Lt. Commander Victor Olusegun Agunbiade, an accomplished alumnus of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has been appointed as the Commanding Officer of the United States Navy Reserve Center in Springfield, Oregon. The announcement, made via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on August 15, 2025, marks a significant milestone in his nearly two-decade distinguished career and underscores the growing transatlantic ties between Nigeria and the United States.
From Ijebu-Ode to US Navy Command
Born in Ijebu-Ode, Southwestern Nigeria, Agunbiade graduated from FUNAAB in 1997 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics. Throughout his university years, he demonstrated notable leadership—including as Sports Secretary of the Student Union in the 1992/93 session—and left a legacy he continues to honor today through philanthropy and mentorship initiatives.
In 2007, Agunbiade moved to the United States seeking broader opportunities. His journey in the US Navy began in 2008 as a storekeeper, with responsibilities in logistics and supply chain management that laid the foundation for his later success. By 2013, he was commissioned as a Supply Corps Officer, steadily climbing the ranks through professionalism and integrity.
Exceptional Leadership & International Impact
Among his key assignments, Agunbiade served at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, where he managed the Navy’s largest overseas cash disbursing office. His stewardship over more than $45million in funds—with full accountability—garnered him the prestigious Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Notably, during audits and inspections between October 2019 and July 2020, he managed $23million, earning high commendations from senior Navy officials.
Agunbiade was named US Navy Officer Recruiter of the Year in 2018, a testament to his commitment to growing and mentoring future leaders. Fluent in Yoruba and Hausa, he has been a key figure in US-Nigerian naval collaborations, notably supporting joint exercises such as Obangame Express 23 in January 2023, which aimed to strengthen regional maritime security and cooperation.
Philanthropy and Giving Back
As an ambassador for education and youth empowerment, Agunbiade has invested meaningfully in his alma mater and his homeland. He recently endowed FUNAAB with One Million Naira and previously visited the university in December 2021, instituting a N500,000 scholarship for students in Nutrition and Dietetics, as well as Agricultural Economics. Through the Alfred A. Agunbiade Memorial Foundation—established in honor of his late father—he has sponsored essay competitions and scholarships that expand educational access for Nigerian youth.
Reflecting his ambition to do more, Lt. Commander Agunbiade has pledged to mobilize a multimillion US Dollar endowment for FUNAAB, challenging other alumni to contribute to the institution’s advancement.
Honours and Continued Engagement
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Alumni Association, USA Chapter, celebrated Agunbiade’s contributions with the inscription, “You are a Worthy Ambassador and We are Very Proud of You.” His leadership and charitable works have inspired both current students and alumni to give back and support the university in diverse ways.
Career Timeline
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1992/93 | Sports Secretary, FUNAAB Student Union |
| 1997 | Bachelor of Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, FUNAAB |
| 2007 | Relocated to the United States |
| 2008 | Joined US Navy as storekeeper |
| 2013 | Commissioned as Supply Corps Officer |
| 2018 | Named US Navy Officer Recruiter of the Year |
| 2019–2020 | Managed $23million at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal |
| 2021 | Instituted N500,000 scholarship at FUNAAB |
| 2023 | Supported US-Nigeria joint naval exercise Obangame Express 23 |
| Aug. 2025 | Appointed Commanding Officer, Navy Reserve Center Springfield, Oregon |
A Shining Example of Leadership and Service
Victor Agunbiade’s journey—from a Nigerian student leader to a top-ranking US Naval Officer and Commanding Officer—embodies resilience, dedication, and the powerful ties binding Nigeria and the United States. His story inspires the Nigerian diaspora and military communities worldwide and stands as a model of how commitment to education, leadership, and service can impact generations across continents.
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As Agunbiade shared upon his appointment, “I am honored and humbled to be selected as the next Commanding Officer of Navy Reserve Center Springfield, OR. I’m grateful for this opportunity! God is good!”
His legacy continues to grow, both within the corridors of global military leadership and through the lives of those he supports at home and abroad.
