Who is Alhaji (Dr) Sakariyawu Olayiwola Babalola, popularly known as (S.O.B) ?
Alhaji Dr. Sakariyau O. Babalola, an honourary doctor of science and Officer of the Order of Niger (OON), was born in the thirties in Ede, Osun State. He started learning the Holy Qur’an at a tender age of six (6). He became so proficient in the teaching of the Muslim faith at ten (10) and was locally known in his community as a young teacher.
Subsequently, he attended St. Peters Anglican School, Oke Egan in Ede from 1948 to 1953. He has in addition, attended series of educational development courses nationally and internationally. Alhaji Dr. S. O. Babalola, however, started his Trading Business in Lagos in 1955 with only 30 shillings and was immensely blessed with it.
Today, his business has grown into a conglomerate, diversifying into such areas as Haulage, Oil and Gas, Shipping and Communications.
In Philanthropy, Alhaji Babalola is magnanimous. He has brought smiles to the faces of indigent Nigerian students within and outside his local community. He solely built a multi million naira auditorium (with a 1,500 seating capacity) for the Federal Polytechnic, Ede.
This is considered a major contribution to the development of infrastructure in the higher education sector in Nigeria. Perhaps, it is in the Telecommunication sector that Alhaji Babalola made significant contribution for which he was honoured by the Federal Government of Nigeria with the Officer of the Order of Niger (OON).
He established the first indigenous and largest satellite communication outfit in Nigeria, Telemobile Nigeria Limited. His decision to establish such Telecommunication company in Nigeria is praiseworthy and visionary. In deep appreciation for the quality of leadership and contribution to the society.
Alh. Dr. S. O. Babalola has been honoured in Islam, by his people and the Federal Government with awards such as: Saraki Adinni of Lagos Central Mosque, Edeland Merit award 2002; Aare Musulumi of Surulere original Central mosque; Officer of the Order of Niger (OON); Doctor of Science (DSC); Telecommunication (Honoris Causa) of the University of Calabar and Fellow of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State.
His experience and shrewdness in business have fostered on him the chairmanship of the following companies: Telemobile Nigeria Ltd; Franing International Ltd; Hurks International Ltd, S. O. Babalola Transport Service; Sierra Western Nigeria; Silemco Ltd and Octagon Technology Ltd.