•As Family Members & Friends Pay Tribute
When the name of late Chief Harry Ayoade Akande first came to public reckoning in Nigeria, it was when he wanted to contest. The slogan then was Harry Who? The remains of Billionaire businessman Chief Harry Ayoade Akande was laid to rest last week.
The funeral service was held last Wednesday 23rd December, 2020 at the St. David’s Anglican Church Cathedral, Kudeti, Ibadan. He was born on the 3rd of March, 1943 in Ibadan to Pa Joseph Afolabi of the lie Olorin compound at Orita Merin, Ibadan and Chief Mrs. Regina Akande of Olagoke family of Oje. He started his educational career from Sacred Heart Nursery School, Idikan, and St. James Primary School Oke Bola and the Abadina School, University of Ibadan. Harry Akande later got admitted into Olivet heights Oyo, in 1957, and records from that institution showed that not only was he brilliant in his academic performance, but also very proficient in sports.
On leaving Olivet Heights in 1961, he gained admission into Hampton University, Hampton Virginia USA on a scholastic bursary from abroad, graduating in 1967 in Accounting and Finance with highest honors. In 1969, Chief Harry Akande obtained his MBA from Northwestern University, Kellogg’s Graduate School of Management to become the prestigious school’s first graduate of African ancestry.
Chief Akande has been involved in the execution of infrastructural development projects across Africa and the Caribbean to the tune of over $2 billion in the last twenty years, with business activities cutting across computer, aviation, telecommunications, management and petrochemical industries. In 1970, Chief Akande returned to Nigeria, having filled positions as financial consultant with KPMG Peat Marwick and Standard Oil Corporation in the USA.
Chief Harry Akande established AIC Limited and became the president of NAFTEC (New African Technical & Electrical Company), representative company of G.E America, which subsequently executed the major Gas Turbine Electricity Projects at Ughelli, Ijora, and Delta II-IV.
In 1976, his company, Engineering and Power Development Nigeria Limited (EPDN), in association with Balfour Beatty Engineering of UK was established. In 1977, they were awarded the irrigation studies in Bauchi covering 47000 hectares. The areas were Baqel-Zungur, Balangar, Kaltungo, and Katini. Expansion, Northern Ishan, Yola Jirneto. Gombe Water Scheme, Ilorin and Jebba, Uyo Metropolitan Water and Oyo-North Water Schemes.
In 1980, AIC in conjunction with Wimpey of UK, his company undertook the Hydroelectric Power Installation and Construction of Oyan dam, and in 1982, in conjunction with EPDN designed and supervised the Balanga Dam and irrigation scheme in Bauchi. AIC formed first overseas affiliate, in the University of Health Science, Antigua (UHSA) School of Medicine.
His company in conjunction with Costain International was also involved in the Osogbo-Ede Water Scheme. It was then, the largest water project in Africa at 35mgd capacity.
Among other projects executed by Chief Akande’s company are: The Bauchi Township water supply scheme in 1988, financed by the African Development Bank (ADB) to the tune of $70 million. This project set the precedence for many subsequent schemes.The Benin city and Warri!Effurun 35mgd water supply project in 1989 also financed by the ADB to the tune of $120 million. AIC in 1991 was appointed to oversee the complete rehabilitation and refurbishment of Nigeria’s National Art Theatre. AIC in 1994 appointed consultants for the reconstruction of the Ibadan- Ilorin Highway, 136km four lane dual carriage way, financed by the ADB. AIC also undertook he feasibility study forthe Point-a-Pierre refinery in Trinidad also in 1994. The Keffi! Akwanga, Doma and Jos Bukurru water supply scheme engineered and supervised by AIC in 1995, financed by ADB at $165 miliion.The $200 million AIC/Hilton Hotel at Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos was initiated in 1999. AIC/Hilton Abidjan – 500 rooms 5-star hotel valued at $120 million in 2000. Between 2000 and 2001, AIC Limited. Below are the tributes of friends and family members.
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDOLES
President Muhammadu Buhari commiserates with family and friends of renowned business mogul and presidential aspirant of the then All People’s Party (APP), Chief Harry Akande, praying that God will comfort and strength them at such a difficult time.
The President joins international and local business partners of the deceased, management and staff of his companies, and all beneficiaries of his founda ion in mourning the public spirited investor, who over the years registered his kindness in helping the deprived and underprivileged.
President Buhari believes Chief Akande’s role in the nation’s development remains remarkable and commendable, particularly contributing to infrastructural development by ensuring extension of basic services to communities wherever he invested, and continually expanding his interests in construction, electricity and healthcare.
The President prays for the repose of his soul.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 7, 2020
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