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Ayo Baje: A Media Icon At 72

2 weeks ago 24

 Today, it is a pleasure to celebrate Sir Oyoze Baje, a man whose life is a testament to intellectual curi­osity, firm dedication, and a spirit that refuses to be confined by boundaries. As President of the Guild of Public Af­fairs Analysts of Nigeria (GPAAN) and Chairman/CEO of Oyoze Creative Con­cept, he embodies the power of creativity and the importance of critical analysis in shaping our world.

He earned national prominence as a regular panelist on Galaxy Television’s highly-regarded Editors’ Forum, captivat­ing viewers with his insights every Satur­day for over a decade. His engagement on that platform, along with contributions to MiTV’s weekly program, The SUM­MIT, and LTV’s morning show, sparked a desire to cultivate a community of public affairs experts. Driven by this in­spiration, he founded the Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria (GPAAN), a Non-Governmental Organization regis­tered with the CAC on November 2, 2017.

Oyoze Baje, the son of a famous farm­er and philosopher, Elder Sadiku Umeche Jatto, and the mother, a cloth-weaver and trader in food products, Madam Awawau Ormeyi Sadiku, hails from Oboroke-Ihi­ma, Kogi State. He was married to Prin­cess Medinat Baje (late) and blessed with four children – Jimmy, Oiza, Joy, and Sunday. He never fails to acknowledge his parent’s influence on how he comports himself and his affairs. Here is an excerpt from Sir Oyoze during his 70th Birthday interview:

“My heart swells with gratitude when I speak of my parents, now resting in peace. Perhaps it seems I’m singing their praises, but I assure you, they were truly extraordinary individuals. They embod­ied discipline, resourcefulness, creativ­ity, unwavering diligence, and absolute honesty. Their home was a haven of hos­pitality, always open to all, regardless of tribe or creed.

“They painted for me a vivid por­trait of true manhood: a life centered on self-discovery, treating every soul with the same respect and kindness you de­sire for yourself, and embracing humility, no matter how towering your successes become. Ultimately, they taught me that life’s true purpose is to become a person of substance, a force for good in the world.

 “For me, it was never about self-pro­motion or throwing one’s weight around to impress or intimidate. What mattered was the impact you have on the lives of others. And so, I believe anyone fortunate enough to have been guided by such ex­emplary parents would, without ques­tion, choose them as their role models, as I have.”

His journey towards becoming a household name as far as the media has spanned from his early years as a second­ary school teacher in Bendel, Kwara, and Kogi states. He instilled knowledge and nurtured young minds, followed by his pioneering work in journalism, where he illuminated the food and beverage indus­try in Nigeria. Sir Oyoze has consistently demonstrated a passion for learning and a commitment to sharing his insights with others.

Sir Oyoze’s expertise spans far beyond journalism. As the first food technologist to practice fully in Nigeria’s vibrant me­dia, he carved a unique niche, bridging the gap between science and commu­nication. The only Nigerian columnist with two different columns on different themes, including ‘Food and Beverages’ and ‘Drumbeats’ on politics, the economy, and trending national and global issues, as published by newspapers, magazines, and online blogs. He continues to inform and engage readers with depth and clar­ity. His work with Bells University of Technology and the SSACTAC further underscores his commitment to educa­tion and the empowerment of workers.

Today, he is not just prolific but has emerged as a versatile writer ow­ing to the volume of his publications. The Kogi State-born writer has also explored different genres of litera­ture, including plays, and poems. He has also won many literary prizes. Although he has been contributing to many Nigerian newspapers, notably The Punch and the Nigerian Herald, Baje began his full journalism practice at the Daily Times where he rose to the post of the Editorial Page Editor of the oldest surviving newspaper in Nigeria. He has published close to a thousand articles.

His enthusiasm for writing remains undiminished, despite the persistent challenge of the unprofessional han­dling of manuscripts by some publishers, which has led to the unfortunate loss of his creative works.

As a way of encouraging budding writers, Baje maintains that books by young authors should be recommend­ed by the Ministry of Education for use by the students. He laments a situation whereby only the works of established writers are given preference by the pol­icymakers.

Sir Oyoze’s creative spirit extends to literature; he has penned novels, plays, and poems that explore the complexi­ties of the human condition. His book, Drumbeats of Democracy, a collection of opinion essays spanning over four de­cades, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and the power of the written word.

 His achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Vanguard Poetry Award and the Golden Pen First Prize Award from Friesland WAMCO/Campina.

‘Drumbeats of Democracy’ is a colorful parade of lucid prose spiced with fine poetry, a testa­ment to Ayo Oyoze Baje’s creativ­ity and the power of his pen, says Folu Agoi (Former President, PEN International, Nigerian Chapter). These accolades are a testament to his talent, dedication, and impact in various fields of en­deavor. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Sir Oyoze is a man of diverse interests, ranging from fine art and creative writing to the invention of Oyoze Mathe­matical Games. He is a member of esteemed organizations such as the Nigeria Institute of Food Sci­ence and Technology (NIFST), the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA Lagos Branch), and PEN International, Nigeria Chapter.

As we celebrate Sir Oyoze Baje’s 72nd birthday, we honor not just his achieve­ments, but his character, his spirit, and his unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

Born in Ihima, Okehi LGA of Kogi State, he has carried the values of his upbringing throughout his life. His mar­riage to the late Ahuoyiza Medinat Baje was a source of strength and inspiration, and his legacy continues through his four talented children.

Sir Oyoze Baje remains a pioneering thought leader in Nigerian media, driven by a profound commitment to equity, jus­tice, and the ethical practice of journalism. He is a passionate advocate for intellectual discourse and nation-building, wielding the power of the pen to promote truth, en­lightenment, and informed public opinion.

His student has this to say; she speaks of Sir Ayo as a man of rare brilliance, an iconic figure whose diligence, discipline, and passion for knowledge have left an indelible mark on generations.

Olori Lizzy Akinsolotu (née Nyami­da), one of his former students, recalls his exceptional versatility as an educator. She describes him as a man who believed that anything worth doing was worth doing well. Back in their school days, his depth of knowledge was so profound that students often wondered what subject he had been officially assigned to teach. He seamlessly stepped in to cover Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Fine Art, Mathe­matics, and English whenever needed. Beyond academics, he introduced clubs that shaped many careers—Writing and Creativity Club, Quiz and Debating So­ciety, Fine Art Club, and Dramatic Club, among others.

Above all, Sir Baje was a disciplinar­ian, instilling values that guided his stu­dents long after they left his tutelage. His ability to blend warmth with firm guid­ance made him an unparalleled mentor. As Lizzy reflects, “Ever since, I have never seen your match.”

Sir Oyoze Baje, you are a beacon of inspiration to us all. May your life be filled with joy, purpose, and the unwavering support of those who admire and love you. Happy Birthday!

*Halima Abdulazeez is a poet and a writer of the poetry collection “Soul Rants” A Journey from Within. She is the treasurer, of PEN International, Nigerian Center, and resides in Lagos (+234-8034816865; umuhfaisal@gmail. com)

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