AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of University Press Plc, Alhaji Waheed Akin Olajide, has died at the age of 76.
Olajide’s death occurred on Tuesday, August 25, according to a statement issued by University Press Plc announcing his passing.
The deceased joined the services of University Press Plc on March 1, 1983, as a Management Accountant and rose through the ranks to become Managing Director and CEO in 1993.
He held the position until his retirement on March 31, 2005.
University Press Plc described Olajide as an exceptional leader, mentor, father and builder of people, saying he was committed not only to the growth of the company but also to developing future leaders.
The company said he was known for his open-door policy, fairness, discipline, humility and dedication to nation-building through education.
It added that his leadership was founded on honesty, hard work and the belief that success should be used to serve others, noting that many people benefited from his guidance, encouragement and mentorship.
Despite retiring from the company more than two decades ago, University Press said Olajide continued to maintain close ties with its leadership, offering advice and providing support whenever necessary.
The company said his contributions had left a lasting impact on the organisation and the lives of people he mentored.
University Press Plc prayed that God would forgive his shortcomings, accept his good works and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.
The company added that his memory, values and legacy of professionalism, fairness and compassion would continue to live on.
His Janazah prayer is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the MAN Centre, Oke Ado, Ibadan.
