Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ As Mandilas Group marks its 75th anniversary, it does more than celebrate a milestone it honors a legacy rooted in resilience, innovation, and most notably, people power. A titan in Nigeria’s industrial landscape since its establishment in 1950, Mandilas has seamlessly transitioned from a pioneering trading company into a modern, diversified conglomerate, now entrenched in sectors like mobility, cooling, and cold chain solutions.
From its beginnings as one of the earliest distributors of automobiles in West Africa to becoming a symbol of excellence in HVAC and sustainable energy services, Mandilas has remained synonymous with quality, trust, and adaptive ingenuity. Today, the company stands as a prime example of how legacy businesses can remain relevant without compromising on core values.
“Seventy-five years is not just a number it’s a powerful reflection of our vision and the passion of our people,” said Ola Debayo-Doherty, Group CEO of Mandilas Group. “This company was built on relationships, nurtured by local talent, and sustained by unwavering commitment to service and integrity. It’s a family business that became a national institution.”
Mandilas: A People-Centric Brand
Mandilas’ growth story is deeply intertwined with the dedication of its workforce, many of whom have grown within the system and contributed immensely to its sustained success.
Omonike Faida Oladimeji – Trainee Engineer, Mobility
Omonike, a standout female mechanic, has become a rising star in Mandilas’ mobility division. After outperforming a host of male colleagues in a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) competition, she continues to blaze a trail just one year and seven months into her Mandilas journey.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of a legacy brand that has stood strong for 75 years. It gives me pride and purpose,” she said.
For Omonike, the company’s commitment to service quality, innovation, and people development is the key to its longevity. She fondly recalls her selection by Ibile Oil and Gas Limited for a specialized CNG training program an experience that sharpened her technical skills and affirmed her belief in Mandilas’ forward-thinking culture.
“Mandilas is embracing cleaner energy solutions and investing heavily in sustainability and capacity development. That’s what keeps us ahead.”
Daniel Uzomba – Store Assistant, Cooling Division
For Daniel, who joined in 2017, Mandilas has been nothing short of a career-defining experience. Starting from an entry-level position, Daniel earned a Mechanical Engineering degree with distinction while working, a journey he credits largely to the support system at Mandilas.
“This company doesn’t just employ people it builds them. The balance between innovation and tradition is what makes Mandilas timeless.”
His personal highlight? Rising through the ranks while completing his education, all under the nurturing umbrella of Mandilas.
Bamidele George Olugbada – Group Financial Controller
Having joined Mandilas in 1992, Bamidele or Dele, as he is fondly called stands out as one of the company’s longest-serving employees. With 33 years of service, he is a vital custodian of institutional knowledge and strategy.
“Mandilas is not just a workplace it’s a family. Our strong internal culture, professionalism, and client loyalty have helped us remain relevant.”
He recalls being asked to present the Cooling Division’s financial report impromptu in front of Mrs. Mandilas. The division emerged as the best, and the experience remains one of his proudest moments.
Chidiegwu Osondu – Assistant Supervisor (Cashier), Mobility
With 35 years under his belt, Chidi is the longest-serving employee at Mandilas, having joined in 1990. For him, the company is a personal legacy.
“I’ve seen many companies come and go. The fact that Mandilas is still thriving is proof of its commitment to both staff and customers.”
He appreciates the company’s consistent financial reliability, stating that he has never experienced a salary delay in his entire tenure. From analogue bookkeeping in the early days to becoming a senior staff member, Chidi’s journey encapsulates the Mandilas ethos of growth through diligence.
“My promotion to senior staff, coupled with the trust shown in me early on, defined my professional journey.”
He advises younger staff to treat Mandilas not just as a job but as a shared legacy, deserving of the same loyalty and dedication they would give their own businesses.
Looking Ahead- The Next 75 Years
As the company steps into its next chapter, Mandilas is placing renewed focus on sustainability, innovation, and workforce empowerment. With partnerships like those with Ibile Oil and Gas for CNG solutions, the company is aligning itself with global clean energy goals.
The Mandilas story is proof that a brand can endure if it remains committed to service, integrity, and people. Whether through innovation in clean energy or empowering female engineers, Mandilas is not only preserving its legacy but also actively shaping the future of Nigeria’s industrial evolution.
