Asiwaju Olawale-Cole is a Nigerian business mogul, politician and the founder of Colenson Group of Companies. He was born on August 24, 1949 in Ikeja, Lagos.
Before his emergence as LCCI president, he had served the chamber in various capacity such as Deputy President, Vice President, Chairperson, Public Affairs Committee, Chairperson, Financial &General Purposes Committee among others. He was elected by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) as its president after a duly conducted election at the Chamber’s 133rd Annual General Meeting, AGM.
He was formally inaugurated as the 24th President of the Chamber on Saturday 4th December 2021 at an Investiture Ceremony which held at the Orchid-Lantana Hall, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Asiwaju was a two-time Former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, as well as Works and Transport in Lagos State.
He is also a past president of the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC); Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM); University of Lagos Alumni Association and a Past District Governor of Rotary, District 9110.
Asiwaju is an alumnus of prestigious universities such as, University of Lagos, University of Cambridge, South West London College, All Saints University of America and Harvard Business School, USA.
Asiwaju won the State of Alabama Award, Lieutenant Colonel, Hide-Camp in 1986; Eko Merit Award for his immense contributions to Public Service and Community, 1993; Merit Award by Rotary Club of Alapere, 1993-94; Certificate of Appreciation Award, Nigeria Institute of Management,1999-2001; Recognition of Valuable Contribution as Speaker, 2000; Recognition of Outstanding Contribution to Insurance Industry. Champion Insurance Day Award, 2001; Certified Distinguished Manager Leadership Trust Foundation Award, 2001; Award for Selfless Service to Rotary, 2001-2002; Award of Excellence for Services to Humanity, Rotary Club ofApapa, 2002-2003 and Africa Leadership Award.
Asiwaju has a street named after him in Magodo and Lekki phase 1, Lagos.
He is married to Chief Mrs Adebola Cole.