Remembering Sir Dr Olatunde Agbato (04 August 1950-7th January, 2021) – By Dr Ibikunle Faramade
In its sixty years of existence, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan had produced great men and women who have contributed in no small measure to the development of the society, locally and globally.
Dr. Olatunde Aiyedun Agbato studied veterinary medicine in the University of Ibadan and graduated with distinctions in veterinary medicine, veterinary parasitology and veterinary pathology in 1975. He was the overall best student and the university prize winner of his set .
Expectedly, Dr. Agbato was employed in July 1976 as a lecturer in the Department of Veterinary Medicine where he held sway for only one year, before following his heart, to establish a veterinary business with a unique model.
To master the game of business, he became the first veterinarian in Nigeria to enroll for the Master of Business Administration program at the University of Lagos where he graduated in 1979. He served briefly as the Technical Commercial Manager of SEEPC ( Nig) Limited, a popular French Agro Industrial Concern in that era.
Armed with the double edged sword of professional training and qualification as a veterinarian and training in Business Administration, he ventured headlong into veterinary business by establishing O. A. & O. A. Associates, a partnership business with his beloved wife, Dame Olufunmilayo Ayodeji, between 1979 and 1981 which formed the bedrock upon with the famous Animal Care Services Konsult Nigeria Limited was built.
Between 1981 and 2020, he worked tirelessly to build Animal Care brand to become _primus inter peres_ in that sector, setting a template of integrity and professionalism for others to follow.
He won several laurels and awards locally and globally which distinguished him and his company as a unique brand in Nigeria agricultural and livestock sectors.
He was three times winner of Farmer of the year award at both state and national levels. Notably, Dr. Agbato won the CBN farmer of the year award in 1987, 1989 and 1992 for loan utilization and repayment, setting a high pedestal for others to follow in a society where many see such bank facilities as their piece of the ‘national cake’. In 1995, he won the award of the best farmer of the year presented to him by the National Council on Agriculture, the highest agricultural policy making organ in Nigeria .
While alive, Dr. Olatunde Agbato was selfless. He didn’t build his brand alone, he built men and women through intentional mentorship, philanthropy and benefaction. Many successful veterinarians and non- veterinarians especially in the poultry sector today owe their voyage to success to this incredible, generous lighter of their candles.
In recognition of the honor done by him to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan as a worthy ambassador and global brand, Dr. Agbato became the first recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Further, in recognition of the glory he brought to the University of Ibadan, he was awarded a prestigious Distinguished Alumnus Award of the University of Ibadan. The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association also rewarded his outstanding achievements and contributions to the development of the veterinary profession by given him Distinguished Veterinarian Award among other notable recognitions of his outstanding services to humanity.
Dr. Olatunde Agbato was a good family man, a devoted father and a loving husband who cherished godly principles and pristine Christian family values.
He didn’t allow his successes and achievements to becloud him to think he was sufficient without God. His devotion to God and christ-like servant leadership attracted the church, Methodist Church, Nigeria to install him and his beloved wife as Knights of John Wesley, he discharged spiritual responsibilities attached to his knighthood until he breathed his last at the age of 70 years, on the 7th of January 2021, despite numerous challenges and contrary winds.
The Ibadan Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association remember the life and times of Dr. Olatunde Agbato with gratitude to God. His demise was painful but it was a reminder that we are not here to stay forever.
We remember his goodness. We remember his benefaction. We remember his courage (to leave certainty for uncertainty) to start a new business in an ever challenging and unpredictable terrain.
We remember his innovation and the revolution he led, especially in the poultry sector. We remember his foray into acquiring relevant knowledge to boost veterinary business (as the first veterinarian with MBA qualification) among other landmark achievements.
We continue to pray that his legacies will continue to blossom for many years to come.
May God continue to encourage the family, especially, the matriarch of the Agbato family, Dame Olufunmilayo Ayodeji Agbato as she continue to move the vision of Animal Care Services Konsult to higher pedestal.
May the soul of Dr. Olatunde Aiyedun Agbato continue to rest in peace. Amen.
Dr. Ibikunle Faramade, DVM, MVetsc., MSIRDA (Ibadan) President, Ibadan Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association Worldwide (IFVMAAW)
