President Bola Tinubu, leading some other prominent Nigerians, has showered praises on Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, as he marks his 60th birthday on June 2.
The prominent Nigerians, including political heavyweights, and elder statesmen, noted the multiple-award winning journalist’s years of commitment to democracy, balanced journalism, and national development.
Particularly, President Tinubu recalled Ajanaku’s “valiant efforts against tyranny” during the dark days of military dictatorship particularly under retired Gen Ibrahim Babangida, and the departed Gen Sani Abacha, and his rich contributions, through his writings, to the pro-democracy struggles, democratisation process, and governance.
The President, who himself, as a NADECO chieftain, was in the trenches on exile, during the bloody, and prolonged pro-democracy struggles that claimed the lives of some patriots, noted that Ajanaku’s contributions as a skilled analyst, strengthened the pro-democracy struggles especially in the South West, the hotbed, and arrowhead of opposition against military rule.
Notably, President Tinubu, who, together with others, escaped the Abacha junta’s agents of death and destruction, and fled Nigeria through the NADECO routes, spoke glowingly of Ajanaku’s stellar track record.
In a statement by his spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President noted Ajanaku’s impactful service as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs and later as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy in Lagos State, before successfully heading the media campaign for the former Governor of Ondo State, the departed Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
President Tinubu commended Ajanaku for deploying his vast media experience and network to project the milestones of both national and state governments, effectively bridging the communication gap to foster a deeper understanding of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He prayed for the continued well-being of the devoted media expert.
Also, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in a statement signed by his spokesman, Mr. Ebenezer Adeniyan, poured encomiums on his commissioner.
Aiyedatiwa described the attainment of age 60 as a remarkable milestone that calls for deep gratitude to God and reflection on a life of purpose and impactful service.
He said, “Mr. Ajanaku has distinguished himself as a seasoned communications professional and committed public servant whose wealth of experience continues to add immense value to the governance process in Ondo State,
“Since assuming office as Commissioner for Information and Orientation, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening the state’s information management architecture and deepening government-citizen engagement through effective and strategic communication.”
The Governor also acknowledged Ajanaku’s steadfast commitment to the progressive cause in the state, wishing him continued good health, wisdom, and many more years of happiness and service to humanity.
Also, eder statesman and former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, eulogised the celebrant for his integrity.
In his goodwill message, the former Osun State Governor wrote: “Idowu, you have used journalism as a tool to shape and help the people, and you have served with dignity and integrity.”
Also,vformer Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, focused on Ajanaku’s fearless role in the enthronement of democracy.
He recalled Ajanaku’s contributions at The Guardian newspaper during the NADECO era, particularly the struggle to actualise the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election mandate won by the late Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola.
Fayemi also praised Ajanaku’s robust reporting and tactical support during the legal battle to retrieve the stolen progressive mandate in Ekiti State.
Adding his voice to the tributes, Chief Ayo Opadokun, the Secretary-General of Afenifere and NADECO during the pro-democracy struggles, commended Ajanaku’s lifelong bravery and commitment to the progressive path.
Reflecting on Ajanaku’s international contributions to the ruling party, Mr. Dele Alade, the APC-USA National Leader, recalled with nostalgia their joint involvement in Egbe Omo Yoruba conferences in Atlanta, Georgia and Texas, where Ajanaku used his media prowess to promote the progressive struggle.
Alade recalled that Ajanaku was part of the official delegation that represented the then-national leader Bola Tinubu at the historic inauguration of the APC-USA chapter in 2014 in Virginia, alongside Senator Ajayi Borofice. This marked the foundational phase of the APC, which has now successfully held the reins of federal governance in Nigeria for 11 years.
