By Damilola Adeyera
Sociologists define family as a socially recognized group joined by blood, marriage, cohabitation, or adoption that forms emotional connection and serves as an economic unit of society. This definition holds true for the Akinboboye family.
Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye and Dr. Olakunle Akinboboye are family. They are connected not only by blood but also a shared appetite for innovation, and a passionate believe in the limitless potentials of Africa. The deployment of their intellects for the advancement of humanity has ensured that their name will forever be positively etched in the annals of history.
Like the Anuikulapo family, which produced notable personalities like Fela Kuti, Beko Kuti and Funmilayo Kuti the Akinboboye family is a social unit of diverse and incredible talents. As individuals, Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye and Dr. Olakunle Akinboboye have distinguished themselves in their different chosen fields. They have developed ideas that have transformed into great institutions.
On his part, Otunba Akinboboye is widely celebrated for his Afro-tourism philosophy.
The tenets of Otunba Akinboboye’s philosophy are inspired by his believe that Africa has its own kind of beauty, hospitality, building style, music, food, and spirituality that can stand alone, be celebrated, and enjoyed. Afro-tourism is based on the idea that luxury does not have to look like what’s obtainable in the west.
This philosophy motivated Otunba Olawanle to create an African themed luxury experience which he named La Campagne Tropicana Beach & Forest resort. La Campagne Tropicana is known for its infusion of African culture with luxury. Traditional patterns, native buildings, African-styled rooms, locally prepared meals, showcasing the culture through dance/singing, and the natural setting around, all together creates a true African experience.
Strategically located at the edge of Atlantic Ocean, La Campagne Tropicana was designed to be a good neighbor with the environment around it. It is a blissful marriage of convenience between man and nature.
Long before ecotourism became a popular concept, OtunbaOlawanle imagined a destination where Africa’s natural beauty, culture, architecture, cuisine, music and traditions could be experienced in its undiluted and purest form. His dream transformed a stretch of coastline in Ibeju-Lekki into one of Africa’s most distinctive tourism destinations attracting visitors from across Nigeria and around the world.
Outside of hospitality, Otunba Olawanle has led other several visionary initiatives. The Continent Building Initiative, Motherland beckons, Ipada Initiative, Atunda Entertainment which is home to Atunda TV and Atunda cultural Band are the many different ways Otunba is spearheading the development and advancement of Africa.
Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye’s spirit of innovation is also embedded in Dr. Olakunle Akinboboye. While Otunba Olawanlehas made giant strides in tourism, Dr. Olakunle has distinguished himself through academic excellence.
Dr. Olakunle Akinboboye made history by becoming the first African to chair The United States Cardiovascular Disease Board. A Clinical Associate Professor at the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman school of Medicine, Dr. Olakunle in 1984 graduated from the University of Ibadan. A few years later, he continued his professional sojourn in America when in 1993 he won a fellowship at the Nassau University Medical Center.
In 1995, another fellowship at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center solidified Dr. Olakunle’s reputation as star Cardiologist. It was in that year he began his position as Chairman of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He has authored and co-authored about 100 research publications. These publications has led to breakthrough discoveries in Cardiovascular research.
There are many important lessons that can be garnered from the family story of the Akinboboyes. However, the most important one would be that greatness is rarely accidental but cultivated through years of learning, disciplined efforts, willingness to persevere in the face of challenges and an uncoventional courage to pursue new ideas.
The family story of the Akinboboyes stands as a testament on how limitless the possibilities when genius is nurtured.
Together,the Akinboboye brothers have exemplified how talent, education, andpurpose can lead to a life of impact and meaningful legacies. YoungAfricans in search of inspiration can look to the lives of theAkinboboye family.