Dr. Habeeb Okunola OFR, MON, FICA
Born: 2 August 1981
Nationality: Nigerian
Occupation: Entrepreneur, Investor, Philanthropist
Titles: Akosin of Yorubaland, Aare Tayese of Iseyinland
Current Role: President, CINI Holdings
Dr. Habeeb Okunola is a Nigerian entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. He is the President of CINI Holdings, a multinational conglomerate headquartered in Nigeria with diversified investments across key African sectors, including energy, construction, engineering, agriculture, and technology.
Education and Early Life
- Attended Santa Maria School, Lagos (Primary Education)
- Attended Community Grammar School, Surulere, Lagos (Secondary Education)
- B.Sc. Philosophy – University of Lagos (2006)
- Attended executive education programmes at:
- Harvard Business School
- London Business School
- Doctor of Business Statistics and Financial Management (Feb 2025) – awarded in recognition of expertise in statistical methods and financial management for sustainable growth in Africa.
Career
- 2007 – Moved to the UK; joined Grovetex Consulting as Business Development Officer, rising through the ranks.
- 2009 – Returned to Nigeria; founded Habtob Global Ventures.
- 2012 – Founded TILT Construction, the flagship of TILT Group.
- Under his leadership, the Group has grown into a major player in public and private sector contracting with projects such as:
- Construction of 330 KVA transmission lines
- Renovation and remodelling of Kaduna State House of Assembly
- Construction of Visual Arts Centre, Ilorin, Kwara State
- Ogoniland hydrocarbon remediation projects
- Serves on the boards of various blue-chip companies and startups.
Philanthropy
Founder of the Habeeb Okunola Foundation, a non-profit aimed at supporting government efforts to achieve social justice across Africa.
- Impacted over 20,000 underserved Nigerians.
- Focuses on projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
National Honours
- Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) – 2022, conferred by President Muhammadu Buhari.
- Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) – 2023, for continued outstanding service to Nigeria.
Recognition and Awards
- NDLEA Ambassador – War Against Drug Abuse
- Forbes Best of Africa Outstanding Entrepreneur Award
- Euro Knowledge Leadership Award – House of Lords, UK
- Award for Excellence and Business Innovation – 6th Annual Nigeria Entrepreneurs Award
- Omoluabi Award – Integrity in Conduct
- ECOWAS Youth Council Distinguished African Personality
- Excellence in Business Leadership and Community Development Award
Traditional Titles
- Akosin of Yorubaland
- Aare Tayese of Iseyinland