By Bayo ADENEKAN
Born on 4th September 1946 to Late Pa Daniel Somorin and Ajike Jimaimai and growing up with the determination to make a positive difference by etching his name on the role call of greats in all spheres of life. He started his education at the African Church Primary School and African Church Modern School in Abeokuta between 1955 and 1964 and in furtherance of his quest to become great in life, the youthful and promising Omolaja did not wait too long under his parents after his secondary education as he proceeded to Lagos in search of greener pastures. He got his first job in 1966 at Millet Nigeria Limited as a Clerical Assistant and thereafter joined Dunlop Nigeria Limited as a Supervisor before serving in other high capacities as Director in Everly Brothers and Personal Assistant to the Managing Director, Nigeria Maritime Services, after which he floated his first firm, Bakujofam Nigeria Limited. Through his dexterity, zeal, hard work, commitment, and passion, Omolaja is today the owner of a fleet of thriving companies and Foundations through which humanitarian services are rendered and notable among his companies are J.O Oduns Farm Nigeria Limited and Highways Managers Limited.
In terms of humanitarian activities, Omoloja is the Founder of the Centre for Humanitarian Support, a Non-Governmental Organization that is championing the fight against the menace of drug abuse, he is also the Founder of the James Omoloja Odunmbaku Foundation through which he funds heart-related surgeries and also grants scholarships to support the education of indigent students.
Having achieved huge successes in his business endeavours and nurtured his many establishments to a recognizable and blossoming position, Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku then decided to make his wide range of experience available in the field of politics and serve the nation.
The political icon, brain box and repertoire of knowledge when the politics of Lagos state is concerned, James Odunmbaku is renowned as a thoroughbred grassroots mobilizer, remarkable strategist and a formidable force to be reckoned with both in the politics of Lagos and nationally, serving as the compass for many who desires to make headway and serve the people in the politics of the nation's commercial nerve centre attributes that earned him the sobriquet “Baba Eto” which has resonated with many.
He was a prominent member of the Unity Party of Nigeria from 1978 to 1983; Special Adviser, Hope 93’ of the Social Democratic Party; Vice Chairman, Lagos West, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN); Deputy Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Chapter; and member, Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) from 2003 till date through which he offers beneficial suggestions on good governance in Lagos State.
The unparalleled sagacity, acumen, intellectual prowess and skills he is endowed with enabled Baba Eto of universe perform creditably well in terms of community activism, conflict resolution, grassroots mobilization, leadership, and human resources management while carrying many along as a notable team player.
A perfect example of a good blend of politics with the work of God, Cardinal Odunmbaku is highly committed to the work of God and the spread of the gospel of Christ and he is the Founder of the Celestial Church of Christ, City of God, Akiode, Lagos, a center of powerful manifestation of God’s power and glory. Like stars in his crown of glory, his extraordinary contributions to humanity have not gone unnoticed and appreciated and has innumerable awards and recognitions in his kitty some of which are ambassador of Peace – Universal Peace Federation, United Nations NGO in 2008, grassroot Mobilization Award - USA in 2011, fellow, Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria in 2003, the African Virtuous Leadership Gold Award – Africa Gold in 2003, fellow, Chartered Institute of Corporate Management in 2004, Award for Mobilization Excellence – Action Congress of Nigeria, Lagos State in 2010, General Overseer, Canadian Diocese Celestial Church of Christ, Ontario, Canada, member, Supreme Council – Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide, Dr. of Divinity (Ph.D) Indiana University, Award of Commendation – The Apostolic Church, Lagos and Western/Northern Areas (LAWNA) Nigeria, life Patron, Lagos State Community Department Advisory Council in 2008.
The National Award as a Member of the Federal Republic (MFR), is no doubt best at this point for a man who has meritoriously serve God and the people of Nigeria with his exceptionally gifts as listed above in the service of Nigeria and her people. Let's indeed give the cap to the man it fits.
