TODAY is another Special Day for the Baaroyin-Majeobaje and author of the autobiographical book “Colours of Perception, Chief Kayode Stanley Odunaro. He is 61 today.
In a country like ours where average lifespan is currently put at 60 years for males and 63 years for females, which is among the lowest in Africa and in the world, turning 61 is a privilege and testament of God’s goodness.
Given the many challenges an average Nigerian contends with almost on daily basis, it should be taken as remarkable when one is alive and healthy to witness yet another day of one’s birth.
It is a time for another fresh beginning. A moment for reflection and stock – taking. Chief Odunaro has every reason to look back and appreciate his Creator for the grace to have passed through the storms over the years, and still be standing strong. It can only be by God’s Grace and Mercy, for the Holy Bible tells us that, “It depends not on him that runs or him that desires but on God who shows mercy.”
He could have been a victim of respiratory disease, pneumonia, any of the non – communicable diseases, pandemic and starvation which are among the main causes of death globally. He could have been cut down too prematurely by stray bullets, reckless drivers, worst still, bandits, terrorists, violent herders and kidnappers which have also hurried many to their early graves in Nigeria but God preserves Baairoyin to witness today and to witness much more of it in future.
At 61, this author, journalist, analyst and amiable family man has become a huge library of knowledge on the fascinating as well as intricate and complex nature of politics, governance and power dynamics not only of Ogun State but also of Nigeria by reason of birth and exposure. This is understandable. Chief Odunaro has the genes of Southeast and Southwest of the country’s geopolitical zones prenatally programmed into him.
His life at 61 has impacted positively to a good number of people, communities, Ogun State and Nigeria. Younger generations and even generations ahead of his, will do themselves real good to come closer and tap from his wealth of experience about Ogun and Nigeria – a reservoir of history – dating back from the period of military administrations to the return of Democracy and up till the present. Some of these rich experiences have been well documented in his “Colours of Perception.”
The Baaroyin of Imala Kingdom and Majeobaje of Olu Ilaro-Yewa was born on January 19, 1962. He attended primary schools at Abeokuta, Ogun State and Obohia-Ndoki, in present day Abia State where he concluded his primary education. He attended Government Secondary School, Creek Road, later Borokiri, Port-Harcourt in Rivers State where he made the best result of his session with 8 As in West African School Certificate Examination. He was briefly at School of Basic Studies, Port Harcourt for A-Level papers but later go admission to read Political Science in University of Calabar, Cross River State. He came out with Second Class Upper and did his National Youth Service in Kaduna, Kaduna State. He was self-employed in farming and Politics in Obohia-Ndoki and was subsequently appointed as Special Adviser to the newly created Ukwa East LGA in Abia State. He started his journalism career in Port-Harcourt with Sunray Newspaper and served as correspondent in Akure and Lagos. He was appointed Chief Press Secretary to Military Administrator of Ogun State and served three administrations before moving on to the Federal Capital, Abuja to serve as Special Adviser to the Speaker, House of Representatives in the National Assembly. His experience in public service traversed the military and civilian era of Nigeria history, the state and federal government as well as the executive and legislative arms of government. He served as the chairman of Oronna Ilaro Festival Central Planning Committee for four years. He holds the chieftaincy titles of Baaroyin of Imala Kingdom and Majeobaje of Olu Ilaro-Yewa. He is currently the Chief of Staff to Senator Solomon Adeola, Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance.
As you celebrate your Special Day today, The Daily Crucible extends the warmest of greetings and wishes to you.
Sustain your regular exercise and healthy diet as they are key to keeping you strong.
So, stay active, eat well, and embrace the rest of your life with unflinching courage.
Happy Birthday Baaroyin-Majeobaje, Chief Kayode Stanley Odunaro!
