CHIEF
(DR.) RAYMOND ASSAD ZARD, OFR
a.k.a Ray of Hope
A
GENTLEMAN
OF
HONOUR
DEDICATION
Together they are one!
William, Maurice, Raymond and Elie- Assad Zard Born of the same
parents
Bred in Ibadan, the
home of Warriors
Warriors that saved
Yoruba nation from Aggressors
William, Maurice,
Raymond and Elie turned Ibadan
Into an enviable city in Commerce, Education and Industry
Olubadan Yesufu Oloyede Asanike bestowed Maurice As Babalaje (Father-figure of
Commerce) in Ibadanland,
Raymond was also honoured as Balogun Babalaje, (Generalissimo of
Commerce)
By Olubadan Emmanuel
Adeyemo, Operinde I
Like the biblical Joseph, Raymond became the Balooro of Ife
Chief Advisor to Ooni Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II
William, Maurice,
Raymond and Elie
Distinguished
themselves in Charitableness
Raymond was given the
mandate to give, give and give…
And he is never tired
of giving until thy Kingdom come
To William Assad Zard,
a British Honorary Consul; Chief
Maurice Assad Zard,
Chief (Dr.) Raymond Assad Zard, OFR;
and Sir Elie Assad
Zard.
I dedicate this book.
Above all, DEO ET
PATRIA
‘Biola Layonu
MEDIA REPORT PROJECTS, IBADAN, NIGERIA
Media Report Projects
31/35 Ajetunmobi Street
Off University of Ibadan Road,
Agbowo, Ibadan
E-mail: mediareportprojects@gmail.com
Mobile: +234 803 531 2699, +234 705 782 8759
© Media Report Projects, 2018
All rights reserved. No
part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publishers
ISBN 978-978-964-994-5
FOREWORD
It is a great pleasure
for me to write a few lines on an exceptional gentleman who, by common consent
is a unique philanthropist, a man who gives as much attention to cutting-edge
development projects as he does to indigent, deprived and needy members of our
society.
Raymond's generosity is
legendary, reminiscent of Carnegie in the United States of America who 'gave
and gave until it hurts!' The Zards were raised in Ibadan from childhood.
Indeed, Raymond was my wife's classmate in the University College Staff School
in the late 1940s.
My family has enjoyed a
robust relationship with him and all his siblings through these years. Indeed,
Raymond eminently deserves to be described as Omo'Badan rather than Ara'Badan
as he has a traditional title from the Olubadan.
It is impossible to
list all the Organisations and Institutions (Education and Health) that Raymond
has been positively involved in but one that stands out in bold relief is the
Rotary International Club of Ibadan where he is fittingly acknowledged as the
Ray-of-Hope, mindful of his many spontaneous gestures of kindness and support
to all and sundry.
Special
Congratulations, Chief Raymond. Many more useful years of sustained
philanthropy.
- Professor O.O.
Akinkugbe, CFR, MD
MY DARLING DR. RAYMOND
ZARD AT 80
I think I know Ray (as
I call him) better than anybody. We are
years in the
relationship and we have had our ups and downs
like every couple but there were more ups than downs. (smile)
We travelled a lot and had great times together.
He has fantastic sense
of humor. He is very reliable, very
generous, loving,
caring but stubborn (only when he doesn't get
it his way) …. (smile).
He is a great father,
grandfather and companion.
He is always ready to
help anybody at any time.
He has helped countless number of people. It makes him happy
to see smiles on people's faces.
We support each other
and help.
I love you Darling.
Thank you for being
you.
You are the best.
Long life.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Your Maggie
PREFACE
This book is a portrayal
of a fascinating character and foremost
industrialist well known
for his penchant instinct for boundless generosity. Chief Raymond Assad Zard,
OFR, is a scion of a great Lebanese Family that settled in
Ibadan in South-Western Nigeria in the early 20th Century.
Born in Ibadan on 27th
May,1938. Chief Zard is a very rare breed that is highly admired by Nigerian
people. In fact, his name is synonymous with the great city of Ibadan. His
Royal Majesty, Omo N'Oba N'Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Erediauwa, CFR, the Oba of
Benin says, 'anyone who knows anything about Ibadan city and defunct Western
Region of Nigeria must have heard the name 'Zard' or met Raymond Zard who is
favourably mentioned in dispatches'.
Chief
Raymond Zard's most distinguishing characteristics is his identification with
Yoruba and Nigeria's aspirations particularly, the crying needs in many areas
of societal life. He has been conferred with honorary chieftaincy titles of
Baaloro of Ife and Balogun Babalaje of Ibadanland respectively by two foremost
royal potentates in Yorubaland: Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II the Ooni of
Ife (1980-2015) and Oba Emmanuel Adeyemo, Operinde I the Olubadan of Ibadan
(1994-1999) respectively.
He has also been
honoured as Officer of the Order of The Federal Republic (OFR) by Chief
Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, (1999-2008).
Generally, this illustrious son of Ibadan is acclaimed as a veritable force for
good in Africa's most populous country.
The big theme of this
compelling book is the interplay of Raymond Zard's in-born admirable
disposition towards genuine patriotism, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
The Zard's family has played a significant role in the economic life of Nigeria
especially during the pre and post independent periods. They started as cocoa
produce exporters and from there they gravitated into conglomerate of companies
thereby becoming one of the largest employers of labour particularly in
South-Western Nigeria.
Raymond Assad Zard who
is likened to a veritable symbol of the Zards in Nigeria is a rock whose
sediment is of a huge immense benefit to humanity. The wall of his heart is
lined with diamond and gold. He lives by a moral code that has dwarfed old
England's claim to chivalry and honour. He has touched lives positively.
Biography as a tool for
historical reconstruction has been used extensively in many parts of the world.
There is hardly anybody who has been somebody in United States of America and
Europe who has not been made a subject of biographical research. According to
Peter Strophe, 'Legacy is not leaving something for people, it is leaving
something in people'. Legacy is building something that outlives you. Legacy is
greater than currency. In the words of Leonard Sweet, 'What you do is your
history. What you set in motion is your legacy'.
It
is this desire to put on record Dr. Raymond Zard's monumental contributions to
humanity for the sake of posterity that form the basis and the trunk of this
book. He is indeed, 'Mr. Philanthropy Nigeriana', a patriot that exhibits total
loyalty and honesty to the land of his birth.
This
book is a memento to a worth colossal icon as he joins the Octogenarian Club.
'Biola Layonu,
Media Report Projects
May, 2018
13. EDUCATION:
a. In 1948, Dr. Raymond Zard was the
'first registered pupil' of the University College, Ibadan Senior Staff School,
(Eleyele). He later attended Heaton Moor College near Stockport, Cheshire,
Lancashire for the Ordinary level and Advanced level studies between 1950 and
1954. For his tertiary education, Dr. Raymond Zard had one semester at
Manchester University in the United Kingdom.
WORKING EXPERIENCE AND POSITIONS
HELD: He is Company Director in the following Businesses-
a.
Kopek (Nig.) Ltd. At one time, one of
Nigeria's largest exporters of Cocoa
b.
Kopek Construction Ltd. Road Civil
Engineering Works Construction
c.
Zartech
Agric. Ltd. Largest Poultry farm in Oyo State
d.
Steel Works Ltd. Steel fabrication
and Metal/Wood furniture
e.
Vina International Ltd. Kitchen
Cabinets, Office and Household furniture
f.
Interpak
Ltd. Industrial and Packaging Printers
g.
Intercap
Ltd. Largest Producer of Egg Crates in Oyo State
h.
Energy Foods Co. Ltd. Manufacturers
of Captain's Cabin, Mum's Shortcake, Sack Pax, Choco Cabin and Titan Gem
Biscuits
i.
Sweetco Ltd. Makers of Milkose, Kona
Café, Splash and Ice mint
j. Alpha Beta Medics Healthcare Centre Health-Care
Services
k.
Ibadan
International School Educational Institution
l.
Zard Holdings Ltd. (a-k) Companies
employ over 5,000 workers
15. AWARD OF NATIONAL HONOUR (OFR)
Dr.
Raymond Zard, J.P. was conferred with the Order of The Federal Republic award
by former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on 8th December, 2001
16.
AWARD OF HONORARY DEGREE
The Governing
Council of the University of Ibadan awarded Dr. Raymond with an honorary Degree
of Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) ON 17th November, 1990. From his citation at event,
he was described as 'A Distinguished Patron of the Arts and Science who combined
in the crowded schedule of the business world the practicality of the managers
and entrepreneur with the tenderness of the humanist.'
In 2016, Afe Babalola University,
Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) has also conferred on Dr. Raymond Zard the Doctor of Business
Administration (DBA) Honoris Causa
17.
GOVERNMENT MERIT AWARD
In recognition of his outstanding
performance in the promotion of religious tolerance in Oyo State, the
Government of Oyo State of Nigeria has awarded Dr. Raymond was given
'Government Merit Award' as the 'Best Contributor to Religious and Charitable
Organisations in 1989.
18.
INTERNATIONAL ROTARY AWARDS,
CONTRIBUTONS, OFFICES AND TRAVELS:
a.
T H E R O T A R Y F O U N D A T I O N
C I T A T I O N F O R MERITORIOUS SERVICE in recognition of his devoted efforts
for the furthering of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples
of the world, and for representing 'the best that Rotary has to offer: the
caring, the concern, the hope of a better for those less fortunate than
Rotarians.'
B. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD of MAJOR
BENEFACTOR by the ROTARY FOUNDATION of ROTARY INTERNATIONAL. He was described
as 'A Special Person' and was presented with a Crystal Dove.
c.
Rotary International Rotary District
5130 North California, U.S.A. and Rotary District 9130 Nigeria CERTIFICATE OF
MERIT in 1988 in appreciation of Dr. Raymond's invaluable contribution of the
ROTARY EYE CAMP PROJECT at
Igboora, Oyo State, Nigeria
d.
Rotary Centennial Tower 9Gear wheel)
was donated at the cost of N2 million along Ring Road, Ibadan for the
beautification of Ibadan city.
e.
Honoured by Rotarian Jo Majiyagbe,
(1st Nigerian to become Rotary International President) as the highest
benefactor of Rotary Foundation in Nigeria in 2003
f.
Two-term
President of Rotary Club of Ibadan
g.
PDG Raymond Zard has attended 27
Rotary International Conventions
h.
He has predominantly funded the
Rotary Eye Camp Project at Gbongan, Osun State
i.
Annual donation of Paul Harris Fellow
to the District and Rotary Club of Ibadan
j.
He
is a recipient of multiple five star Paul Harris Fellow
19. OTHER NOTABLE AWARDS
a.
Honorary Award by the College of
Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria
B. Award of Excellence for his contributions
towards the upliftment of the African Child and meritorious service towards the
advancement of mankind.
c.
Merit Award by the Federal Road
Safety Commission- The Units Road Marshall of the Year, 1997
d.
Corporate Merit Award by the Central
Council of Ibadan Indigenes (C.C. I.I.), 1998
e. Award of the
Nigerian Union of Journalists
f.
Merit Award of the Nigeria Labour
Congress in recognition of his outstanding roles in employment generation in
Oyo State
g.
National Forum of Heads of Federal
Establishment (Oyo State) Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions
to the economic and industrial development of Nigeria
h.
Award of Excellence of the Faculty of
Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
20.
OTHER SOCIAL AND CIVIL ACTIVITIES
There
are over 20 social and civil organisations to which Raymond has served either
as chairman, patron, trustee or member such as:
i.
Life Vice-President, Ibadan Chamber
of Commerce and Industry
ii.
Vice-
Patron, Red Cross, Oyo State
iii.
Member,
Ibadan Recreation Club
iv.
Past District Governor, Rotary
International District 9130, (1992-1993)
v.
Chairman, Alanu Endowment Fund,
University College Hospital, Ibadan
vi.
Member, Board of Trustees,
Rehabilitation Centre for the Disabled, Moniya, Ibadan
vii.
Member, Board of Trustees, Home
School for the Handicapped Children
viii. Life
Patron, Federal Road Safety Corps: The Nigeria Police, Special Marshall Unit
RS4. 17, Ibadan. He donated three sets of modern communication equipment worth
One Million Naira (N1,000,000) to both Sector Command and the Units RS4.17
ix.
Patron,
Nigerian Union of Journalists, Oyo State
x.
Member,
The Ibadan Foundation
xi.
Member,
Ibadan Dining Club
xii. Member, Ibadan
Recreation
xiii.
Member, Advancement Office, Obafemi
Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
21. CIVIC DUTIES,
CONTRIBUTIONS TO ECONOMIC
E D U C A T I O N A L , R E L I G I O
U S , C H A R I T A B L E ORGANISATIONS ETC.
Civic duties include participation
involuntary community projects and donations to numerous religious, educational
institutions, charitable homes, organisations, societies etc. Such notable
donations include the following:
·Donation of
ultra-modern clinic in the value of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) to Pro
Labore Dei and the underwriting of all cost involved in perfecting its land
title to the 3.742 hectares' land site in memory of his departed mother, Madam
Latife
Assad Zard
!Donation
to Churches and Mosques
!Benefactor
of The Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON)
!Donated three boreholes
to University of Ibadan in 1989 after fire outbreak in the
university's Queens Hall of Residence
!Financial assistance to
an amputated girl travelling and
medical expenses abroad
!Sponsorship of a blind
girl education expenses at the Federal College of Education
(Special), Oyo
!Financial assistance to a
five-year-old boy (from Ilorin) for his travelling and medical
expenses to United States of America.
!Donation of a
multi-million naira block of classrooms and hostels including state
of the art equipment to Omoniyi School for the Blind in Aperin area of Ibadan.
He has also provided food items, beds/foams, desks/benches and paying
electricity bills of the school
Scholarship Award:
Dr. Raymond Zard has awarded
scholarship to many indigent students in the following Nigerian universities:
1.
University of Ibadan Faculty of
Agriculture and Forestry Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Department
of Economics, (Banking and Finance) Department of Special Education
2.
Obafemi
Awolowo University Faculty of Pharmacy
3.
Olabisi
Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye Faculty of Law
Faculty of Engineering
4. University of
Ado-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti Faculty of Law
5.
Ladoke Akintola
University of Technology,
Ogbomoso
Faculty of Engineering
6. Bowen University,
Iwo Faculty of
Agriculture
7.
The Ibadan Foundation Annual
scholarship to Ibadan students
8.
Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti
Annual Scholarship-Faculty of Law, Engineering, Social and Management
Sciences, Medicine and Sciences
22.
HOBBIES AND RECREATIONAL INTERESTS
Swimming, Billiards and Snooker,
Table Tennis, Boxing,
Soccer and Reading
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