By Princess Diana Eweka
There are individuals whose journeys quietly shape institutions, influence people, and redefine leadership through discipline, intellect, and purposeful service. One of such personalities is Mr. Ojo Akin Longe, a man whose professional and personal life continues to reflect excellence across governance, corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, education, and literature.
As he marks another birthday, the celebration goes beyond age or ceremony. It is a moment to reflect on the enduring impact of a man whose career path has consistently demonstrated strategic vision, resilience, and transformational leadership.
Mr. Akin Longe’s story is one of versatility and continuous growth. From the corporate world to public service, he has built a reputation rooted in competence, innovation, and institutional development. Currently serving as Permanent Secretary in the Edo State Government, he previously worked as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Strategy, Project Monitoring, Change, and Performance Management, where his contributions strengthened governance processes and strategic implementation.
Before entering public administration, he established himself within the corporate sector through years of service and leadership at Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd. His professional experience in human resources, recruitment, industrial relations, and organisational management positioned him as a respected voice in leadership and workforce development.
His years at Shell were marked by increasing responsibility, including leadership roles in graduate recruitment, employee relations, and strategic workforce management. Beyond corporate assignments, his election to the Board of the Shell Staff Cooperative Society, where he later served as chairman, reflected the confidence and trust reposed in him by colleagues.
After leaving Shell, he expanded his impact through consultancy and entrepreneurship as a Partner in Foisi Global Investment International Ltd, contributing to business development, management consulting, technical services, and organisational transformation across multiple sectors.
Yet, what distinguishes Mr. Akin Longe is not merely the positions he has occupied, but the consistency with which he has pursued growth, innovation, and meaningful impact. His engagements across education, hospitality, media, consulting, and mentorship continue to create opportunities for learning, leadership development, and empowerment.
Academically, his journey reflects an enduring commitment to self-development. With qualifications from the University of Benin, the University of Leicester, and Nexford University, he has continued to deepen his expertise in business administration, sustainability, leadership, and strategic management.
Outside governance and business, Mr. Akin Longe is also a thoughtful writer and author whose works explore themes of transition, purpose, entrepreneurship, and human experience. Through books such as Shifting Grounds and The Transition: From Paid Employment to Entrepreneurship, he shares practical insights and reflective narratives that inspire readers navigating personal and professional change.
His literary voice combines imagination with lived experience, offering readers not only stories, but lessons about growth, resilience, and reinvention.
Beyond his professional accomplishments lies another defining part of his identity — family. As a devoted father to Tammy, Efi, Ona, and Isaac, he exemplifies the balance between public achievement and personal responsibility, reminding society that enduring success is also measured by the values nurtured at home.
Indeed, Mr. Ojo Akin Longe’s life journey speaks to the power of intentional growth and purposeful leadership. His contributions across public service, corporate systems, entrepreneurship, and literature continue to leave lasting impressions on institutions and individuals alike.
His story serves as a reminder that leadership is not simply about titles or visibility, but about influence, integrity, service, and the ability to inspire transformation in others.
As he celebrates another year, there is every reason to honour not just his achievements, but the enduring legacy he continues to build through wisdom, discipline, creativity, and service.
May the years ahead bring him renewed strength, peace, clarity, and greater accomplishments. May his influence continue to inspire excellence, innovation, and meaningful progress across generations.
His journey across diverse fields is truly remarkable and deeply inspiring.