It’s time to again wax lyrical about my Dear Boss, Alhaji Olatunji Oladejo, MNIPR, as he marks another birthday in the land of the living.
In the first place, l wouldn’t say l am much close to him. However, l think l know well enough that Alhaji Oladejo, the Cicero of UI is a damn good man. At every opportunity, be it official or private capacity, one is always left with the impression that Alhaji Oladejo serves God Almighty through the manners he brings joy and provides succor to people in his sphere of influence. Indeed, he is such a personality that has abundant milk of human kindness in him.
Throughout these past fifteen years thereabouts, I have witnessed Alhaji Oladejo exhibited and displayed kindness and timely assistance to fellow human beings in whatever capacity he finds himself. He always makes himself accessible to people, offering assistance as much as possible in various ways he could.
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I know this amiable public servant as someone who does not intimidate anyone with his position or any official office he holds. Instead, he uses such positions to help people and make things easier for them. I know of several instances when without having a previous relationship or interaction with him, some troubled souls have walked into Alhaji Oladejo’s office and come out relieved and smiling!
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HE is such an energetic, hardworking, and effective public servant. While he acted as the Head, of the Public Relations Department of the University of Ibadan, he was so active and did his job beautifully well. As far as l know, Alhaji Oladejo actually brought higher visibility and glamour into the Public Relations Office of UI while he controlled its activities. All through that golden period, it was as if the Public Relations Office was the centre of activities or the nucleus of the University. I dare to say that hardly would anything worthwhile take place in the University without the key input of the Alhaji Oladejo-led Public Relations Office. Undoubtedly, his performance in that office ultimately rubbed off positively on the University as it kept getting rave reviews and positive perceptions all over the world.
I do not doubt that it was such an exemplary performance of the versatile public speaker that earned him higher responsibility as the pioneer Director of Public Communication at the University of Ibadan. And all through his sojourn in the Directorate of Public Communication, he was ever on top of his game as he continually worked to further shore up the image and ratings of the Nigerian premier University. All through these official roles in the University, Alhaji Oladejo rightly and deservedly earned the Cicero of UI as a befitting appellation!
HOW about Cicero’s multifarious services to the larger community of Ibadanland? Going into that aspect of his life would take much more than these momentous random thoughts. His myriad of community services through the many socio-cultural positions he has held in this city of seven hills speaks volumes about his creditable performance in those positions. But then, someday, there will be ample time to dwell more about him as a worthy son of Ibadanland!
So, today that he marks another birthday, l fervently pray that the mercies and favour of Almighty Allah shall continually dwell with him. May God Almighty bestow Alhaji Oladejo more financial upliftment, sound health, and happy family life. May your tomorrow always be better than your today Sir.
HAPPY Birthday Sir, the Cicero of UI!
Akinsola Ige, Esq., is a Legal Officer in the Office of the Registrar, The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
