Dr. Ojo Joseph Ajanaku is a Nigerian entrepreneur, agricultural commodity exporter and industry leader whose professional experience encompasses agriculture, international trade, banking and finance, accounting, business development, leadership and corporate governance.
He serves as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Seacos Nigeria Limited and is also the National President of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN).
Education
Dr. Ajanaku began his formal education at Community School, Orere, Igarra, before proceeding to Uffah Primary School, Uffah, Igarra, in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
His secondary education took him through Comprehensive Secondary School, Igarra; Enwan Secondary School, Enwan; Uneme-Osu Grammar School; and Uneme-Ukhwa, before completing this stage of his education at Igarra Technical College, Igarra.
He subsequently attended Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, where he studied Banking and Finance at Ordinary National Diploma (OND) level and later obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting.
His continuing leadership development culminated in a Doctorate in Philosophy in Leadership and Corporate Governance from the Institute of Leadership Manpower and Management Development.
He has additionally participated in various leadership forums, church leadership programmes and Bible training schools.
Entrepreneurship
Through Seacos Nigeria Limited and partnerships involving companies including Gulf Cashew Industries Limited and OADA Global Resources, Dr. Ajanaku has developed experience in agricultural commodity sourcing, trading, exports, international buyer relationships and business development.
His commercial activities have exposed him to the practical challenges confronting Nigerian agricultural exporters — including financing, quality control, logistics, shipping, documentation and international market requirements.
Industry Leadership
As National President of NCAN, Dr. Ajanaku has been involved in engagements concerning Nigerian cashew production, processing, farmer development, investment, international trade and agricultural policy.
His leadership philosophy supports the development of domestic processing and value addition while protecting sustainable market opportunities and livelihoods for farmers.
International Engagement
Dr. Ajanaku has participated in international cashew and agricultural trade engagements in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, including World Cashew Conference activities and engagements with the Vietnamese cashew industry.
He participated in the strengthening of relations between NCAN and the Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS), including an MoU intended to deepen cooperation in areas including production, processing, technology and trade.
Awards & Recognition
His recognitions include the Thomas Sankara Leadership Prize for Integrity and Transparency – Pan African Patriotic Icon of the Year, presented by Youth Partnership for Africa’s Development in September 2023.
NCAN has also received a Confederacy Commendation Certificate recognising its contribution to Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
NCAN was recognised as a Supporting Body of the World Cashew Conference, Dubai, 23–25 February 2023.
In 2026, Seacos Nigeria Limited received an Award of Recognition as Platinum Sponsor of the 4th Nigeria Cashew Day, organised by NCAN in collaboration with the African Cashew Alliance.
Leadership Philosophy
Dr. Ajanaku’s leadership philosophy centres on integrity, service, accountability, enterprise, institutional development, partnership and economic empowerment.
He believes agricultural business must ultimately create value not only for shareholders and buyers but also for farmers, communities and the Nigerian economy.