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Hakeem Oshikoya
Hakeem Oshikoya is from Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, the son of Yinusa Sanni “Agbonmiyan” Oshikoya and Sariyu Oshikoya,
he is one of seven children from the same mother, and twenty-seven children from same father. He comes from a very
prominent family of cocoa and palm kernel dealer in Ijebu Ode, in the old Western region of Nigeria, when these
commodities were of prime commercial value for the emerging nation. His primary education was at the Luba Nursery
School, Ijebu Ode, he then attended Muslim College, Ijebu Ode, after which he obtained certification at the Nigeria
Institute of Internal Auditors. With the certificate in hand, he was employed by the Cooperative Bank of Nigeria at 30
Marina Street, Lagos. With his beautiful high school sweetheart, Omotolani Oshikoya,
they are parents to four boys, Olamide, Olatunbosun, Oladapo and Olatunde.
His decision to travel to the US is a favorite one Hakeem likes to reflect on about his life.
After working in the Cooperative Bank for four years, getting the opportunity to travel
to the United States was a pleasant surprise and more so he was readily granted travel
visas. Then he had to summon the courage to get his dad’s approval, knowing fully well
the challenge he faced because his dad was vehemently against any of his children
travelling out of the country. This was a common sentiment at a period in Nigerian history, when commercial activities
boomed and everyone imbibed a strong sense of patriotism. In the late 1970s, Hakeem arrived in the US, first residing
with his sister in Knoxville, Tennessee. When his wife Omotolani joined him, they moved to Illinois, where he attended
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, obtaining his BS Degree in Finance, followed by a MS Degree in Economics
and Accounting. There was the Ogun State scholarship money left from his undergraduate program to complete the
Master’s program and he obtained both Bachelors and Masters Degrees within four years. The boys emulated their
parent’s aspiration for academic excellence each having successfully completed a Bachelor’s degree program. Two of
them are medical practitioners. Hakeem’s professional career took the family from Illinois to
Florida where he became a Certified Public Accountant,
then to Georgia as a Certified Public Accountant and
Certified Government Financial Manager. He has held
various executive positions as Chief Financial Officer –
City of Florida, Finance Director – City of South Miami,
Budget Manager – Fulton County, Atlanta, Georgia and
currently holds the position of Finance Director –
Fulton County. Having distinguished himself in all these positions, he has received several accolades including
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and Excellence in Government Financial Reporting Award. He is a member of
the Nubians Organization in Atlanta, Georgia, and has served in leadership positions as President and Treasurer for the
organization. He lists among his hobbies, Dancing and Reading.
They have also been blessed with three grandsons Elan, Jayden, and Jorden.
While enjoying the company of family, Omotolani is engaged in several social
activities in her community as member and officer in several organizations.
Hakeem also enjoys his social activities and is has active membership in
professional organizations: Member of Government Finance Officers Association, Member of American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants and Member of Association of Government Accountants.
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