Nigerian business and services conglomerate, Mandilas Group, has reiterated its commitment to the development of the Nigerian economy as one of the oldest companies brightens the Yuletide season with a world-class concert.
Ola Ayo-Adeloye, Executive Vice President, Mandila Trust Company Limited, said Mandila has been a positive force in the history of Nigeria over the past seven and a half decades, and will continue to reflect the resilience, diversity and ambition that define the Nigerian dream.
Ayo-Adeloye, who is also the Vice Chairman of Mandilas Group Limited, spoke at the 2025 MUSON-Mandilas Christmas Concert jointly organized by Mandilas Group and the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) at the MUSON Centre, Lagos.
The Yuletide season came to life when the Musson Choir and Orchestra joined the Mandillas Choir in an evening that held special significance for the Mandillas group, which celebrated its 75th anniversary with Thanksgiving, and a high-profile audience serenaded with applause.
Ayo-Adeloye said this year's concert was a symbolic celebration of Mandylus Group's 75 years of operations in Nigeria, a milestone that is both rare and deeply meaningful.
“Seventy-five years is no easy feat. Not many companies have been able to survive this long in this environment. This directly reflects Mandilas's resilience and commitment to Nigeria. We are a Nigerian company, and we aim to do excellent work. Over the years, our commitment to Nigeria speaks for itself. The Nigerian customer market has been very good to us,” Ayo-Adeloye said.
He said customer loyalty remains at the core of the brand identity.
Reflecting on the company's growth, he described Mandillas as maturing like “fine wine”, noting that public expectations have grown along with it. Without our customers, we wouldn't be here. That is why, now at 75 years old, we are reiterating our commitment to all our customers and Nigeria, and we will continue to do so for the next 75 years and beyond.
“Over the years, we have demonstrated reliability time and again. Even during COVID, we haven't fired anyone, and we've never missed a paycheck. People expect job security, and they want to know that their employer supports them.”
He emphasized that beyond its corporate identity, Mandillas remains a family and community-oriented organization that not only aims to do profitable business but prioritizes doing so in a sustainable and positively impactful way.
“Yes, we do business, but we do business with a good heart,” Ayo-Adeloye said.
The evening was much more than a seasonal showcase. It represents the marriage of corporate heritage and cultural tradition – a moment where music, community spirit and decades of Nigerian enterprise came together.
The concert attracted many dignitaries, including Mandylus Group Group Managing Director Vlasis Liakouris and his wife Rebecca; Chief Gregory Ezokafor, Director of Mandillas Group; Pastor Ayo Adeloye and others including Sir Emeka Nwokedi, Director of Music and Conductor at MUSON.
As a tradition, the concert featured a beautiful mix of classical compositions, evergreen Christmas carols and dynamic choral arrangements. Many productions incorporated local dialects, creating a rich blend of global classical influences with Nigerian and broader African musical heritage.
The collaboration between Musson and Mandylas once again underlined their shared commitment to promoting artistic excellence in Lagos.
Established in 1950, Mandillas Group has grown from a small business to a leading player in its industry.
