Personality in Focus
Encomiums, Eulogies As AIG Iliyasu Retires from Police Force, Celebrates Birthday
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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.
Personality in Focus
Tinubu Mourns Top Journalist Dotun Oladipo
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of Dotun Oladipo, former Political Editor of The Punch newspaper and Publisher of The Eagle Online, describing his passing as a painful loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the nation.
Tinubu’s message was contained in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday.
Oladipo reportedly died on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, in Lagos at the age of 56.
The President acknowledged Oladipo’s contributions to journalism, particularly his years of dedicated service in political reporting and his commitment to providing Nigerians with credible information through traditional and digital media platforms.
He said Oladipo’s professional career reflected the important role journalists play in strengthening democracy by informing citizens, holding public officials accountable and providing platforms for robust public discourse.
Tinubu recalled Oladipo’s passion for journalism and his contributions to the growth of digital media through The Eagle Online, which he founded after his career at Punch Newspaper.
“Dotun Oladipo’s death at the age of 56 is a painful loss to the Nigerian media community and to our nation. He was a committed journalist who devoted significant years of his life to informing the public and contributing to the development of our democracy.
“His contributions to political journalism and the digital media space will not be forgotten. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues in the Guild of Online Corporate Publishers (GOCOP) and friends. I pray that Almighty God will grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” President Tinubu noted.
Personality in Focus
Aare Adetola Emmanuelking Celebrates Damola Aiyeola @60
The National President of the Remo Secondary School Old Students Association (RSSOSA), Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has celebrated the National Vice President of the Association’s UK Branch, Mr. Damola Aiyeola, on the occasion of his 60th birthday, describing him as a God-fearing family man, committed leader and an exemplary Old Student whose years of service have continued to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and the development of Remo Secondary School and beyond.
In a special birthday message marking the significant milestone, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking described Aiyeola’s 60 years as a life of purpose, faith, family, leadership and service, noting that his contributions to RSSOSA demonstrate a deep understanding of the responsibility that comes with belonging to an association of Old Students.
The RSSOSA National President praised Aiyeola’s leadership as the National Vice President of the Association’s UK Branch, noting that his contribution goes beyond occupying an executive position to actively using his platform to advance the welfare of students and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the alma mater.
Aare Adetola Emmanuelking particularly highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by the RSSOSA UK Branch under Aiyeola’s watch, describing them as tangible expressions of the responsibility that Old Students owe to the institution that shaped them.
Some of the notable interventions include the renovation of the UK-adopted classrooms at Remo Secondary School; the donation of learning materials to exceptional students across the Senior and Junior sections of the school; and the support and funding of holiday tutorials for SS3 students. The tutorial programme was further complemented by the donation of textbooks and sanitary pads to the students, addressing both their educational and personal welfare needs.
Commending these initiatives, the RSSOSA National President described Mr. Damola Aiyeola as a leader whose influence is evident in the positive impact being recorded by the UK Branch.
According to him, Aiyeola’s leadership reflects the importance of having people who understand that alumni leadership is ultimately about service, responsibility and giving back. He noted that the story of the RSSOSA UK Branch under Aiyeola’s watch is one of Old Students turning their affection for their alma mater into measurable interventions that improve the lives of present-day students.
As Mr. Damola Aiyeola marks his diamond jubilee, the RSSOSA National President prayed that God would continue to strengthen him, preserve his life and grant him the wisdom and grace required for greater responsibilities.
He prayed for divine health, protection, prosperity, renewed strength and continued fulfilment, asking God to bless and preserve his family and reward the celebrant for his commitment to service.
He further prayed that the years ahead would be even more fruitful and impactful, with greater opportunities to contribute to the advancement of RSSOSA, the UK Branch and Remo Secondary School.
Personality in Focus
World’s Oldest Person, Ethel Caterham, Celebrates 117th Birthday
Ethel Caterham, recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living person, has turned 117.
Caterham celebrated her birthday on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Hallmark Lakeview Care Home in Lightwater, Surrey, where she lives.
“Thank you for all of the kind birthday wishes. Even at 117, I’ve had many firsts this year, from stroking a llama to holding hands with the King!” Caterham said in a birthday message shared through her care home.
“I’ve had a lovely day celebrating with my family and friends, and I look forward to seeing what next year brings!”
Born on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, Caterham is the last known surviving person born during the reign of King Edward VII.
She became the world’s oldest living person in April 2025 after the death of Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas at the age of 116. Guinness World Records also recognises her as the oldest living woman.
Caterham travelled alone to India at 18, where she worked as a nanny for a British family.
She later met British Army officer Norman Caterham at a dinner party in 1931. They married in 1933 and lived in several countries, including Hong Kong, where Caterham set up a kindergarten.
The couple later returned to Britain and raised two daughters. Norman died in 1976. Caterham has since outlived both daughters and is now a grandmother of three and great-grandmother of five.
Her long life has spanned two World Wars, the sinking of the Titanic and the COVID-19 pandemic. She also survived COVID-19 at the age of 110.
Caterham has previously said she believes avoiding arguments has helped her live a long life.
“Never arguing with anyone, I listen and I do what I like,” she said.
One of the highlights of Caterham’s past year was meeting King Charles III in September 2025.
During their meeting, she recalled watching his investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969, when he was 21.
“All the girls were in love with you and wanted to marry you,” she told the King.
Caterham later described meeting Charles and holding his hand as two of the memorable “firsts” she experienced during her 116th year.
The world’s oldest living man, Brazil’s João Marinho Neto, also sent birthday wishes to Caterham, according to Guinness World Records.
Despite reaching 117, Caterham remains five years short of the verified record for the oldest person ever. That record belongs to Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment, who lived to 122 years and 164 days.
For now, Caterham continues to celebrate life with her family and friends while looking ahead to another milestone year.






