Nigerian Mentor Series 1. Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun- The Grand Master of Banking

Generally referred to as the Grandmaster for his pioneering role in the financial sector, Otunba Subomi Balogun, Chairman of the First City Group, is reputed with the establishment of the first indigenous stock broking firm, issuing house and investment bank in Nigeria. he was born into a family with a fairly well known background in Ijebu-Ode. He studied law and got a scholarship from the then Western region to be trained as a parliamentary counsel of the federation. He thereafter moved to Nigerian Industrial Development Bank and became the company secretary. This singular move opened for him the vista. He is known to possess an analytical mind and he put this to great use by coming up with properly marshaled proposals to set up a Merchant bank and Investment Bank. In a twist of fate, he was sidelined for the leadership role and felt cheated, so he resigned. He took a bold step and moved on to set up his own City Security Limited (CSL) which has today grown into one of the most formidable Investment houses in Nigeria, and later on First City Merchant Bank (FCMB). Otunba Balogun is also known for his philanthropy in funding a purpose built Children's hospital- Otunba Tunwase Specialist National Pediatric Centre, which is one of the biggest of its kind in West Africa and patterned after the Great Osmond Street Hospital in London with Professor Adenike Grange (Former Health Minister) as Provost. He is an active Church member and spends a lot time with God. He loves to swim, occasionally takes a ride in his boat and picks fruits in his orchard sitting on 50 acres of land.

He can be said to have successfully grown his business into an Institution and hopefully the change of baton will be seamless with his four sons well positioned.Bolaji at his boutique Chapelhill,Ladi at FCMB and Gboyega at CSL he may have succeeded in sustaining a dynasty. Lest i forget, should you be stunned by the sight of a white-hued Rolls Royce Phantom on the streets of Lagos, with a glamorous looking old man clad in white apparels, you may have just seen the Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians. Otunba, who can be likened to a Duke.