Personality in Focus
Encomiums, Eulogies As AIG Iliyasu Retires from Police Force, Celebrates Birthday
By Eric Elezuo
It was a gathering of grateful and happy people Thursday when the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu graciously bowed out of service after putting in 35 years of meritorious, enduring and selfless service to the Nigeria Police Force in particular and the Nigerian public in general.
The event, which held at the Zone 2 Police premises, Onikan, Lagos, incidentally marked the 60th birthday of the officer, whom almost everyone agrees was superlative in every ramification, and needless to say, the event was celebrated with pomp and pageantry.
The convoy of the AIG made its entry into the premises at exactly 12:25pm to the reception of well wishers, police officers and colleagues, who had criss crossed the length of the country to thank God him for 35 years of protection, preservation and provision as a police officer.
It was one event where almost everyone in attendance has one wonderful thing or another to say about the retiring AIG in relation to his stewardship in the service of the nation, humanity, and his own immediate constituency, the Police.
In their various tributes, and words of encouragement, the rank and file of the Police as well as the media, the Police Community Relations Committee among many others, all agreed that AIG Iliyasu is a man of the people with absolute listening ear, ready to act even at the shortest of notice, an enabler, enviable crime fighter and most importantly, a thorough disciplinarian.
Kicking starting the backlog of encomiums poured on the AIG was the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Hauwa Bello Idris, who acknowledged the father figure of Iliyasu in her life ever since her father passed away. She noted that she was taught the rudiment of public relations under the tutelage of the retiring AIG.
In his own remarks, the head, Monitoring Unit, CSP Uba Bangaji Adams, said though AIG Iliyasu will be missed, but all he has imbibed in all of them, will always be there for him like he never left. He applauded the efforts of the AIG in creating an enviable police force for people like him, saying “I am here, like my colleagues, as a reminder of what he is.
Speaking on behalf of the media, president of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), Samson Oki, described AIG Iliyasu as a loving father, generous and media friendly person whose stock in trade is carrying the media along in whatever he did.
Other respondents were DCP Umaru Shiling, DCP Adegoke Fayoade, Comrade Yinka Folarin of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights; ACP Saidat Ismail, Registrar, Customary Court of Appeal, Ogun State, Madam Ttitlayo Bello; Chairman, Ogun PCRC, Chief Samson Popoola, ACP Lucy Abibo, Chairman, Ogun PCRC, Apostle Kehinde Showemimo; Zone 2 DGS, ACP Bose Akinyemi; Rev (Dr) Francis Osibowale, Mr Matthew Imane and PCRC National Vice Chairman, Alhaji Mogaji Olaniyan Ibrahim.
The occasion, which paraded multiple high points, was spiced by the energetic performance of the renowned Eyo Masquerades of Lagos before the AIG cut an array of birthday cakes that filled the table, and contributed by well wishers.
True to type, AIG softened the tense atmosphere when he performed a traditional to the admiration of everyone. The stage was filled many of the guests joined him in the dance.
In his speech, AIG acknowledged that for everything, there is a beginning and there is an end, and the the most important thing to leave on the sands of history should be deeds of positivism, saying “Always do whatever you have to do so that you will be on the good side of history”.
He reminded the police officers he was leaving behind never to relent, and that “when you fail, don’t think that is the end of life; stand up and try again, and you will succeed. Life is meant to shift: whatever you do; whatever you experience in life is part of the character and attitude that you will be judged, and it is part of your socialisation. A positive attitude comes from a positive mind, and a positive mind is that mind that always work with honesty.”
While thanking God that he was privileged to be disengaged alive considering the hassles of the job, he maintained that as before, he will always be available for anyone who is willing to tap from his wealth of experience and knowledge.
Iliyasu was seconded to take charge of Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Onikan Lagos following a Wireless Message dated November 8, 2019 from the Force Headquarters Abuja. He took over from DIG Lawal Shehu who was promoted and transferred to Force Headquarters.
AIG Ahmed Iliyasu holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in History, Diploma in Law and Master Degree in Business Administration from Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto.
He was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Academy Annex, Kaduna as CADET ASP in the month of August, 1988 and has served within the force in various capacities. He started his career in his home state Kaduna as O/C Basic Studies at Police College Kaduna, 2i/c DCO Kachia Division Kaduna State, O/C GI SCIID Kaduna Command and O/C Anti Car-Theft.
He was then transferred to Gombe State as DPO Gombe Central, 2i/c SCIID Gombe and DPO Kaltungo Gombe State before he was transferred to the FCT Command Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Utako ‘B’ Division. He was made Director Professional Studies at the Nigeria Police Academy Kano, Area Commander Sokoto metro as Assistant Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioner in-charge Anti-Fraud section at the force CIID Abuja. He was also the 2i/c Command at the Port Authority, Western Command Lagos; before his elevation to the rank of Commissioner of Police and posted to the Police Staff College Jos as Coordinator of Courses, Commissioner of Police Ogun State Command and FORCE PROVOST MARSHAL (in-charge of discipline).
Prior to his elevation to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police and posting to Zone 2 Lagos: he was the Commissioner of Police in-charge of Kano State Command.
As a result of his sterling qualities in the force, Iliyasu is a recipient of so many awards, numerous to mention.
The family of Bolaji Olarewaju, popularly known as Big Bolaji has confirmed the passing of the singer following a brief illness.
According to a statement signed by the Family on Saturday, Bolaji died on Easter Saturday.
The statement said, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bolaji Olarewaju, affectionately known as “Big B,” a cherished father, husband, brother, and an esteemed figure in both the church community, an ordained Pastor in the RCCG and a giant in the music industry and our community. Bolaji left us on Easter Saturday, 19th April 2025, after a brief illness.
“His departure leaves a void in our hearts that can not be filled.
“Bolaji’s life was a testament to his passion for music, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to uplifting those around him. His legacy is not only in the melodies he created but in the lives he touched and the unquantifiable joy he spread.
“We take solace in knowing that his absence with us is his presence with the Lord, and the indelible mark he left on all who had the privilege of knowing him will not be erased.
“As we navigate through this time of loss, we kindly request privacy to mourn as a family. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers.
“Details regarding the obsequies will be shared in due course as we come together to celebrate Bolaji’s remarkable life and legacy.
“Thank you for respecting our wishes during this incredibly difficult time. With gratitude, The Family of Bolaji Olarewaju.”
Pascal Dozie, a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and business leader has died. He was 86.
According to sources close to the deceased, Dozie died a battle with old age-related illness.
Dozie, was a man of many parts, best known for founding Diamond Bank and serving as chairman of Pan-Atlantic University.
He was born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Dozie’s educational background includes a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a master’s in Administrative Science from City University in London.
Dozie also founded theAfrican Development Consulting Group, which worked with notable clients like Nestle and Pfizer. He served as MTN Group chairman but later resigned and was succeeded by Ernest Ndukwe.
Dozie received the prestigious National Award of the Order of the Niger (OON) for his contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry.
Dozie is survived by his wife Chinyere Dozie, and five children among other relatives.
A former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Victor Olunloyo, is dead.
According to a statement by his family on Sunday, he died a few days before his 90th birthday.
The statement titled ‘Victor Olunloyo goes home’ was signed by Oladapo Ogunwusi on behalf of the family.
It read, “With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday.
“The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo was first Rector, Ibadan polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic among other notable appointments.
“His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates even as we come to grip with this devastating event.
“The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befitting burial.
“Even from everlasting to everlasting, He is God.”
About a year ago in April 2024, the rumour of the death of the elder statesman was reported by some news platforms.
But speaking with The PUNCH correspondent who visited his Molete residence in Ibadan, the state capital, he debunked the rumour, saying he was hale and hearty.
“I’m still here, not yet gone,” he declared then.
He also expressed worry over the rumour and asked who would live forever, stressing, “Those breaking death news and the person presumed dead will all die one day.
“I’ve been lucky. My father died at 42, while my mother died at 102. I’m 89. I’ve crossed the expected life age.”
The elder statesman also illustrated how the rumour of his death hit several news platforms on June 7, 2022.
He noted that the rumour mongers claimed that he died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
A few days later, the family issued a statement, declaring that he was not dead but suffering from old age ailment and asked Nigerians to pray for him to survive the health complications.
