A prominent philanthropist based in Japan has been announced as the 2025 Yoruba Man Of The Year.
Making the announcement on Wednesday, IrohinOodua Global Media Services said said Mr Shonde Samuel transformational programmes spanning more than two decades stand him out as a role model for generations of Yoruba people who cherish truth, honesty and the dignity of man either in personal life, in the work place or as a guiding philosophy in entrepreneur.
The group said Shonde is currently working on constructing the largest Ship company in one of the States in the Old Western Region in collaboration with notable Japanese companies.
The company when actualized is expected to employ thousands of Nigerians with the prospect of being the largest Ship Building Company in West Africa.
‘This year, we have picked Mr Shonde for his silent contribution to industry and skill development in Yorubaland.
Instead of building personal empires in Asia or Europe, he has decided to channel his resources to the upliftment of his fatherland, to create jobs and empower thousands of people with world class skill in shipbuilding and other areas of technology.
He is facilitating one of the biggest industrial ventures in Nigeria.
This will not only lead to human empowerment and skill acquisition across Nigeria, the project will replace despair with hope across many families in Nigeria’ the Editorial Board of IrohinOodua noted in a statement signed by Babatunde Oyewunmi and Mrs Omolade Adegbuyi on behalf of the first Pan Yoruba Media online.
Apart from his efforts in ship technology, Mr Shonde runs one of the most successful integrated rural farms in the South West where farmers are groomed to employ modern Japanese technology into the agrarian sector apart from the fact that he has sponsored many people from the South West including Edo and Delta to Japan for skill acquisition in alternative energy development, ranching and modern agricultural technology.
The media group said for the past two decades, Mr Shonde has worked tirelessly to use his influence in Japan and Asia to transform his fatherland.
It said: ‘He is driven by the concept that technology can be transferred using Japan as a model. The Asian country has one of the fastest growing economies in the world driven by supersonic human skill and creativity that continue to impact the whole world. Mr Shonde is working round the clock to bring Japanese transformational spirit in industry and knowledge economy to the old Western States including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Delta and Edo States.’
Mr Shonde Samuel, popularly known as Sammy Japan, is a Nigerian entrepreneur based in Japan. His meritorious services are facilitated through SA Elizabeth Co. Ltd Japan, SA Elizabeth Solar Integrated Nigeria, Shonde Farm and SAE Record.
IrohinOodua said Shonde continues to promote the values of integrity, respect for the dignity of man, responsibility and strong moral character in both his personal and professional life.
In Ogun State, he runs the Shonde Farm which produces agro products at subsidized rates for consumers and farmers seeking seeds to plant for harvest.
He is also investing in helping farmers to preserve their products to avoid loss while has launched a project to introduce production of Asian fruits in Nigeria through modern technology.
Originally from Nigeria, his journey reflects resilience, ambition, and a strong commitment to creating opportunities across borders.
His relocation to Japan opened doors into opportunities to assist Nigerians to learn the secrets of the Asian Tigers and their contributions to modern economy and the global technological drive.
Shonde Samuel has demonstrated impactful leadership within the Nigerian diaspora community in Japan compelling his being picked to lead many Nigerian Diaspora groups.
He previously served as President of the Nigerian Union in Kyushu, Japan and also as Vice President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, where he worked to promote unity, welfare, and cooperation among Nigerians living abroad.
He is currently the President of Nigerians In Asia Forum an organization that is working to promote stronger economic ties between the Nigeria, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia.
He currently serves as the President of ITESIWAJU Yoruba in Japan, where he plays a key role in promoting cultural unity, identity, and progress among Yoruba people living in Japan.
ITESIWAJU Yoruba in Japan is currently facilitating scholarship for engineering students to study in Japan with the believe that the future of the South-West lay on Industrialisation through Technology Transfer.
Shonde’s contributions to integrated rural development is not limited to the South West. He opened up humanitarian services in Niger State where he is supporting rural electrification in Niger State through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP), in collaboration with the Japanese government.
This initiative reflects his dedication to improving living conditions and advancing grassroots development.
He also runs a network that promotes honesty and transparency in trans-national trade adding that truth, hard work and honesty are the greatest assets that sustain Japanese products being respected all over the world.
Shonde is guided by the Omoluwabi ethos, which he continues to promote while working for stronger economic, social, cultural, and developmental ties between Japan and Nigeria.
Past recipients of IrohinOodua Man of the Year Awards include but not limited to late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, The Kuti Family of Abeokuta, General Overseer of Redeem Christian Church for Christ, (RCCG), Baba Enoch Adejare Adeboye and Pa Kumuyi of the Deeper Life Ministry, Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who won the award in 2023 for his perseverance during the 2023 Presidential election.
Shonde A. Samuel’s story represents a unique blend of enterprise, leadership, heritage, and social impact — building meaningful bridges between Africa and Asia.
