptional.
He was a serious, no-nonsense entrepreneur and perfectionist. He had a creative and technical mindset – an unusual combination in my experience. And I later discovered that he and I were alumni of the same respected British university, Leicester…which, incidentally, my late father Ignatius Kogbara and his son, Bode, also attended.
I wasn’t surprised when our alma mater named him the winner of their 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award last week because very few people are as successful, productive and kind-hearted as Mr Makanjuola.
The black tie gala night took place on May 14th at the National Space Centre in the UK. His award was a recognition of his tremendous commercial achievements and substantial philanthropic contributions to society. Simply put, he is a consummate African professional and compassionate citizen of the world who has enhanced Nigeria’s image on the international stage; and I am very proud to know him.
CITATION
The Nigerian National Honours exist to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements and it is especially meant for individuals who have made meritorious contributions to the development of the national interests of Nigeria, promoted friendship across regions and ethnic groups in public or private endeavors.
Mr. Aderemi Muyinudeen Makanjuola, A leading provider of aviation and marine logistics support services whose works have helped define the contemporary aviation industry in Nigeria wholly embodies the spirit of this award to the letter.
A loving family man, devoted to his wife (Yoyinsola) of 50 years and children (Bode, Niyi, Rotimi and Lolade) is perhaps best-known for his company, Caverton Offshore Support Group and for his groundbreaking work in setting up, growing and stabilizing the Lagos State Security Trust Fund as the pioneer Chairman from 2007-2015.
His knowledge of finance and economics has transformed the fields of security and aviation in Nigeria, laying the groundwork for much of the modern industries that grew in the wake of his pioneering efforts. He has been enriched by his over 20 years’ experience in banking, having worked in Union Bank of Nigeria, Equatorial Trust Bank and DEVCOM Merchant Bank where he rose to become the Bank’s Executive Vice-Chairman. He also served as the Chairman of FBNBank Senegal from 2014 until 2020.
From 1999, Mr. Makanjuola focused on setting up his businesses including Le Global Oilfield Services, Caverton Marine Limited and Caverton Helicopters Limited respectively, inviting his children as Directors and staff of these companies whilst holding the position of Executive Chairman. By 2008, he founded the Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc growing the company to become listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in May 2014 with Mr. Makanjuola as the pioneer Chairman, a position he retains to date.
An enthusiastic advocate for education at all levels, Mr. Makanjuola is an erstwhile member of the Governing Council of the Lagos State University and is presently The Chancellor of Edo State University, Uzairue.
Staying true to his deep love for education and an enduring commitment to ensuring that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life, Mr. Makanjuola has funded countless scholarships, philanthropic and patriotic contributions to society including the training of over 200 pilots and Engineers, the establishment of a well-equipped Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Facility and an ultra-modern full flight helicopter simulator training facility, the 1st of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa.
Others include the donation of 500-seater lecture theatres to Federal University of Technology, Minna, Summit University, Offa and Lagos State University (LASU), donation of State-of-the-Art Molecular Biology Diagnostic Laboratories to Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) and Edo State University, Uzairue as well as the donation of 2 dialysis machines to St. Nicholas Hospitals among many other philanthropic endeavours.
A simple man by nature, Aderemi Muyinudeen Makanjuola who goes by simply “MR.” has several doctorate titles/degrees in his cupboard is one of the most respected businessmen of his generation – continues to influence and demonstrate how smart investments, especially in new technology, can build broad-based prosperity and has certainly exhibited by his life and work that all of us, no matter where we come from, have the opportunity to change this country for the better.
His acceptance speech
I am honoured to accept this Lifetime Achievement Award from my alma mater. Standing here today, fifty years after my graduation, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and reflection.
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My connection to this school runs deep, and I am especially proud that my eldest son followed in my footsteps by attending and graduating from this esteemed institution. Furthermore, my time here allowed me to forge lifelong friendships that have lasted for an astonishing half-century. It is therefore truly heartwarming to have some of those very friends here in this room today. I am also filled with great delight to be joined here today by my children and my wife, whom I married in 1976—the same year I graduated from the University of Leicester.
I am deeply grateful to the Alumni Awards team for this incredible honour and to the University of Leicester for the lasting impact it has had on my family and I.
I also extend a special thank you to my friend, brother, and fellow alumnus, Charles Bell, for his steadfast support.
I remain committed to the welfare of the university and look forward to future opportunities for continued partnership and support.
Thank you.
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