Mandilas Group, a Nigerian trading and services conglomerate, has restated its commitment to the development of the Nigerian economy as one of the oldest companies sparkled the Yuletide season with a world-class concert.
Ola Ayo-Adeloye, executive vice chairman, Mandilas Trust Co. Ltd, said Mandilas has been a positive force in Nigeria’s history over the past seven and a half decades, and it would continue to reflect the resilience, diversity and ambition that define the Nigerian dream.
Ayo-Adeloye, who is also vice chairman, Mandilas Group Ltd, spoke at the 2025 Muson-Mandilas Christmas Concert jointly organised by Mandilas Group and the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) at MUSON Centre in Lagos.
The Yuletide season came alive as the MUSON Choir and Orchestra joined the Mandilas Choir at an evening that carried special significance for Mandilas Group, which marked its 75th anniversary with thanksgiving, and a high-profile audience soothed by the joy of praises.
Ayo-Adeloye said this year’s concert was a symbolic celebration of Mandilas Group’s 75 years of operation in Nigeria, a milestone that’s both rare and deeply meaningful.
“Seventy-five years is not an easy feat. Many companies have not survived this environment for that long. It speaks directly to the resilience and commitment of Mandilas 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.
She added that customer loyalty remains at the core of the brand’s identity.
Reflecting on the company’s evolution, she described Mandilas as maturing like “fine wine”, noting that expectations from the public have grown alongside it. Without our customers, we would not be here. That’s why, now at 75, we’re reiterating our commitment to all our customers and Nigeria, and we will continue for the next 75 years and beyond.
“Over the years, we have demonstrated reliability over and over again. Even during COVID, we didn’t lay off anyone, and we never missed paying salaries. People expect job security, and they want to know their employer has their back”.
She emphasised that beyond its corporate identity, Mandilas remains a family and community-oriented organisation, which aims not only to do profitable business but prioritise doing such 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 more than a seasonal showcase. It represented the union of corporate legacy and cultural tradition-a moment where music, community spirit, and decades of Nigerian enterprise came together.
The concert attracted several dignitaries, including Vlassis Liakouris, Group managing director of Mandilas Group and his wife, Rebecca; Chief Gregory Ezeokafor, a director of Mandilas Group; Pastor Ayo Adeloye and Sir Emeka Nwokedi, director of Music and Conductor at MUSON, among others.
As a tradition, the concert featured an elegant blend of classical compositions, evergreen Christmas carols, and dynamic choral arrangements. Several renditions incorporated local dialects, creating a rich fusion of global classical influences with Nigerian and broader African musical heritage.
The collaboration between MUSON and Mandilas once again underscored their shared commitment to promoting artistic excellence in Lagos.
Mandilas Group, founded in 1950, has evolved from a small business to a leading player in its industry.