By Ayantunde Ayangbayi
The Chairmanof Basic Metal, Iron and Fabricated Steel (BMIFS) a sectoral group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dr. Kamaldeen Ibitoye Yusuf, a business strategist, entrepreneur and visionary leader, whose nickname could best go for success, regularly thinks outside the general box to bring innovation and excitement to whatever he does. He is described by many as a man with a magnanimous heart, buried in humility. He is straight forward and crusader of everything that is upright and fair.
Dr. Ibitoye Yusuf who is also the Group Managing Director of KAM Holdings Group Ltd, Ilorin Kwara State believes that steel production is one of the bedrock of Nigerian’s economy capable of generating employment opportunities as well as conserve the nation of the scarce foreign exchange in the face of the persisting economic meltdown. The dynamic businessman asseverated, “smuggling and importation of substandard roofing sheets into Nigeria have over the years created avoidable economic challenges for the nation at large and steel manufacturers in particular”.
The humble business mogul recently commended President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for the visionary leadership and efforts towards providing enabling environment for private investors to thrive, while, requesting Hon. Olamilekan Adegbite and Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo both Honorable Ministers for Mines and Steels development and industry, Trade and investment to tackle the prevailing problems facing the sectors which has led to the collapse of many indigenous industries in the country.
Recently, on a courtesy call on Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, Service personified Dr. Ibitoye Yusuf promised to partner the state government in providing jobs for the teeming youths and making employment available to the people, once Iron and Steel sector is protected from illegal importation of substandard products, high conspiracy and massive economic loss stressing that there is no future for the nations iron and steel sector. Despite all hiccups in doing business in the country, KAM holdings Group Ltd has survived the economic meltdown and speedily breaking new grounds under the wise guidance of Dr. Kamaldeen Ibitoye Yusuf and his resourceful management. When the name KAM Holdings Group Ltd is mentioned in Iron and Steel business, the echoes travel and reverberate beyond the shores of Nigeria. His giant strides in delivering quality products to his numorous clients, customers and buyers speak louder than what words can describe. Dr. Kamaldeen Ibitoye Yusuf’s passion and commitment in this very field and other areas of life had earned him an unquantifiable dignity even among his equals.
Beyond doing business, making life worth living for anyone that crosses his path has become his hobby over the years. He effortlessly touches live in diverse positive ways. He runs his chain of businesses with high sense of transparency and responsibility.
Overview of the group
KAM is the only I00% indigenous steel and allied manufacturing company in Nigeria and produces a wide range of Products like Nails, Binding Wire, Wire Mesh, Rooting Sheet, and Stone Coated Roofing Tile. Our Presence is also in some other industry verticals like Mining (granite stone & stone dust), Packaging Products (woven sacks & Cartons) and Haulage Services.
The companies in the group are: KAM Industries Nigeria Limited, KAM Wire & Steel Industry Limited, KAM Steel Integrated Company Limited, KAM Haulage & Allied Services Venture, Dimkit Global Concepts Limited, Universal Roofs Nigeria Limited, KAM Quarry & Mines Ventures, KAM Polythene Ventures, Proforte Limited, KAMCOM India Private Limited, Wuxi KAM Import & Export Company Limited, KAM industry (Wuxi) Company Limited.
An enterprising spirit and the ability to distinguish future trends have been the driving force behind the group’s remarkable growth story. The organization is wedded to ideals like innovation and technological leadership and is backed by a highly driven and dedicated workforce of over 3000 employees and in multiples of indirect employment opportunities being created for Nigerians and experts.
Strategic Expansion Projects-Construction and Development of 260,000 MTPA Steel Melting Shop and Rolling Mills in Jimba Oja, llorin, Kwara State, Nigeria is almost in completion phase. The project is out to manufacture first class high quality Steel Wire Rod in Coils, TMT Bars, Sections – H-Bean, U-Channel.
The group endeavors to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base by aiding infrastructural development, through sustainable development approaches and inclusive growth. It deploys its resources to improve infrastructure, education, health, water, sanitation, environment and so on in the areas it operates in. It has won several awards for its innovative business and social practices.
In his business domain, Dr. Kamaldeen Ibitoye Yusuf’s workers, in display of reciprocal benevolence, see and work with their boss as a father, who wishes the best for his children and vice versa.
A cleaner in the factory at Asa Dam Road in Ilorin, who does not want her name in print said “am happy working with KAM wire Industries, am dissipating my energies to serve Oga Kamoru, trusting God that my son who is almost graduating from the University will work at the Rolling Mills in Jimba Oja. Our Oga is very accessible, humble, loves God and highly detribalized“.
This Journalist in an interaction with some staff, found out that Dr. Kamaldeen Ibitoye Yusuf is highly detribalized, his humbleness is infectious, a good leader, a prime mover, energetic, dynamic, a constant source of inspiration and most importantly a very good team player.
No doubt KAM holding Group CEO is an outstanding entrepreneur, God has being using him to place foods on the tables of many Nigerians, and by extension, putting smiles on their faces. He is a major employer of labour in his own right. He considers himself a fulfilled man only when the people around him are happy.
Unknowingly to him, he embossed his name on sand of time. His legacy is already indelible and written in gold on so many people’s hearts.
This journalist sees Dr. Kamaldeen Ibitoye Yusuf who radiates warmth, love and grace to his fellow men is regarded by many as a pleasant character and loved as a simple creation in the hands of Almighty God. He is one of the nation’s simplest personalities, his unassuming and self effacing person is a breath of fresh air particularly against the backdrop of arrogance normally displayed by many public office holders, and he will continue to succeed in all his endeavors with positive negotiation in our society and afar.
Alhaji Kamoru is a member of WIRE WORLD. He used his experiences and resourcefulness in Nails and Steel products manufacturing to grow the company from a trading company to a manufacturing octopus. In his determination to use local raw materials in manufacturing, he adopted backward integration strategy to establish an Ultra-modern Cold Roll Mill Complex in the flat product category. He is currently working on an Ultra modern Rolling Mills Complex for the long products.
In recognition of his hard work and contributions to entrepreneurship, Concept University, London awarded him an Honorary Doctorate Degree (PhD honoris causa) in Human Resources Management in 2009. In addition he received a corporate award in Human Resources Development from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM). Alhaji KAM, as he is fondly called, is an investor per excellence overseas notably in the Peoples Republic of China and India.
He is a Council Member of Manufacturer Association of Nigeria (MAN) – a national umbrella body of credible manufacturers.
He is happily married to Alhaja Mariam Bolanle Yusuf, an icon of style, they are blessed with children.
On his advice to upcoming entrepreneurs, “My advice to the upcoming entrepreneurs is to be focused, determined, believe in themselves, persevere because nothing comes easy and above all, put God first and allow him to direct their path” he once told a newspaper house.
Ayangbayi, is a Media Consultant, based in Ilorin.
