In the versatile world of Nigerian entrepreneurship, Dr. Sesan Oyebanji stands out as a visionary leader dedicated to creating a meaningful impact through innovative businesses and community-focused initiatives. From his early beginnings to his transformative ventures, Dr. Oyebanji’s journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and purpose-driven leadership. His work not only addresses critical societal challenges but also aligns with global goals for sustainability and equity.
Dr. Oyebanji’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2010 after completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. Armed with a degree in mathematics and a determination to build systems that empower others, he founded his first business, APEX-GRADE GLOBAL SERVICES, to address the employment gap for Nigerian graduates.
Reflecting on this period, he shares: “My journey began with a clear vision to create impact through entrepreneurship. I aspired to bridge gaps and build systems that empower people and businesses.”
The path to success, however, was not without its challenges. Navigating the unpredictable Nigerian business landscape brought obstacles such as economic instability, limited infrastructure, and sudden policy shifts. Recalling these experiences, he notes, “Managing setbacks such as sudden government land reclamation or fluctuating market conditions often requires resilience and adaptability.” Through persistence and innovation, Dr. Oyebanji has turned challenges into stepping stones, establishing businesses that not only thrive but also serve as tools for societal progress.
Building Businesses for a Better Tomorrow
Dr. Oyebanji’s ventures are deeply rooted in addressing societal needs and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His businesses—Global Reach Farms Limited, Sesan Emmanuel Consulting Limited, and the Sesan Emmanuel Empowerment Foundation—each address critical issues ranging from food security to economic empowerment.
Global Reach Farms Limited: Combating Hunger with Innovation
Global Reach Farms Limited, a pioneering agricultural enterprise, was founded early this year with a mission to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s food chain. With a diverse portfolio spanning food crops and livestock farming, the organization has established a significant presence in key locations across the country. Its operations include a cattle and piggery farm in Ibadan, Oyo State, and piggery farms in Akure, Ondo State.
Inspired by the urgent need to tackle inefficiencies in agriculture, Global Reach Farms Limited focuses on addressing SDG 2: Zero Hunger. Through sustainable farming practices, the company enhances food security, reduces waste, and empowers local farmers. The company is poised to launch a tomato and cassava plantation on five hectares of land in Akure, while also cultivating cocoa for export in Idanre, Ondo State. Additionally, a fish pond setup in Oshogbo, Osun State, underscores Global Reach Farms Limited’s commitment to sustainable and innovative agricultural practices.
Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Oyebanji, Global Reach Farms Limited is expanding into a comprehensive agricultural hub, Global Reach Farms and Resort Limited. Plans are underway to acquire 100 acres for crops like cassava, maize, and tomatoes, alongside livestock farming. The company is also exploring value-added services such as frozen goods processing and agricultural waste management for organic fertilizer production. These efforts aim to reduce spoilage, improve productivity, and create jobs, aligning with Dr. Oyebanji’s mission to drive economic growth and sustainability in Nigeria.
Sesan Emmanuel Consulting: Empowering Entrepreneurs
Understanding the challenges of entrepreneurship, Dr. Oyebanji founded Sesan Emmanuel Consulting Limited to address SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 4: Quality Education. The firm provides mentorship, training, and actionable insights to aspiring business leaders. “By equipping the next generation with the tools to succeed, we’re not just fostering economic empowerment—we’re building a future where innovation and opportunity thrive.”
Through this platform, Dr. Oyebanji aims to help young entrepreneurs avoid the pitfalls he once faced and create a ripple effect of sustainable growth.
Sesan Emmanuel Empowerment Foundation: Uplifting Communities and Tackling Hunger
The Sesan Emmanuel Empowerment Foundation was established in January of this year. Its main goal is to reduce inequality, improve health, and ensure access to quality education. One of the Foundation’s key focuses is addressing hunger, which requires innovative solutions.
According to Dr. Oyebanji, “Hunger can’t be solved alone. We need to address its root causes—poverty, lack of education, and environmental damage—to create lasting solutions.” Hunger is not just about food scarcity; it is also caused by poverty, environmental degradation, poor farming practices, and limited access to education and resources. The Foundation uses the Socio-Economic and Environmental Framework (SEEF) to tackle hunger. SEEF is a holistic approach that addresses hunger from two angles:
Firstly, the Foundation empowers communities by providing sustainable income opportunities. It equips individuals with the skills and knowledge to become self-sufficient, particularly through agricultural education and training. Secondly, the Foundation promotes sustainable farming practices, combats climate change, and ensures food security through innovative agricultural approaches.
SEEF ensures that solutions to hunger are sustainable and resilient. It integrates long-term strategies like education, environmental preservation, and economic empowerment, helping communities thrive despite challenges like economic shocks and climate crises. As Dr. Oyebanji puts it, “SEEF is not just about feeding people; it’s about building systems that ensure no one goes hungry tomorrow.” Through its work, the Foundation helps vulnerable communities achieve independence, fostering resilience and lasting impact.
Lessons in Leadership and Resilience
The road to success has been paved with lessons for Dr. Oyebanji. Securing initial capital was one of his earliest challenges, as he relied heavily on personal funds to launch his businesses. This taught him the importance of assembling adequate funding and maintaining detailed records for sustainability.
Another significant challenge was managing multiple roles and responsibilities. By leveraging freelance opportunities and hiring professionals to handle complex regulatory processes, he learned to streamline operations and focus on growth. “Each challenge reinforced the need for resilience, strategic planning, and adaptability, shaping how I approach leadership and business growth today.” His leadership philosophy centers on empowerment, collaboration, and purpose-driven action.
Driving Innovation and Adapting to Change
As Nigeria’s business environment evolves, Dr. Oyebanji remains ahead of the curve by embracing emerging trends and technologies. From precision farming using IoT and drones to cold chain technologies that reduce food spoilage, he is constantly exploring innovations that maximize efficiency and sustainability.
“Blockchain for supply chains is particularly exciting—it improves traceability and transparency, ensuring trust in the agricultural ecosystem.”
Through strategic partnerships, market research, and continuous learning, Dr. Oyebanji ensures that his businesses remain relevant and impactful.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Dr. Oyebanji emphasizes the importance of structure for small businesses and entrepreneurs with limited resources. “Greatness begins with structure. Start by registering your business, opening proper accounts, and keeping detailed records. These foundational steps ensure credibility and lay the groundwork for scaling sustainably.” His advice reflects his own disciplined approach to entrepreneurship, which has been the cornerstone of his success.
Looking to the Future
Dr. Oyebanji’s future plans are as ambitious as they are inspiring. From expanding Global Reach Farms into a sustainable agriculture hub to collaborating with northern Nigerian governments on new agricultural initiatives, he continues to push the boundaries of innovation and impact. “We are working on projects that will redefine food security and drive sustainable growth in Nigeria. As soon as they are fleshed out, we will share them with you.” His vision is not just about building businesses but creating systems that uplift communities and foster resilience in the face of societal challenges.
Dr. Sesan Oyebanji’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. By addressing critical gaps in food security, education, and economic empowerment, he has built businesses that leave a lasting impact on individuals and communities. As he reflects on his journey, one lesson stands out: “Purpose-driven leadership is the foundation of lasting impact. It’s not just about strategy—it’s about empowering others and creating solutions that address societal challenges.”
For Dr. Oyebanji, success is not just about personal achievements but about the positive impact he has on others. As he aptly puts it, “True success is measured by the lives we touch and the communities we uplift.” This philosophy is evident in his work, where he prioritizes empowering young entrepreneurs, promoting sustainable farming practices, and inspiring a new generation of leaders to drive positive change.
Through his work, Dr. Oyebanji continues to inspire a new generation of leaders, proving that with vision and determination, it is possible to build a better future for all.
