By Abubakar Imam
Last weekend, the hardworking Director of Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin, Mr Kunle Akogun, was unanimously nominated by the Akogun chieftaincy family of Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State to fill the vacant stool of High Chief Akogun of the historic town.
The nomination of the veteran journalist and consummate Public Relations specialist to fill the vacant stool might be surprising to a few individuals. But to me and several others, it was not unexpected.
I say this because I am convinced that some “prophets” deserve to be honoured not only at home but also while they are still full of life. Mr Akogun is one of such “prophets” who deserve to be honoured at home and beyond because of the several fascinating leadership qualities he is endowed with.
Anyone who knows the Akogun-designate of Oke-Ode and who has possibly worked with him would agree with me that he is an epitome of patriotism, humility and service. He is also a personification of selflessness, simplicity and loyalty. He is equally an embodiment of knowledge and professionalism.
For a man who always thinks of others to be considered and selected for a leadership position is not only appropriate but also very important particularly at a time like this when our society is challenged by the dearth of genuine and sincere leadership in all facets of life.
Mr Akogun, a distinguished wordsmith and celebrated media professional of over four eventful decades, is not only “biologically qualified” but he also deserves the prestigious traditional title. This view is informed by the trajectory of his career and contributions to the socioeconomic development of his ancestral community and the entire Igbominaland over the years.
Yes, he is a member of the Akogun family of Oke-Ode, which has exclusive right to the title. But there is no law that says the former Thisday newspaper editor must be chosen by his family. There are so many other equally qualified ‘omo Akoguns”. So, it could be any other member of the chieftaincy family.
However, his unanimous choice by his family and acceptance by a wide spectrum of the Oke-Ode community, including those in the diaspora, confirmed that his nomination is actually popular among the people.
For many years prior to joining the services of the University of Ilorin, I had known Mr Akogun through his works and words. I have read several of his articles, particularly following his appointment as the Spokesperson of the University. He comes to me as a dutiful professional who gives his all to his convictions.
On becoming a staff member of the Directorate under his supervision since April, 2016, I realised that a man can be known with some other fascinating attributes aside his qualifications and professions. He is not just a human being but also a humane person.
I discovered him to be a bundle of talents and a true man whose philosophy is abundant life for all. He hates cheating and would not condone indolence.
Mr Akogun is also so gentle and amiable that I believe that any subordinate who finds him difficult to work with may find sojourning in a paradise difficult. This is because he cannot hurt a fly.
The Akogun-designate also dislikes sectionalism. He doesn’t care where you come from and how you look. All he is interested in is what you are capable of offering that would assist his Unit to discharge its duties diligently, smoothly and timely.
Despite the traditional and agelong rivalry between the people of Ilorin and their compatriots from Igbominaland, Mr Akogun relates with me as a brother and friend. I don’t think I would find things easier if a full sibling of mine occupies the position he currently holds.
I think the people of Oke-Ode are lucky to have someone like Mr Akogun on the traditional Akogun chieftaincy stool when the nomination is eventually ratified by the paramount ruler of the community. The town would no doubt enjoy more quality services from him as I am convinced they would be amazed by the potency and quality he would bring to the position for the benefit of the community.
Apart from projecting the name of the town through consistent deployment of his knowledge, time, resources and vast connections, the Akogun-elect has also attracted a lot of infrastructural facilities to the ancient town. This includes a state-of-the-art computer centre to his Alma mater, Oke-Ode Grammar School, by the National Communication Commission (NCC) and sponsorship of no fewer than 25 brilliant but indigent indigenes of the town attending the school. The two were done through his long-time friend, Barrister Bayo Atoyebi, an Edidi indigene, who was a former two-terms Commissioner at NCC; and the Kwara Supreme Pacesetters Club, respectively. Most of the beneficiaries of the Club’s scholarships are now graduates and currently doing well in various fields of human endeavours.
The Akogun-designate was born over 62 years ago at Orisunbare village, Ile-Ife in old Oyo State. After his secondary school education at the famous Oke-Ode Grammar School, Mr Akogun proceeded to the Kwara State College of Technology (now Kwara State Polytechnic), Ilorin, for his Advanced Level Qualifications.
He, thereafter, headed to the prestigious University of Lagos from where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication in 1984. He also obtained his Master’s degree in the same discipline from the same institution in 2002.
He had earlier commenced his brilliant career as the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), in FESTAC Town, Lagos. This was during his mandatory national youth service programme.
He subsequently went into the mainstream media industry when he joined The Punch newspaper. He also worked in The Herald newspaper and Sunray Newspaper in Port-Harcourt. He was also the Group News Editor and National Assembly Editor of the prestigious ThisDay newspaper.
Since he joined the nation’s most sought-after University, Mr Akogun’s impacts have been very loud and clear. His efforts have yielded a lot of positive dividends for the University as it became the most sought-after University to students and their parents. The University has maintained this status for almost a decade partly due to the efforts of its succeeding administrations and significantly because of its consistent positive image magnified by the efforts of Mr Akogun through his effective and efficient deployment of strategic Public Relations skills.
Mr Akogun, who is happily married and blessed with children and grandchildren, two of whom are also distinguished journalists, is a man who not only deserves the position of Akogun (generalissimo) of Oke-Ode but also has all it would take to serve beyond the expectations of the community.
Congratulations, my boss and brother.
Imam is an Assistant Director (Information), University of Ilorin and Deputy Editor, UNILORIN Bulletin.
