By Oluwasegun Abifarin
The venue was an event hall overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in the Lekki area of Lagos. Friends, associates, mentees, families and colleagues came from different shapes and walks of life to share the limelight with a ‘twinkling star’ who is now shinning in the orbit of a Diamond age bracket.
The celebrant, Mr. Bisi Oni, an Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer of FundQuest Financial Services Limited is an expert in Investment Banking, SME Financing, Corporate Strategy and Human Capital Development.
With years of experience in the financial industry, Oni has worked with top-tier financial institutions such as Financial Derivatives Company, FBN Merchant Bankers, FBN Capital (now FBNQuest Merchant Bank), and the Managing Director and CEO of FBN Securities Limited. During his tenure, he led several capital raisings for corporates and subnational bonds, displaying his strong financial and analytical skills.
A highly skilled economist with extensive experience in financial advisory and asset management, he obtained a second-class upper division in his first degree and graduated with a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Lagos. He is widely recognized for his academic achievements, as he emerged as the best-graduating student in the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria in 1997 and the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers in 2004.
In addition to his experience in financial management, Oni is highly skilled in corporate strategy, investment management, negotiations and resource management. He has also developed strong analytical and presentation skills and possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills.
The celebrant is a Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (ACS) and Chartered Institute of Bankers (ACIB), both in Nigeria. Bisi Oni is a fellow of the London-based Leadership for Environment and Development where he has been involved in developing initiatives in the areas of business and investment sustainability.
The birthday actually became a downpour of accolades and appreciation for the celebrant and his family.
According to Mr. Ayo Arowolo, a Financial Journalist, Mr. Bisi Oni is a reliable person, “in and out of season. We have been together since 1999.”
The same line was echoed by Dr. Oluwole Akinjayeju, adding that Mr. Bisi Oni “is a very reliable hand and helpful, even at odd times.” According to Mr. Ton Udeoze, the celebrant is “integrity personified,highly resourceful and straightforward in structure and character.”
In her remarks and votes of thanks to the guests , Joan Ediagbonya, Head of Brand Communication and Customer Experience at FundQuest also elougised the celebrant, saying, “we celebrate not only your six decades of life but also your unwavering dedication, guidance, and wisdom. Your legacy is etched in the countless lives you’ve touched, the careers you’ve nurtured, and the success you’ve fostered. We are grateful for your vision, your leadership, and your unwavering support.
“As we move forward, let us continue to draw inspiration from your example, your expertise, and your generosity of spirit. Let us strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve, just as you have done so selflessly over the years.”
In a chat with this reporter at the event, Oni maintained that the 60th birthday remained a watershed in his life. “I have seen what is possible and what is not possible. We have to apply ourselves to the right values.”
According to him, “My first 30 years was spent as a single. My next 30 years as a married man, and my next 30 will be spent to work on the process to make the next person better.”
He expressed great appreciation to his wife who he described as his greatest supporting pillar “for the unusual journey and for making the home front peaceful.”
