The popular Hakeem Balogun Street in the CBD business district in Ikeja, Lagos was on lockdown on 16th May, 2022 when the great industrialist, Mr Durodola Omolewa Kuteyi, celebrated his 40 years in business and as well as his 70th birthday at the popular event place, called The Event Centre.
It was a 3 in 1 event. It was also a moment to celebrate the 30 years of Spectra Industries Limited, the home of functional foods, as it’s called. The industrialist per excellence also use the moment to launch his autobiography entitled, “One Way Ticket” My Uninterrupted Life Journey From Pot to Factory. It is a book that reveals his life journey into the business world.The event which started around noon kicked off with Spectra Industries at 30. Some of the products of the Spectra were on display and some were served to guests, while the event was on. Some of the products of the company include Spectra Instant SUCO Drink, Spectra Cocoa Powder, Spectra Sobake Flour, Hyfiba, Fast “O” Meal, Chewie, and there were all on display etc. There was a little story of how the company started years ago. This was revealed as he celebrated life at 70. In a documentary that was shown, he gave insight into how the company took off many years ago.
Spectra Nigeria Limited was formally incorporated in 1991 as a Private Limited Liability Company. It subsequently commenced food processing in 1992 at 3, Oludayo Street, Iju Ishaga, Agege, Lagos. It enrolled in the Technology Business Incubation Scheme under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology in 1994 has the objective of assisting technological related activities with the intent to promote Nigeria’s indigenous products. It completed a five-year incubation programme of the scheme in 1998 and emerged as the best “TENANT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR.”
Thereafter, the company relocated to its present site, leased from the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives at Plot 1, Suco Road, (formerly called Abisola Alimi Crescent), beside the new Abattoir Market, Oko-Oba in Agege, Lagos State. The first product of the company was named ‘Instant Suco Cocoa Drink’ and, remarkably, the company has been able to expand and maintain its market share in the food, tobacco and beverage sector despite strong competition from the multinationals and today it has become a multi-product company producing the following products that are readily accepted in the market place.
Shortly after the 30 years of Spectra Industries Limited, the proper 70th birthday of Mr Kuteyi started as friends, family and well-wishers eulogised the celebrant with all sorts of tributes to make his day more glorious. The celebrant was indeed happy where he was seated, as he smiled at every tribute of him.
Sitting beside him was his beautiful wife, Mrs Omoyemi Kuteyi who was beautifully dressed in pink colour. Did we tell you what the celebrant wore? He was also in pink attire. Sokoto and Buba, and it was complemented with Agbada. While the guests were in green attire.
Mr Femi Craig was the MC of the event. He ensured the accurate flow of the event, from the start to finish.
Some of the children of the celebrant who base abroad watched the programme online.
The guest speaker was Professor Kehinde Taiwo, while Professor Gloria Elemo was the book launcher, but was represented by Prof Babajide Elemo. During the launch of this book entitled “One Way Ticket,” he praised the author and revealed the many things people should expect In the book.
The celebrant who is called Suco surely has many friends all of whom came to felicitate with him on his birthday. While some came to rejoice with him as his company Spectra is 30, we also had people who came because he was launching a book at 70. It was a beautiful day for the celebrant.
The celebrant while speaking, described SME as an orphan. “It’s unprotected and that’s why there is no growth in the sector. Until government realises the importance of SMEs.
He also urged all other manufacturers to know what they are about to do and acquire the skill before anyone can start and if not, the entrepreneur will fail and be frustrated.”
He said he feels so young at 70! “I feel as you are. You know age is in the mind. It’s like we are just starting.”
Let’s also tell you about his new book, which focuses on SMEs and the life of the author.
The book is divided into 5 Chapters. In the Preface of the book, the author emphasized important skills and values that help shape a successful SME.
- Isaac Abimbade
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