By Olaotan Falade
Dr Fredrick Babatunde Odutola is man of many parts. To some he is teacher of teachers, to some an erudite lawyer, to some a philanthropist while to some he is simply a minister of the gospel.
In whatever way one prefers to describe him, Fred as he is preferably called by friends and well wishers fits well into the responsibilities and more.
An ardent reader of Newsclick Nigeria, Dr Fred Odutola today (Thursday, 7th July, 2022) clocks 64 years old and meeting him one-on-one, he still exudes the intelligence and energy of a 30-year-old.
Birth
He was born on Monday, the 7th day of the 7th month (July), 1958 in Ibadan, then Western Region of Nigeria.
Institutions attended
An alumnus of Wesley College, Ibadan, University of Lagos, Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island; Lagos State University, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ondo State University, Haggai Institute, Singapore, Triune Biblical University, Washington; Oxford Brookes University, Oxford; University of Pittsburgh; George Washington University; Commonwealth University, Belize and University of Phoenix, Arizona USA.
Degrees
He holds B. Ed. English; PGD Journalism; LL.B.; B.L.; MBA; M.Sc; D.D.; DBA; Ph.D.
Career
He started his career as a Teacher in Ibadan in 1976, becoming the first Principal of Alimosho Grammar School before joining The Bible Society of Nigeria in 1982. He was Lagos Area Secretary, Production & Information Officer, Operations & Admin Manager; Fundraising Manager & finally in 2000, The 7th indigenous General Secretary/Chief Executive Officer. In 2009, in Addis Ababa, the United Bible Societies at the Africa Area Board Meeting elected him as Chairman, Africa Area Board. He with 3 other Continental Board Chairmen of the United Bible Societies worked out the new organogram for the UBS working in over 200 countries of the world. On July 31st, 2013, after 31 years meritorious service with The Bible Society of Nigeria, the last 13 as CEO, the last 4 as Chairman for Africa Area Board, he retired at the age of 55. He has since been involved in legal practice, arbitration, consultancy, teaching and mentoring.
Membership of professional bodies
Fred is a Fellow, Faculty of Secretaries and Administrators, UK; Member British Institute of Management; Member Institute of Marketing; Fellow Association of Business Executives, UK; Fellow Institute of Management Consultants, Member Chartered Institute of Arbitration; Fellow Institute of Directors. Member of Nigerian Bar Association and International Bar Association.
Positions of responsibilities
Fred is the immediate Past Vice Chairman of Governing Council- West Africa Theological Seminary; Past Executive Committee Member of the Institute of Directors. He is the current Legal Adviser to The Bible Society of Nigeria. He has travelled to 75 countries and is author of 8 books and still writing.
Awards
He is recipient of Kwame Nkruma Africa Leadership Award – Accra 2005; Tribune’s 30 Illustrious Sons of Ogun State 2006; Unilag 40 Great Alumni – 2002; Lifetime Award – BSN 2016; Institute of Directors Exemplary Leadership Award – 2018.
Because of his love for teaching and education Fred established a nursery, primary and secondary school in Alimosho area of Lagos State where pupils and students pay a token of three thousand naira (N3,000:00) per term.
He has travelled to 75 countries and placed Bibles in the hands of 12 Presidents. He enjoys challenging young people to be the best they can be.
He is happily married to Olabisi Odutola and they are blessed with children and grandchildren biological and spiritual.
