The Managing Director of Inland Containers Nigeria Limited (ICNL), Omotayo Dada, has celebrated Ismail Yusuf Adekola, the former ICNL MD, and Rotimi Raimi-Hassan, the former Kaduna Inland Dry Port (KIDP) Manager, as they retire from service.
During a retirement party held on 14th April 2025 to recognize their immense contributions to the company, Dada said Adekola is retiring after an illustrious 33-year career defined by excellence, innovation, and unwavering dedication.
Adekola’s journey with ICNL began in 1990 as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, where his exceptional promise led to his immediate retention. He was formally appointed as Assistant Manager, Accounts in 1991, and steadily rose through the ranks with distinction, serving as Depot Accountant, then General Manager/CEO in 2002, and ultimately becoming Managing Director/CEO in 2010. Under his visionary leadership, ICNL experienced transformational growth and operational advancement.
His major contributions include: modernizing ICNL’s operations to align with global logistics standards; spearheading KIDP establishment and operational success; implementing robust, transparent financial systems; infrastructure expansion—enhancing ICNL’s national presence through depot and logistics development; building strong teams and nurturing leadership within the organization; representing ICNL on national and global platforms to influence policy and regulatory standards.
Being a committed professional, Mr. Adekola is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), and Chartered Institute of Shipping (CIS), as well as a Member of the Institute of Directors (IOD), Nigeria.
On the other hand, Omotayo Dada said Raimi-Hassan spent 31 remarkable years of dedicated service to ICNL. He began his journey with ICNL on February 3, 1993, during a transformative period in the company’s history. Starting as Assistant Operations Manager, his dedication, discipline, and professionalism swiftly set him apart, propelling a distinguished career marked by integrity and innovation. Over the years, Mr. Raimi rose through the ranks to hold several key positions, including Assistant General Manager, Operations; Head of ICT/ICD Department; and notably, Pioneer Port Manager of the Kaduna Inland Dry Port (KIDP)—a role he assumed on February 20, 2017.
As the inaugural Port Manager, he laid the groundwork for KIDP’s operations, establishing a reliable and efficient hub that continues to serve Nigeria’s Northern region and beyond. His career is decorated with numerous achievements, including: streamlining logistics, warehousing, and container handling processes across ICNL locations; contributing to internal policy formulation and strategic operational frameworks; leading ICT integration that transformed port operations and documentation systems; mentoring and training staff, many of whom now hold leadership positions in the industry; holding degrees in Business Administration and Law, exemplifying lifelong learning; establishing core systems and partnerships that enhanced ICNL’s service delivery.
“Beyond the boardroom, Mr. Adekola is admired for his humility, integrity, and service to humanity. A devoted family man, mentor, and community leader, he exemplifies calm, principled leadership and a deep commitment to people. As we mark the close of an era, we do not just bid farewell to a Managing Director; we celebrate a legacy of vision, purpose, and positive impact. His influence on ICNL and the wider industry will endure for generations.
“Mr. Raimi is also a respected member of several professional bodies, including: Chartered Institute of Marine, Port and Terminal Management Professionals (USA); Chartered Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (CIMN); Institute of Directors (IOD); Chartered Institute of Management of Nigeria; Associate, Institute of Export of Nigeria. His legacy is one of vision, integrity, and excellence. Known for his calm demeanor, principled leadership, and compassion, Mr. Raimi has not only shaped ICNL’s present but also inspired its future. Beyond the workplace, he is celebrated as a humble family man, a respected community elder, and a true gentleman. We do not just celebrate a retirement; we honour a legacy of purpose, passion, and progress.”