Personality in Focus
Opinion: Celebrating Nigeria’s Media Guru, Oki Samson Olatunji: Promoted by Grace, Exhibiting Excellence!
By ‘Yomi Oyelami
When the grace of God comes upon human effort, there is no doubting the exploits that are generated. The effulgence and excellence of the exploits that the life of one of Nigeria’s youngest and brightest media generals, Oki Samson O. is generating is a proof to the abundance that the grace of God can bring out of man’s dedication to an upwardly mobile lifestyle. Results don’t lie, only fools will doubt proofs!
For Olatunji, his consistency to doing what one knows to do best; his intentionality to seeing through a planned course of action; his painstaking effort to ensuring that the best foot is put into every aspect; his eye for detail in fashion, outlook, and personal grooming; his adroit prowess to portraying the clientele the best way possible, his cerebral nature at holding meaningful and productive conversations; his commitment to the fact that hard work pays after all; and his knack for delayed gratification is simply few of the exemplary characters that have distinguished him among a generation of media personalities that are wont to play a fast one for quick gains. These same qualities he encourages and desires that the vast community of youths under his influence should embody. He goes all the way to practice what he preaches! This is the Samson Oki that I know, I have worked with, and I have come to celebrate over the years.
That Oki Samson born on the 20th April. He is the MD/CEO of McKinggs Media (a media/PR, events, communication, and branding Company) with interests in publications, advocacy, publicity, photography, event, and talent development; the Publisher of Trek Africa Newspaper, Nigeria’s towering news weekly that goes the extra mile for the news with a focus on two key thematic areas of business and governance both in-print and online and have pursued the vision ‘to become a reputable newspaper brand out of Africa’ since its inception in 2014; and also the National President, National Association of Online Security Publishers (NAOSNP) are probably well-known.
Permit me to show you more!
Oki is an award-winning celebrity publicist and brand strategist that has worked over a decade with several high net-worth individuals, hugely profitable business organizations, and impact-making not-for-profit organizations. He has also over the years established himself as a brand reputed for excellence and integrity in the media world. As a freelance journalist with New Telegraph Newspaper, he distinguished himself under ‘The Megacity’ weekly column which focuses on issues around West Africa’s industrial hub and Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos.
‘Mr. Sam’ as he is fondly called by his vast followership of youths is an authority in youth advocacy and youth development. The admirable orator has successfully mobilized the youths for countless community and national initiatives. He is very popular as a voice that resonates with the youths, owing to his numerous initiatives and programmes which keeps empowering several entrepreneurs and emerging young leaders. Two of the youth-centric initiatives are C. E. O. (Creative Entrepreneurial Opportunities) which spurs graduates into skill and enterprise development and the FOTA (Face of Trek Africa) a beauty pageant which brings the spotlight on the intellectual, enterprising and beautiful young African women.
It should be noted that he is the brain behind the annual Trek Africa National Discourse, Trek Africa Real Estate Summit and Expo, and Trek Africa Entrepreneurship Conference – all of which have become veritable platforms for charting innovation for enterprise development, industry growth, and nation building. With these platforms, he has succeeded in bringing eminent personalities and leaders across Africa including Liberia, Sierra leone, Uganda, Ghana, among others and has giving awards to deserving members of the public. In fact, eight team members were in Monrovia, Liberia for one week in 2018 at the august invitation of the Government of Liberia led by His Excellency, President George Manneh Weah where they met and discussed with the Vice President of the country and the Mayor of Monrovia.
The media guru is a diehard and unrepentant follower of Nigeria’s foremost politician and former two-term Governor of Lagos State and All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He was a volunteer mobilizer for the Buhari-Osinbajo presidential campaign towards the 2015 elections. While he closely watched The Jagaban of Africa on the 2015 campaign trail as a media professional, the idea for the soon-to-be-published book ‘THE ICONIC BOLA AHMED TINUBU: AN INSPIRATION TO AFRICAN YOUTHS’ was birthed. Since then, as a co-author, he has pursued and pushed for the coming to the reality of the book with dexterity.
Born to a mixed Nigeria/Sierra Leone parentage in the early 80s, he derived his passion for African leadership, enterprise, and politics while studying as an accounting student at the Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos, Nigeria. He is married to Ayomiposi with a beautiful daughter.
Roll the carpet for the one of Nigeria’s youngest and brightest media general, Oki Samson Olatunji!
Welcome to a fresh phase!
Cheers to a new beginning. Happy Beautiful Birthday Sir!
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.
