Chief Dr. Molade Alexandria Okoya-Thomas was born in Lagos on June 8, 1935. He obtained his formal education at Princess School, Lagos, Baptist Academy, Lagos, Balham & Tooting College of Commerce, London, and Columbia University, New York. He holds professional qualifications in accountancy, commerce and business management.
An icon of the Nigerian automotive industry, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas joined the staff of the French conglomerate, CFAO Nigeria Limited in 1959 rising to Director in 1975, Deputy Managing Director in 1981 and Chairman of the Group in 1987. Various other appointments in the private sector established him as a Captain of Industry. They include:
- Chairman Oktom Investment Limited, Transcap Nigeria Limited, Studio Press Nigeria Limited, Cica Nigeria Limited, Chiyoda Limited, and C.Itoh & Company Limited.
- Director — Niger Motors Industries Limited, Nigeria-French Insurance Company Limited, M’Billa Farms, Nigalex Limited, Franco-Nigeria Insurance Limited, and Commercial Bank (Credit Lyonnais).
- President, Alliance Francaise, Lagos and Vice-President, Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce.
Long before it became fashionable in Government circles, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas had been active in the promotion of Public-Private Partnerships [PPP] for development, particularly with successive Governments of his home State, Lagos. Beyond commerce and industry, he has also served in various public sector capacities. These assignments include: Member, Lagos City Council, Member, Lagos State Development & Property Corporation, and Chairman, Board of Trustees — Glover Memorial Hall and Tom Jones Hall.
He is the current Chancellor, Lagos State University, Ojo.
An active sportsman in his youth, he was a Joint All Nigeria Record Holder of 4 by 220 yards relay race in 1995 while at Baptist Academy Lagos. He has been the sole sponsor of the annual Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championships for over four decades. Indeed, this competition has produced several lawn tennis stars and administrators on the national and international circuits. This celebrated philanthropist has similarly pressed into service as Vice-Chairman, Lagos State Sports Council, President, Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Chairman, 3rd All-Africa Games Appeal Fund Committee, Chairman, National Appeal Fund for Sports Development, and Chairman, Sports Trust Fund.
It is note worthy that Dr. Okoya Thomas built and donated a Modern Sports Hall for students and staff of the Lagos State University (LASU) in 2009
A man of many parts, Dr. Molade Okoya-Thomas has been honoured within and outside Nigeria. Among others, he is:
n A Member of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR).
n Recipient of the Chevalier De La Legion Dâ Honneur the highest national honour of France.
n First Nigerian Fellow of the World Academy of Productivity Science.
n Fellow, Institute of Directors, Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Management, Member, Institute of Company & Commercial Accountants, and Associate, National Accountants of Nigeria.
n The best graduating student in his set at Baptist Academy, and recipient of many honorary degrees, including Doctor of Science in Accountancy from Crescent University, Abeokuta.
A Papal Knight of St. Sylvester, Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas has also served the prestigious Lagos Island Club as President. His tremendous support for the promotion of cultural values, traditional institutions and charity has also earned him recognition in other awards and chieftaincy titles, including Asoju Oba of Lagos, Babasuwa of Ijebu-Remo and Odofin of Ife.
He is happily married with children.
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Ladies & gentlemen, we present to you, Chief Dr. Molade Alexandria Okoya-Thomas for the ”Hallmarks of Labour Role Model Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Automotive Industry & Sports Development”.
Congratulations.
Award Category: Hallmarks of Labour Role Model Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Automotive Industry & Sports Development