Personality in Focus
Focus on Disability Foundation Hails Adeola Ajayi’s Appointment As New DSS DG
By Eric Elezuo
The Focus on Disability Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, saddled with the responsibility of catering for the needs of people living with disabilities, has celebrated the newly appointed Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.
Mr. Ajayi was appointed to the office on August 27, 2024 by President Bola Tinubu, to replace Yusuf Bichi.
Describing the emergence of Ajayi as a landmark decision and a positive roadmap to checkmating the insecurity situation of the nation, the Founder of Focus on Disability Foundation, Abiodun Enilari Paseda, said a round peg has definitely been put in a round hole, adding that the intelligence officer’s enviable trajectory in the field of security and intelligence gathering, speaks volumes.
“Most of us that know Adeola Ajayi or have come across him in one guise or another can testify to his undying love for security and safety of Nigerians, more especially the less privileged,” Paseda said.
The FOD Founder also recalled Ajayi’s unannounced visit to the Foundation a few years back, where he made donations of cash and materials to sustain the welfare of children of the facility, stressing that “with that kind of man handling a unit of the security architecture of the country, compassion for people will prompt him to do all the right things”.
The new DSS boss, on assumption of office pledged to refocus the service towards covertness and the likelihood of studied silence on certain matters, promising to work with relevant stakeholders to overcome the challenges confronting the country’s security environments.
“He is a man who cherishes peace, and the stability necessary for development,” Paseda added.
He is a thoroughbred and versatile Intelligence Officer, who joined the Service in 1990 as a cadet officer.
He rose through the ranks and served in Command positions as State Director of Security (SDS) at Rivers, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Enugu and Kogi States.
The new DG is trained in the areas of management, security leadership, critical thinking and human resources from within and outside the country.
Mr Ajayi brings to his new position experience, capacity and immense goodwill.
About Focus on Disability Foundation
Mr. Abiodun Enilari Paseda
Focus on Disability Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation, founded in 2012, and saddled with the responsibility of providing top notch welfare for the physically challenged ranging from education, nutrition, accommodation among a host of other life basic requirements. The Foundation has a completely furnished home in Odogbolu, Ogun State, where a good number of people with disabilities are daily taken care of.
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.
The leadership of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), has congratulated Aare Adetola Emmanuel-King as he clocked 50 years.
Speaking on behalf of the Association,
President & Chairman of Council, Prince Akintoye Adeoye, celebrated Emmanuel-King’s passion and dedication, which continues to inspire the real estate sector.
Below is the detailed statement:
It is with great pleasure that I, Prince Akintoye Adeoye, President and Chairman of Council of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), on behalf of the entire Association, extend my warmest birthday wishes to you.
As you celebrate your birthday today, we recognize your outstanding contributions to the real estate industry. Your visionary leadership in making homeownership accessible and building Adron Homes & Properties into a leading brand sets a high standard for excellence. Your passion and dedication continue to inspire many of us in the real estate sector.
Today is not just a birthday; it is a celebration of your remarkable achievements, wisdom, and the abundant grace of God. From a visionary start to shaping the future of affordable housing in Nigeria, your leadership in the real estate sector has been ground-breaking.
REDAN is proud to recognize your invaluable contributions to the real estate sector and our association. As you step into this new age, may you be blessed with continued success and even greater accomplishments in all your endeavors.
Turning 50 is a momentous occasion, offering a time for reflection on the many successes and cherished memories that have shaped your journey. At REDAN, we wish you continued good health, wisdom, and divine grace as you keep contributing to the advancement of the real estate sector and our beloved nation.
May this year and the ones ahead be filled with even greater achievements, joy, and fulfillment.
Once again, happy 50th birthday, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King.
