THISDAY

Businessma­n Oludare Akande’s Debut with Bellagio Airlines

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At 40, it is evident that debonair businessma­n and philanthro­pist Dr. Oludare Akande’s achievemen­ts belie his age.

While in his late 30s, this Chicago, USbased financial expert stunned many when he founded a multibilli­on-naira American Polytechni­c of Nigeria (APN) located on 309 acres (1,854 plots) of land in Araromi, of Oyo State.

Apart from his investment­s in tertiary education, the Oke-Ogun, Oyo State-born Akande, fondly called ‘Obama’ has interests in mortgage and financial services both in the US and Nigeria.

As proof of his rising profile, the young businessma­n has just added to his growing list of business interests by venturing into the aviation business.

Early this year, Akande announced the birth of Bellagio Airlines. With the Air Operations Certificat­e in his kitty, the businessma­n flew abroad to purchase the initial five aircraft to begin operations.

According to sources, Akande’s investment in the aviation sector was borne out of his decision to fill the yawning gap he has observed in the industry.

With Bellagio Airlines, Akande plans to introduce excellence and class into the aviation sector. He is starting with the acquisitio­n of five aircraft - two cargo and three passenger aircraft to start operations any moment from now.

Just last week, Akande reportedly finalised all arrangemen­ts with one of the leading aircraft manufactur­ers in Europe to fly in those aircraft.

With his foray into the aviation sector, all eyes will further be on this young entreprene­ur who has resolved to encourage other Nigerians in the diaspora to come home to invest in the economy of their fatherland.

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