Date of Birth and Death
8 June 1935 – 2 February 2015
Place of Birth:
Lagos, Nigeria
Profession
Nationality:
Zodiac Sign:
Age: Died at 80 years old
ABOUT
Chief Molade Alexander Okoya-Thomas FCNA, MFR, OFR, KSS (8 June 1935 – 2 February 2015) was a Nigerian businessman and philanthropist. Born in Lagos, Chief Okoya-Thomas pursued his education at Princess School and Baptist Academy in Lagos. He furthered his studies at Balham & Tooting College of Commerce in London and Columbia University in New York City. He held esteemed chieftaincy titles, including Asoju Oba of Lagos, Babasuwa of Ijebu-Remo, and Odofin of Ife. He also served as the Chancellor of Lagos State University and was the Chairman of CFAO Nigeria Limited.
BEFORE FAME
Molade Okoya-Thomas began his educational journey at Princess School, Lagos, where he attended from 1942 to 1946. He then advanced to Baptist Academy for his high school education, graduating in 1956 as the top student in his class. This outstanding achievement earned him the honor of having his name listed on the school’s DUX BOARD (Honors Board).
Following his time at Baptist Academy, Okoya-Thomas pursued accountancy at Balham and Tooting College of Commerce from 1956 to 1959. He later received further training in Accountancy at Columbia University in New York City in 1981. Upon completing his studies at Balham and Tooting College of Commerce in 1959, he returned to Nigeria and was promptly employed as an accountant by CFAO. This marked the beginning of his distinguished career and dedicated service to CFAO.
CAREER
Molade Okoya-Thomas received his early education at Princess School in Lagos in 1946. He furthered his studies in accountancy at Balham and Tooting College of Commerce in London from 1956 to 1959, and later attended Columbia University in New York in 1981.
In his professional career, Okoya-Thomas held significant roles including Director at Transcap Nigeria Limited and Niger Motors Industries Limited. He was also the Chairman of Studio Press Nigeria Limited and served as the Chairman of CFAO Nigeria Limited since 1987.
He chaired various organizations such as CICA (Nigeria) Ltd., Transcap Nigeria Ltd., Oktom Investment Ltd., Itochu Nigeria Ltd., Chiyoda Nigeria Ltd., and Anchoria Investment & Securities Ltd. Additionally, he served as a Director for NFI Insurance Company Plc and GatewayBank Plc.
His contributions extended beyond business into public service, where he played a pivotal role in the development of Lagos State. He was a member of the Lagos City Council from 1971 to 1975, a member of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Glover Memorial Hall and Tom Jones Hall.
For his remarkable achievements, Okoya-Thomas was honored with the Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur, the highest national honor awarded by France to a foreigner.
FAMILY LIFE
Chief Molade Alexander Okoya-Thomas was born on June 8, 1935, in Lagos, Nigeria, into the prominent family of Hussam Okoya-Thomas and Alhaja Suwebat Okoya-Thomas. He was married to his beloved wife, Chief (Mrs.) Olivet Abosede Okoya-Thomas, who was a pillar of support throughout his life. The couple was blessed with several children, who have continued to uphold the family’s legacy of excellence, integrity, and community service.
Among their children are Deola Okoya-Thomas, Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, and several others who have made notable contributions in various fields. Their home was often a center of activity, where family gatherings and community events were a common occurrence, reflecting their inclusive and philanthropic spirit.
Chief Molade Alexander Okoya-Thomas birthday date is 8 June and he died on 2 February 2015, after a brief illness (undisclosed ailment) in Lagos state.
ASSOCIATED WITH
Molade Okoya-Thomas was a notable sportsman in his youth, holding a joint All Nigeria record in the 4 x 220 yards relay race while at Baptist Academy, Lagos. He was the sole sponsor of the annual Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championships for over four decades, setting a record as the only Nigerian to sponsor a competition single-handedly and consistently for such an extended period.
As a philanthropist, Okoya-Thomas served in various roles, including Vice-Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Council, President of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, and Chairman of both the 3rd All-Africa Games Appeal Fund Committee and the National Appeal Fund for Sports Development. He also built and donated a modern sports hall to Lagos State University (LASU) in 2009.
In recognition of his contributions, the Lagos State government named the indoor sports hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium after him on his 75th birthday, June 8, 2010, and held a State Dinner in his honor.
Molade Okoya-Thomas Networth
There is no record of Molade Okoya-Thomas net worth because of his personal lifestyle that he kept private. However, he had his personal buildings along some cars he used while he was alive. He also had some businesses running which has been transferred to his children.