Saturday, 6 October 2018

A GENTLEMAN OF HONOUR (INTRODUCTION)














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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