Meet Farooq Oreagba, a cancer survivor who stole the show with his charisma at the 2024 Ojude Oba Day celebration.
The stylish and charismatic Oreagba, a former Member of the Derivatives Product Advisory Committee of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, made a grand entrance on horseback, showcasing his unique fashion sense. His viral photos and videos at the Ojude Oba festival captured the attention of netizens across Nigeria with some praising his sense of style and “steeze”.
Born on July 20, 1966, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Farooq Olatunbosun Oreagba hails from the illustrious Oreagba Akeula family, with ancestral ties to the prestigious Balogun Kuku lineage. His early education began in his hometown at Ijebu-Ode Grammar School and continued at the renowned King’s College Lagos, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious secondary schools.
Farooq furthered his education abroad, earning a degree from Edward Greenes College, Oxford. He then graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Combined Engineering Studies from Coventry University in 1989 and later acquired a BTec Diploma in Business & Finance from the University of East London in 1993.
Oreagba's professional journey is as diverse as it is impressive. Over the past four decades, he has carved out a distinguished career in the financial sector across three continents. Starting as the only sales-trader at African Alliance in Johannesburg, he covered 17 countries across Africa, trading equities and fixed income products.
He then transitioned to leadership roles, becoming the Managing Partner at Karaho Capital Partners in South Africa before his current position as the Managing Director and CEO of NG Clearing Limited, a pivotal financial market firm in Nigeria, a role he assumed in September 2023. Additionally, he has been a key player in the Nigerian Stock Exchange, serving as a Member of the Derivatives Product Advisory Committee since January 2021.
In April 2014, Farooq’s life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and carcinoma, forms of bone and skin cancer, respectively. Despite the grim prognosis, Farooq’s resilience shone through. By February 2015, he was in complete remission, and by 2017, he was declared cancer-free. This battle not only changed his perspective on life but also fueled his passion for raising awareness about cancer and supporting other patients through their journeys.
Ojude Oba Festival: A Cultural Icon
Oreagba's charisma and sense of style recently captivated the nation during the 2024 Ojude Oba Festival, an annual cultural celebration in Ijebu-Ode. Dressed in a striking green and lemon agbada with a matching cap, red coral beads, and a crossbody gold chain, he made a grand entrance on horseback, drawing widespread admiration on social media. His unique fashion statement, complemented by eye-catching tattoos, set a new benchmark for style in the business world. His appearance at the festival, complete with tattoos and a cigar, showcased his fashion sense and bold personality. This sartorial choice and his grand entrance on horseback earned him the admiration of many and solidified his status as a cultural icon.
Legacy and Impact
Farooq Oreagba remains a symbol of excellence, resilience, and style in finance and beyond. His journey serves as an inspiration to many, proving that true success lies not just in professional accomplishments but also in the strength of character and the ability to inspire others.
