Olusunle: 60 years of impact

Time flies swiftly. Reaching the milestone of 60 years is a golden achievement that signifies wisdom, maturity, and a life well-lived, especially in our challenging environment. The number 60 marks a transition into a realm of statesmanship, where life experiences, personal growth, career achievements, and maximized opportunities offer invaluable lessons to discerning minds. This is the remarkable story of Chief Tunde Olusunle, a distinguished scholar, seasoned strategic communication expert, and the esteemed Otunba Baba Eto of Ekinrin-Adde in Kogi State.

Our paths crossed in 2013 when I had the privilege of working as a research assistant to Prof Eyitayo Lambo, a former Minister of Health. As part of my research duties, I was tasked with interviewing personalities from Prof Lambo’s Isanlu community, the headquarters of the Yagba-East Local Government Area of Kogi State. Notably, Prof Lambo was particularly emphatic about Chief Tunde Olusunle, whom he repeatedly mentioned as someone I had to meet. Given the emphasis by Prof Lambo, I had assumed Chief Olusunle was the traditional ruler of Isanlu! However, I was taken aback when he invited me to his residence in Abuja, and not a palace in Isanlu, as I had anticipated. Even more surprising was his attire when we met – a simple yet stylish combination of a jean, t-shirt, and matching face cap, which was a far cry from the traditional regalia I had also imagined. And the rest is history.

Over the years, Chief Olusunle and I have maintained a strong and meaningful bond. One moment that stands out in my memory was during the church dedication of my infant daughter in 2017. Despite the significant age gap between us, he took the time to attend the ceremony, worship with us, and even join us at our home afterwards. This heartfelt gesture spoke volumes about his exceptional character and ability to transcend boundaries. His selfless act not only left a lasting impression on my family but also deepened our mentor-mentee relationship, which has now flourished for over a decade.

My association with him marked a pivotal moment in my educational pursuit, culminating in a doctorate. His encouragement and support, both intellectually and financially, were profound. His unwavering belief in my potential was a constant source of inspiration. I kept him abreast of my intentions academically and he was always in support, giving me insights on how such moves would equip me intellectually. I vividly recall a memorable conversation with him, where I sought his guidance on the appropriate mode of address: “Sir, Prof, or Chief?” His response, accompanied by a hearty laugh, was characteristically humble: “Whatever works for you is fine by me.” To this day, I respectfully address him as “Sir,” while remaining deeply mindful of his impressive intellectual portfolio as an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing, and extensive experience as a seasoned strategic communication expert with an illustrious 35-year career spanning both the public and private sectors. His unique blend of artistic flair and technical expertise has enabled him to effortlessly navigate two ostensibly opposing structures, showcasing his remarkable skill, adaptability, and distinguished professionalism.

A glance at his impressive CV would reveal a plethora of accomplishments that would justify an air of intellectual arrogance, yet he remains refreshingly unassuming. Under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, he served in multiple capacities from May 1999 to May 29, 2007, showcasing his versatility and dedication. During these eight years, he held various roles as a Special Assistant on National Orientation, where he promoted national unity and awareness, Public Affairs, managing the administration’s public image and relations, Press Liaison, coordinating with the press to disseminate information, Special Services, handling specific tasks and projects, and Special Duties, undertaking various assignments as required by the President. These diverse experiences proved invaluable, providing him with a unique understanding of the intricacies of governance, strategic communication, and leadership.

I must confess that I’ve also been fortunate enough to benefit from his invaluable guidance and constructive feedback on my writing. Developing a habit of sending him my articles for review before publication has been a game-changer, as he’s always been generous with his time and insightful suggestions. While he’s never hesitated to offer valuable critiques, I recall instances where he’s constructively challenged me when my work fell short of expectations. Instead of rewriting my pieces, he’d expertly identify the missing elements and encourage me to revisit and improve them. His mentorship approach, which I’d describe as a thoughtful balance of constructive criticism and encouragement, has been instrumental in my growth as a writer.

Today, he celebrates a remarkable milestone, attaining the age of 60, a testament to a life of purpose, passion, and dexterity. His impressive academic background, as revealed in his extensive 10-page CV, boasts a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English, a Master of Arts (Credit) in English, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Media Arts, showcasing his intellectual prowess. Furthermore, his literary expertise is evident in his numerous books and academic articles published in reputable journals, with one of his notable works being Orisirisi: Vistas on Contemporary Politics in Nigeria, which exemplified his versatility and range, earning praise from Segun Ayobolu, who described him as “a many-sided diamond dazzlingly in diverse colours to dissect the assortment of subjects on which he beams his searchlight.”

It is only fitting to celebrate Chief Tunde Olusunle’s 60th birthday with great fanfare, as he has made an indelible mark on the intellectual landscape with his profound knowledge and unwavering commitment to addressing pressing sociocultural issues through his writings and insightful postulations. His remarkable journey challenges the notion that age is merely a number, instead illustrating that the true measure of one’s years is the impact they have had, and in this regard, Chief Olusunle’s trajectory is a shining testament to a life of purpose, passion, and meaningful contribution.

As the festivities surrounding the birthday reach a crescendo, I would like to extend my warmest felicitations to my esteemed mentor, whose guidance, wisdom, and remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark on my scholarly journey. It is my heartfelt desire that he continues to enjoy good health, a sound mind, and many happy returns, as he celebrates this significant milestone. Indeed, the world is truly his oyster, and his life’s work is a testament to the boundless opportunities that await those who dedicate themselves to the pursuit of knowledge and excellence. Here’s to many more years of celebrating his life, achievements, and contributions!

Ocheja, a scholar, specializes in the intricate military histories of Nigeria and Africa.