By Ayo Arowojolu
For Kayode Ogunjobi, an Associate Professor and expert in Wood Utilization and Protection, this is the day the Lord God has made, the day signposting his 50th year on earth.
Having been born on August 27, 1974, “Amino” as Dr Ogunjobi is fondly called, has received a deluge of encomiums and congratulatory felicitations from colleagues, associates and friends celebrating his colourful and remarkable trajectory in life.
Expectedly, most of the accolades are pouring in from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta(FUNAAB), an institution that has defined his very essence in life for almost the past 25 years, half his entire life span so far.
Amino had his university education at the then University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (now FUNAAB) where he studied Forestry and Wildlife Management. Quite unlike the proverbial snake which recorded no footprints on the sands, Ogunjobi recorded remarkable profile in his days of studentship and subsequently got elected President of the Institution’s Students Union Government.
By a twist of fate, it was no accident that FUNAAB continued to be his place of relevance and dominion as he later got employed, first as a non-teaching staff for some years before his conversion to an academic position of lecturer.
A man helped and favoured by God, his last promotion, joining the professorial ladder at FUNAAB, came at the nick of time, last month when the Governing Council led by the new Pro-Chancellor, Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi confirmed him an Associate Professor.
First to pour in the torrents of well wishes to the golden boy was erstwhile Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, FUNAAB, Prof Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale who, not too long ago, bagged an international appointment of Vice-Rector of the Cameroun-based Pan Africa University, Yaoundé.
Here is Prof Akeredolu-Ale’s eulogy: “My dear Comrade Dr Amino as I fondly call you. I felicitate with you on this marvelous milestone…On this special day come thoughts that are warm and sincere and as we celebrate your 50th birthday, may you enjoy every moment of this new journey of your life. May all that you dream about continue to come through…
“You have travailed and you have struggled. You have been attacked but by His mighty grace, you survived. You were pulled and pushed and, in it all, you remained unshakeable and unscathed. Because He who is your Guardian does not sleep, nor is ever tired to be your protector. You are indeed a conquerer. I glorify God for this wonderful stage in your life and for the grace and elevation He has bestowed upon you and your family…”
Also felicitating Ogunjobi was Prof. Oluwakemi Fapojuwo of the Department of Agricultural Administration, FUNAAB who described him in very superlative adjectives. Hear her: “I want to appreciate God for your life and how God has helped you over the past five decades to be who you are today. It can only be GOD all the way. I first had an encounter with Amino in 2013 in FUNAAB at the ASUU Branch meeting and I can say that was a divine arrangement from GOD Himself. The circumstances of our meeting was quite funny and waooo but in all I can boldly say that God was involved from the onset. Amino is a bold, blunt and God fearing man of God, brother, friend and confidant. He is my go–to person. Thank you for being available and selfless. I remember our prayer times at the Holy Ghost services, they birthed miracles and signs. You are an epitome of a present father to my comrades and dutiful husband to my sister YINKA.”
Prof Fapojuwo added: “The fragrance of your life is so sweet and pleasing. Thank you for the years of friendship and comradeship. Thank you for genuine conversations and love. I am blessed to have YOU in my circle, Amino.
It is your season of establishment and more.”
Mr Raheem Àjàyí, a former Special Adviser to erstwhile Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, who was the SUG President that handed over to Dr Ogunjobi at that time, was not left out in showering encomiums on him.
His words: “I am joining millions of our cadres in the left to thank God on behalf of one of our own, a revolutionary Comrade and compatriots, President Michael Amino Ogunjobi as he attains the golden age of 50. As the President of the SUG who handed over to him, I can attest to it that he carried on with tradition of excellence that UNAAB Students Union is known for, with class and panache. He has been consistent in the struggle for the actualization of an egalitarian society that we are both committed to.”
For Mrs Emi Alawode, a former Head, Public Relations Department of FUNAAB, Dr Ogunjobi deserves being celebrated for his outstanding accomplishments in life and also for the outstanding moments they both shared together over the years.
This is what she had to say: “50th, Amino!
How time flies! It’s an honour to pen this congratulatory message to World Amino at
50! Indeed, we’ve come a long way. We met when you were a Student Union Leader
at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Your leadership was remarkable, and I couldn’t help but relate with you beyond the corridors of power. We’ve maintained this relationship ever since, through your
onboarding as a staff member and journey as an esteemed Administrator,
Agricultural Officer, Academic, and Writer. Your dedication, wisdom, and positive
energy have made a lasting impact. Your journey has been truly inspiring, and I am
grateful to have witnessed it first-hand. Amino, we’re thrilled to celebrate your
achievements at 50. May this milestone year bring you more success in life”.
Mr and Mrs Adebote also saluted Dr Ogunjobi on this auspicious milestone, saying: “we want to express our heartfelt gratitude and admiration for the incredible person that you are. You have been like a blood brother to us and your unwavering support for our family has meant the world to us. Your life has been nothing short of impactful and your dedication to ensuring the care of your darling wife and children is awesome”
