The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ACE Mall, Prince Adeyinka Afonja, has commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for creating a conducive environment that supports businesses to thrive in Oyo State.
Prince Afonja made this known while speaking with westernmirror.com.ng last week at the Convocation ceremony of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, where he was conferred with an honorary award by the institution.
The business mogul, in a show of philanthropy, also announced a donation of ₦10 million to support infrastructure development and solar system upgrade at the polytechnic.
According to him, investing in education remains a collective responsibility for the growth of future leaders and should not be left alone for government to handle.
“I’m Prince Adeyinka Afonja. I’m the Chairman/CEO of ACE Mall, which operates across the southwest of Nigeria. I made sure I came here today to receive this honor from the school and also to make the donation because we have to support the future leaders of this country.
“They deserve a more conducive environment to learn, and every little we contribute adds up,” he said.
Speaking further, Prince Afonja urged graduating students never to relent in their pursuit of knowledge, stressing that learning is a lifelong process.
“Graduation should not be the end of learning. Continuous learning is the key to success in any field. Without it, one risks mediocrity. Knowledge is what sets you apart and opens greater opportunities for you,” he advised.
On the role of government in supporting businesses, the ACE Mall boss applauded Governor Makinde’s administration for its pragmatic policies and business-friendly environment.
“We never had it this good before. Governor Seyi Makinde is truly committed to business, especially the ease of doing business.
“He has provided a very good and conducive environment, and he directly supports businesses to thrive.
“Personally, I am a beneficiary of Governor Makinde’s visionary leadership in creating the enabling environment for my business to flourish,” Prince Afonja declared.
He noted however, that the honorary award would further inspire him to do more for the education community, revealing that part of ACE Mall’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) this year is directed towards supporting tertiary institutions in Oyo State.