society
HRM Oba Dr Sunday Aikuirawo Aniyi: it’s a new day in Erinmope-Ekiti
HRM Oba Dr Sunday Aikuirawo Aniyi: it’s a new day in Erinmope-Ekiti
By Yinka Oyebode
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice…. (Proverbs 29 v 2)
“Eniyan lo n muni mo’niyan”, that Yoruba song commonly sung during engagement ceremonies is apt in my relationship with HRM Oba Dr Sunday Aikuirawo Aniyi, who I met in person for the very first time during the build up to the June 22, 2018 Governorship election in Ekiti State. My principal, His Excellency, Dr John Kayode Fayemi, then, the Honourable Minister of Mines and Steel Development, had given me names of two individuals he wanted me to liaise with, and explore the possibility of working with ahead of the governorship contest. I met the two gentlemen- Dr Sunday Aniyi and Mr Gboyega Ajayi at different locations in Ado-Ekiti and struck a working relationship with them.
Prior to that meeting however, I have had a prior contact with Dr Aniyi sometimes in 2017 after he bagged his doctorate degree from the University of Ibadan. Dr Fayemi, renowned for his ability to discover and nurture talents, had sent me to deliver his congratulatory message to him, which I conveyed via the telephone. While attempting to describe Dr Aniyi to me, Dr Fayemi had alluded to his (Dr Aniyi’s) writings, especially his social media posts, which he said were usually issue-based and done in very dignified language.
When we eventually met at the agreed location in Ado- Ekiti, weeks before the Governorship primaries sometimes around April 2018, one thing that immediately struck me about Kabiyesi was his simplicity, forthrightness and the richness of his thoughts. Aside agreeing to work with the media team, he equally advised that I reach out to a few younger chaps, who then were apparently opposed to Dr Fayemi’s aspiration and were waging war against him on the social media. He gave his reason: “Some of these chaps do not really hate your oga, they just want to be recognised and I am sure you can win them to your side, if you do as much as talk to them”, he had advised.
Considering the sincerity of his counsel, even though, reaching out to those guys was not part of my brief, I decided to give it a shot and as predicted by Dr Aniyi, I got favourable response from them. A Few weeks after that first encounter, Kabiyesi, Gboyega and I together with a few others were holed up in my make shift ‘media centre’ for a whole day, in what turned out my first working relationship with him. Like a gold fish, his calmness, proficiency, meticulousness and professionalism can hardly be hidden, same for the pristine values he wears like a badge of honour. It is quite evident, he draws, howbeit, unassumingly from the well of wisdom each time he shares his views on any topic. Kabiyesi is ever so philosophical, analytical and forthright in his discussions. He possess a rare ability to present his case with a touch of brilliance, logic, candour and wit.
These attributes were served in large dosage when he was appointed Senior Special Assistant (Special Projects) and later Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to the Governor by Dr Kayode Fayemi shortly after assuming office in his second term. As PPS, Dr Aniyi also had a role carved for him as a member of the Governor’s media and communication team.
It was through working together with other colleagues in the media and communication team that I had a full understanding and appreciation of Kabiyesi Aniyi’s work ethics as well as the driving force behind his amiable personality. Within a short space of time, he distinguished himself as a thoroughbred professional, a diligent worker, highly cerebral and creative mind, a team player and strategic thinker. His contributions to the weekly strategic sessions were top notch, just as his public conduct were pristine. Like one of his favourite novelists, Chinua Achebe, wrote: “proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten”, Dr Aniyi’s language is rich in figurative expressions, allegories and historical allusions. He ‘eats’ words intelligently, cautiously and persuasively, yet, he does not suffer fool gladly.
Kabiyesi’s positive disposition to life and the seriousness he attaches to his role as PPS made it easy for me to relate with him as a friend, brother and colleague. Aside his outstanding contributions to the activities of the Media and Communications team as a writer, editor, content creator and innovator, Dr Aniyi was also drafted by the Governor to develop a system of institutionalising Ekiti Values which was a principal focus of the JKF2 administration. Oba Aniyi therefore had the privilege of coordinating the development of Ekiti Values Education into a subject of study. He and his team produced the curriculum and midwifed the production of textbooks as well as the commencement of the subject in Ekiti schools.
While Dr Aniyi’s many virtues are strikingly visible, I must confess that his royal background was quite unknown to me and many of our colleagues. His name does not even suggest it, at best it indicates his Christian background. So, I was pleasantly surprised when the issue of obaship came up, apparently in oblivion of the age-long saying “ a njorin a o mori olowo”. I must have assumed that Dr Aniyi’s impeccable character and the excellent touch he brings to every assignment were a reflection of his well- groomed childhood which has resulted in excellent adulthood. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, it won’t be out of place to say that Dr Aniyi’s demonstrated excellent spirit and native intelligence were gifted him by Olodumare to make his royalty remarkable.
So, what the media and communications team of Governor Kayode Fayemi and indeed the field of communications as well as the academia lost, has become the gains of the good people of Erinmope Ekiti, who in their collective wisdom opted to put the crown on the fitting head of HRM Oba (Dr) Sunday Aikuirawo Aniyi, Amoyinmade Atayese 1, the Obaleo of Erinmope Ekiti.
For Kabiyesi Aniyi, his past has adequately prepared him for the present and the future. He started his elementary education at St. John’s Anglican School, Erinmope-Ekiti between 1982-88. He thereafter proceeded to Erinmope High School, Erinmope-Ekiti between 1989-95. He studied English at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko and graduated with a second class upper division in 2004. He bagged his Masters of Art degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 2009 and a doctorate in Communication Studies, (specializing in Media & International Communication) from the University of Ibadan in 2017. He has worked meritoriously as a journalist, teacher, consultant, lecturer and a public servant before ascending the throne of his fore bearers.
As the entire sons and daughters of Erinmope-Ekiti converge on the ancient town to celebrate the coronation activities of this God-fearing and imaginative leader, “ the philosopher king” today, I can only pray and wish my brother, friend, colleague and, now, my king a most peaceful and prosperous reign. May the people have good reasons to rejoice exceedingly during your reign, kabiyesi. E je ju ara iwaju lo!
• Oyebode is Chief Press secretary to the Governor of Ekiti State
society
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
It was testimonies galore on Tuesday, March 31, the first day of the famous servant of God and founder of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman’s power-packed two-day crusade. The event documented impactful moments with the Gospel and miracles, emphasizing the power of faith and the tangible confirmation of God’s Word through signs and wonders. It was equally an atmosphere of miraculous healing, restoration of lives, and the strengthening of faith.
At the crusade, which was held at the SKD Sports Stadium in Paynesville City, and themed, “Liberia Outpouring Crusade” witnessed testimonies of impact and miracles with participants experiencing instant healing of various kinds of challenges.
Apostle Suleman’s first port of call was Paynesville, the office of Liberian government’s president, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who received him in an audience with his junior ministers. Apostle Suleman, who also met with the vice-president, Mr. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, was welcomed by the Liberian leader’s office as part of the president’s ongoing engagements with religious leaders aimed at fostering spiritual support for national development.
The president expressed profound appreciation to Apostle Suleman for the visit and continued prayers and intercessions by men and women of God on behalf of Liberia, emphasizing his firm belief that sustained spiritual guidance and prayer remain vital to the transformation and progress of the nation.
During the visit, Apostle Suleman offered prayers for President Boakai, his cabinet and the Liberian nation, invoking divine alignment, wisdom, and insight in Liberia’s path toward growth and stability. He prayed that the Almighty God would position Liberia for relevance and fulfillment of its national destiny.
Apostle Johnson Suleman, an evangelist who knows no bounds of where preaching the gospel comes to a stop, visited Liberia prepared with the message, compelling power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, and bringing people to a point of decision where they surrendered their lives to Christ.
Aside from being prophetic and timely, OFM sources disclosed that the servant of God’s visit underscores the importance of faith-based partnerships in supporting governance and national renewal efforts.
society
Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
*Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
The Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership following his decision to postpone an official engagement in Iperu in order to visit victims of the recent attacks in Jos.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, in Jos on Friday, the Forum said the President’s decision to personally identify with grieving communities sends a powerful message of solidarity and reinforces public confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government to the protection of lives and property.
“The Middle Belt Peace Forum warmly commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising compassion over ceremony. At a time of deep sorrow for the people of Plateau State, his decision to visit Jos stands as a mark of true leadership—one that listens, responds, and stands with the people in their moment of pain,” the statement read.
The Forum described the perpetrators of the recent attacks as “cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens,” stressing that such acts of violence are not only inhumane but also a direct assault on the unity and peace of the nation.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state,” Pastor Garba said.
The MBPF further used the opportunity to salute the courage, gallantry, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, noting that their continued efforts remain central to restoring stability across troubled parts of the country.
According to the Forum, the Armed Forces have demonstrated resilience and professionalism in the face of complex security challenges, often operating under difficult conditions to safeguard communities and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“We salute the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices. Their gallantry in confronting criminal elements and reclaiming territories is a testament to their dedication to national service. We recognise that the path to peace is demanding, and we honour those who stand daily in defence of our nation,” the statement added.
The Forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities as a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.
It also urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity within their communities.
The MBPF, however, expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies, particularly the role of the Nigeria Police in consolidating gains made by the military.
“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to rise fully to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the Armed Forces in stabilising and securing areas that have been cleared of criminal elements. Holding and policing such territories is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence,” Pastor Garba stated.
The Forum emphasised that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach in which the military clears and secures areas, while the police maintain law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.
The MBPF concluded by reiterating its commitment to peacebuilding efforts across the Middle Belt and expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, coordinated security efforts, and active citizen participation, lasting peace can be achieved.
“Together, through unity, vigilance, and collective resolve, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer and more peaceful Middle Belt,” the statement added.
Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London
Governor Dauda Lawal has been honored with the Outstanding Governor of the Year award by Triangle Media International Magazine.
The award was presented during the magazine’s 10th annual lecture and award ceremony, held on Thursday at the Grand Hall of King’s College, London, United Kingdom.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the awards recognize public and private sector leaders whose leadership positively impacts governance and service delivery.
He added that the lecture, themed “Harnessing the Roles of Nigerians in Diaspora for National Development,” brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
The statement read in part: “Yesterday, in London, Governor Dauda Lawal received the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Outstanding Governor of the Year.
“The 2026 edition coincides with the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine, which has over the years celebrated notable Africans across diverse fields.
“The award recognizes the Zamfara State Government under Governor Lawal’s leadership for achieving remarkable milestones in service delivery since his inauguration on 29 May 2023.
“The board of Triangle International noted that, despite inheriting an empty treasury, Governor Dauda Lawal has remained true to the Rescue Agenda’s campaign promise: to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.
“The award also reflects the state government’s innovative approach to indirectly curbing insecurity through educational advancement, demonstrated by the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector.
“This includes the state government’s swift payment of the outstanding N3.4 billion for WAEC and NECO examinations, as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
“The international magazine finds these initiatives to be strategic interventions toward long-term efforts to make Zamfara State better.”
The colourful event was attended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Sahara Group’s Group Managing Director, Kola Adesina, among others.
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