By Abdul Mohammed Lawal.
In the last couple of years, stars have been rising in the leadership space of Kogi State, and different characters define their politics. Most of them are often loud and full of show, but only a few, like Asiwaju Prince Olatunji Olusoji, stand out for their calmness. He is not big in stature, but his growing influence in Kogi State’s leadership is clear, and you don’t have to know him to admire him. Through humility and genuine care for the people, he has built a reputation as a man whose actions speak louder than his words.
Asiwaju Prince Olatunji Olusoji comes from Ayere in Ijumu Local Government Area, a peaceful and historic part of Kogi West Senatorial District. Like many great Kogi sons before him, he rose from humble beginnings to become a strong voice for progress and unity. He was born into a family that values honesty, education, and service to others. From a young age, he was taught respect for elders and the importance of helping people, and that still shows in his being.
He began his education at Kings & Queens Preparatory School, Effurun, and later attended Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Secondary School, Effurun. He went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Benin. His quest for knowledge also took him to several prestigious institutions, including the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), the University of Oxford, the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and the University of East London, where he is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Oil and Gas Management.
Olusoji started his professional journey at Odessa Marine Services Ltd (as a Management Trainee, rising to Operations Manager) before founding Grosvenor Global Services Ltd in 2016. He went further to establish Tratun Energy Ltd and Regions Oil and Gas, and the combination of companies suggests he has business interests primarily in the oil and gas (energy) sector, marine and aviation logistics, and infrastructure‐related operations.
Over the years, he has worked as a businessman and humanitarian who sees leadership as a call to serve, and you don’t necessarily need a public office to do so. He believes that true leadership is measured by results, not position. Through community work, which started with Kogi West, he has helped young people, widows, and vulnerable families, and recently, he’s gradually expanding his scope of coverage. His projects, often quiet and unannounced, have created goodwill that continues to grow.
Though not in an elected public office, he has consistently shown loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), supporting the party and helping its structure grow in Kogi State. His reputation for discipline and dedication has made him a trusted ally of the incumbent government of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, as someone who can bring people together across communities. This rise is no accident; it came from his consistency and belief in the vision of good governance in Kogi State.
His charitable work through the Prince Olatunji Olusoji Foundation (PROOF) has positively impacted lives across Kogi West and beyond. Some of these remarkable initiatives include:
- Free JAMB registration for 1,000 students in Kogi West, with cash prizes for top JAMB/UTME performers, including ₦1,000,000 for the overall best in Kogi State.
- Annual distribution of thousands of school books and bags, plus the establishment of free CBT centres. Notably, free tutorial centres for JAMB candidates have been set up at Saint Barnabas Secondary School, Kabba, and in Ayere community.
- Fully funded scholarships (covering tuition and accommodation for three years) for 100 students each at Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa; Kogi State College of Education (Technical), Mopa; and College of Agriculture, Kabba.
- Employment and payment of salaries for 32 teachers in government schools in Ayere, along with monthly stipends of ₦10,000 for 600 community members.
- Donation of ₦100 million to Vine University America to support the establishment of a campus in Ayere.
- Donation of ₦30 million to the Anglican College of Nursing & Health Technology, Ogidi-Ijumu, for the construction of an administrative block.
- Donation of ₦50 million during Kabba Day 2025 to support the building of a Community Civic Centre in Kabba.
- Support for community projects in neighbouring towns, including ₦5 million each for Aiyede-Amuro, Iyara Day, Takete-Ide Day, and Egbede-Egga Development Union.
- Donation of ₦10 million to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kabba Branch.
- Restoration of electricity to Ayere by clearing an outstanding bill of ₦2.4 million, renovating the local police station (₦4.5 million), and constructing rural markets to boost local trade.
- Donation of seven security patrol vehicles (Sienna cars) out of a planned 21 to the Kogi State Government.
- Distribution of agricultural insecticides to over 450 farmers across Kogi West and the establishment of a ₦15 million agricultural fund to support farmers and small business owners.
- Free medical outreach focusing on pregnant women’s care and treatment or surgery for eye defects.
What makes his work special is that he rarely seeks attention. He prefers action over words, allowing his results to speak for him. People and communities have noticed the impact of his quiet service, leading to traditional titles such as Asiwaju of Ayere Kingdom and Basorun Akinjagunla of Ogidi Kingdom. Recently, he was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities by Vine University (USA), recognising his “lifelong commitment to philanthropy and education.”
Olusoji represents the next-generation leader who believes influence only comes from service. By focusing on real impact, he encourages others to rethink what leadership should look like. He is humble, approachable, and listens more than he speaks. He acts more than he announces. Is it surprising that this refined gentleman comes from Ijumu LGA, too?
It’s easy to say that Olusoji’s future looks bright in leadership. In the years ahead, he may take on bigger roles in party leadership, governance, or community initiatives, but consistent with his character, his focus will likely remain on practical solutions and meaningful engagement.
Welcome to the AsiwajuPOO’s reality.
