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The Abdul Kolawole Imoyo I Never Knew

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The Abdul Kolawole Imoyo I Never Knew

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Lukmon Akintola

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For most principled businessmen including my humble self, striking gold is the ultimate objective, and every other thing is secondary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As with a striker in the game of football, his main objective is to score goals, and even when he provides the assist that leads to a goal, he is hardly satisfied with himself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sometimes in the process of achieving these objectives, both the businessman and the striker stir the hornet. In some cases, they get stung by a bee, while at other times, it’s just the buzz of scurrying bees that catches their ear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Such was my encounter with the late Abdul Kolawole Imoyo, who aside from being a celebrated corporate media manager and journalist, was also the Publicity Secretary of the Association of Corporate & Marketing Communications Professionals in Banks in Nigeria (ACAMB).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also, until he breathed his last in the early hours of Sunday, December 17, 2023, at First Cardiology, Ikoyi, Lagos, after a brief illness, Imoyo held sway as the Head of Corporate Communication at Access Holdings Group. It was in this capacity that I had my encounter with him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A shrewd manager, Imoyo laid down his cards on the table and rarely changed them in doing his job, such was my perception of his personality. On occasions, I have had to ask if anything was ever cast in stone, of course as against the popular saying that”Nothing is cast in stone”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These varying thoughts eventually led to a face-off between myself and Imoyo, as we both sought to protect our interests. For him, it was his job, while for me, it was my business.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intervention came at the peak of our encounter with both colleagues and senior colleagues in the media industry and eventually, we were able to forge ahead, each man with his own opinion of the other.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Several months after the interventions, I reached out to Imoyo via text message and told him that we were too old to continue haggling over issues of personal interest, urging him that we should move on from the issues that had set us on the path of collision. Although he never replied to that message, subsequent actions on his path proved that he agreed with me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So it was with nothing short of a rude shock that I learned that he had passed on to the greater beyond. While I acknowledge Valar morghulis, a High Valyrian saying meaning “all men must die, I never imagined that the angel of death would visit Imoyo so soon, especially not when he was at the peak of his career, when he was supposed to be enjoying the dividends of past years of sacrifices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reports of his death were first spotted by me on a WhatsApp group, Omo Naija, and subsequently confirmed by the President of ACAMB, Rasheed Bolarinwa in a self-signed statement that hit me like a rocket-propelled grenade would impact its target. So obvious was my reaction to the sad news that my wife, Bukunola sought to know what had suddenly changed my chatty mood. I brooded about the news of Imoyo’s death for hours questioning what could have happened to him. Upon calling a few colleagues and senior colleagues, I was shocked to hear of the varying contributions of Imoyo to not just a few colleagues, but a whole lot of people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some people described him as one of the best media managers the industry had known, others as a man of God, and yet to another sect, he was a gentleman. All of these comments opened my eyes to the fact that I never met the man Abdul Kolawole Imoyo, the real one so adored and respected by many.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Imoyo was many things including a beloved husband, father, brother, and uncle. He was also a dedicated professional who showed commitment to excellence in his field. To me, above all, I have just realized that he was a gentleman.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quoting the words of abiodun KOMOLAFE, I can only pray that, “May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, rest the soul of the faithful departed and comfort those he left behind.”

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Ondo North Youth Alliance (ONYA) Endorses Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM) for Senate, Cites Youth Capacity to Lead

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The Ondo North Youth Alliance (ONYA), under the leadership of its President, Comrade Ojo Bright Eniafe, has formally endorsed Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM) as its consensus candidate for the Ondo North Senatorial District in the 2027 elections.

The endorsement was announced at the Alliance’s expanded executive meeting held in Ikare-Akoko, with youth leaders drawn from all six Local Government Areas of Ondo North in attendance.

Speaking at the event, Comrade Ojo Bright Eniafe declared that the decision was driven by ATM’s clear vision for youth empowerment and economic transformation. “Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed is not just another politician. He understands that the youth are not leaders of tomorrow – we are leaders today. He has the capacity, the network, and the will to convert our energy into productivity,” Eniafe said.

*Youth Capacity to Lead, Not Just to Clap*

ONYA praised ATM’s blueprint for tackling youth unemployment and rural-urban migration. Central to his agenda is the establishment of *skill acquisition and ICT training centers* across Akoko land, Owo and Ose to equip young people with 21st-century skills in tech, agriculture, fashion, welding, and digital enterprise.

The Alliance also highlighted ATM’s plan to *attract and facilitate factories and agro-processing zones* in Ondo North. “For too long, our brothers from the North have moved to Lagos and other states in search of jobs that don’t exist. With factories here, we keep our youth here. We build our economy here,” Comrade Eniafe stated. “ATM’s background in Finance, Real Estate, and Infrastructure Development gives us confidence that this is not empty talk.”

ONYA further noted that ATM’s track record of quietly supporting student groups, artisans, and young entrepreneurs proves he is youth-friendly and results-oriented. “He doesn’t wait for elections to show up. He has been doing the work,” the President added.

In his response, Chief ATM expressed deep appreciation to ONYA, describing the endorsement as “a call to greater service.” He pledged to sponsor bills and attract federal interventions that will prioritize youth employment, technical education, and industrial growth. “We will build the training centers. We will bring the factories. We will stop the forced migration of our youth. Ondo North will work, and our young people will lead that transformation,” ATM assured.

The Ondo North Youth Alliance called on all youth groups, student unions, and first-time voters across the senatorial district to unite behind ATM, describing him as “the candidate with the brain, the heart, and the blueprint for the youth.”

*Signed:*
Comrade Ojo Bright Eniafe
President, Ondo North Youth Alliance (ONYA)

*For ATM Campaign:*
[08038554184]

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Former Ondo Deputy Governor Ali Olanusi Endorses Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM) for Ondo North Senate

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*Akure, Ondo State* — In a major boost to his senatorial ambition, Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed, popularly known as ATM, has received the endorsement of His Excellency, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, former Deputy Governor of Ondo State.

The elder statesman formally adopted ATM’s bid to represent Ondo North Senatorial District during a courtesy visit to his Akure residence last week. The meeting, described by attendees as “warm and strategic,” saw Olanusi throw his political weight behind ATM ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Alhaji Olanusi is a towering figure in Ondo politics and a respected APC chieftain from Akoko, Ondo North. His political résumé spans decades: former Member of the House of Representatives, former State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Board of Trustees. His voice carries weight across party lines and within grassroots structures in Ondo North.

Speaking during the visit, Olanusi commended ATM’s character, capacity, and commitment to the people. He also paid glowing tribute to the legacy of ATM’s late father, Alhaji Kunle Abdul, whose philanthropy and community development efforts remain reference points in Akoko land and Ondo State.

“The good work of your late father is still speaking well for you,” Olanusi said. “You have shown the same heart for service. Ondo North needs a Senator who understands the people and has the competence to deliver. I believe you are that person.”

Responding, Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed expressed gratitude for the endorsement, describing Olanusi as “a father, a leader, and a compass for many of us in Ondo politics.”

“This endorsement is humbling. It strengthens our resolve to offer Ondo North a new model of representation — one that is accessible, developmental, and people-driven,” ATM said. “We will not betray this trust.”

Political observers say Olanusi’s endorsement is significant. As a bridge between the old guard and the new generation, his backing is expected to galvanize support across Akoko, Owo, and Ose — the key blocs in Ondo North.

With endorsements now coming from traditional leaders, youth groups, and elder statesmen, ATM’s senatorial ambition continues to gather momentum as the 2027 political calendar draws closer.

Signed
ATM Media Team

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Moyo Ogunlewe Applauds Bashir’s Solar Empowerment Initiative for Ikeja Youths

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The Lagos State Director-General of the City Boy Movement, Hon. Moyo Ogunlewe, has commended Comrade Oluwadamilare Sonayon Adebowale Bashir for launching a transformative solar electrification training programme targeted at youths in Ikeja.

The initiative, described as a multimillion-naira empowerment scheme, is designed to equip young people between the ages of 18 and 40 with practical, market-relevant skills in solar installation, maintenance, and system management. It is expected to open up employment opportunities while fostering entrepreneurship within the renewable energy sector.

According to Bashir, the programme will train 100 beneficiaries in phases, beginning with an initial batch of 40 participants. The phased approach, he explained, is to ensure quality delivery, hands-on learning, and proper supervision throughout the training period.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Bashir noted that the programme is a strategic intervention aimed at tackling youth unemployment while addressing Nigeria’s persistent power supply challenges through sustainable energy solutions.

“This is not just about training; it is about creating a new generation of self-reliant youths who can contribute meaningfully to the economy through renewable energy,” he stated.

Reacting to the development, Hon. Moyo Ogunlewe lauded Bashir’s commitment to grassroots empowerment, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.

Ogunlewe emphasized that such forward-thinking programmes align with ongoing efforts to promote youth development and economic inclusion across Lagos State. He further noted that investing in renewable energy skills places young people at the forefront of a rapidly evolving global industry.

Also lending his voice, the Executive Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, Hon. Barrister Moyosore Ogunleye, praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to transform lives and reduce unemployment at the community level.

The much-anticipated training programme, already generating buzz within Ikeja and beyond, is scheduled to hold on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area. Participants will be drawn from eight wards across the local government, ensuring broad-based inclusion and community impact.

Stakeholders believe the initiative could serve as a model for similar youth-focused renewable energy programmes across Lagos and Nigeria at large, especially at a time when alternative energy solutions are becoming increasingly critical to national development.

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