President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and prominent civil engineer and media entrepreneur, Araba Femi Sanni, yesterday led an array of distinguished Nigerians in celebrating Prince Samuel Adedoyin, Chairman of the Doyin Group of Companies, as the foremost industrialist and philanthropist attained the milestone age of 90.
In a warmly worded statement issued by the Presidential Villa, President Tinubu described Prince Adedoyin as “a towering national icon and one of Nigeria’s most illustrious entrepreneurs,” whose decades of disciplined enterprise, patriotic commitment and extraordinary resilience have significantly shaped the country’s industrial landscape.
“Prince Adedoyin’s life remains a shining testament to what is achievable through faith, hard work and an abiding belief in the Nigerian dream,” the President stated. He praised the celebrant’s extensive philanthropic engagements, particularly in education and community development, noting that “generations of Nigerians have been touched by his generosity and foresight.”
Expressing personal affection, President Tinubu welcomed his “dear friend and elder statesman” into “the exclusive and distinguished club of nonagenarians,” praying that the industrialist enjoys many more years in robust health and peace.
Joining the chorus of accolades, Araba Femi Sanni, Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Chairman of Flow FM and founder of ARABA Football Club, hailed Prince Adedoyin as “a transcendent figure in Nigerian enterprise — a man who rose from the humblest of beginnings to the very apex of global commerce while retaining an uncommon garment of humility.”
In a tribute that has circulated widely among business and political circles, Araba Sanni wrote: “On behalf of my family and the entire Flow FM/ARABA family, I celebrate this rare gem and pray that the Almighty continues to surround him with strength, joy and divine favour in the years ahead.”
The twin tributes from the nation’s number one citizen and one of Nigeria’s most respected professionals underscore Prince Adedoyin’s stature as a bridge between public service, private enterprise and philanthropy. Over six decades, the Doyin Group has grown into a household name in manufacturing, with interests spanning soaps, pharmaceuticals, real estate and hospitality.
As messages continue to pour in from governors, traditional rulers, business moguls and beneficiaries of the Samuel Adedoyin Foundation, the milestone has been widely described as a moment for Nigeria to reflect on home-grown excellence and the enduring possibilities of the Nigerian spirit.
Prince Adedoyin, a Prince of Offa and the Mayegun of Ibadanland, is expected to host a private thanksgiving service with family and close associates in the coming days.