By John Ikani
How beautiful on the sands of time are the footprints of Prince Rotimi Ibidapo, a man who makes excellence a focal point in his corporate expeditions with an unending track record of impactful contributions to societal growth.
Born in September 1963 in Owo, Ondo state, Ibidapo is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Derotech Group which is the first indigenous Petroleum Oil Service Company in deep water drilling business in Nigeria.
Ibidapo holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) in marketing from the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti and an executive master of business administration from the Metropolitan School of Business and Management in London, United Kingdom.
A successful and respected petroleum engineering consultant in Nigeria, with over two decades of experience in the Oil and Gas Industry, Ibidapo has been involved in a wide range of other highly successful ventures.
He is also the Chairman of Pacific International Drilling West Africa Limited (PIDWAL) as well as Nigeria’s drilling service partner to the Italian Saipem Oil Servicing Company.
It’s no gainsaying that Ibidapo’s name resonates with philanthropy. Through his Prince Rotimi Ibidapo Foundation, the polished welfarist has impacted lives by building/remodelling schools and donating fully equipped healthcare units to hospitals.
The foundation has also been at the forefront of fostering security via its donations of complex facilities to military and para-military agencies including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Despite the limitations of operating in the private sector, Ibidapo has made tremendous gains in empowering youths through job creation and engaging them in resourceful ventures.
The ripple effects of his noble gestures have in no small measure, impacted numerous lives and establishments, positively.
Thus, it is of no wonder that the incumbent governor of the state, Ondo State, Barr. Rotimi Akeredolu refers to him as “the Governor of the 37th State.”
Likewise, the Chairman of the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF) Moses Siloko Siasia describes Prince Ibidapo as “a pillar of young people in Africa and a champion of humanitarian service.”
Through these notable undertakings, Ibidapo has proven himself worthy of revered recognitions. He holds the distinguished title of Aare Apesin of Akure Kingdom – with his lovely wife Remilekun honoured as the Erelu Apesin – and was the 2014 recipient of the Ondo State Man of the Year Award.
What’s more, the grassroots politician is a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Political Science and Management from Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, among numerous recognitions.
It is gladdening that the industrialist is now addressed as Prince Dr Rotimi Ibidapo, OON – Officer of the Order of the Niger, an honour conferred on him this week by President Muhaamdu Buhari (GCFR) in recognition of committed to the growth and development of his community, state and country.
Indeed, it is from the likes of Ibidapo that the living and generations yet unborn draw inspiration to aspire for greatness.
