— By Adekanbi Olugbenga
Come August 25, 2021, the Ayetoro “Omo- Ilu” meaning: The son of the Community as fondly called by his youthful friends and admirers, Dayo Akanmode would have by God’s providence spent Sixty One years out of his sojourn here on earth.He would also have spent closely thirty years in politics touching many lives as a practical politician.Such a date is noteworthy for many reasons.
The man, Dayo Henry Akanmode, is a man of many parts.
To me, his foremost attribute is his piety(a God-fearing Christian). I guess this is the foundation of most of his other personal traits. He respects individuals in their own capacity,places great value on relationships,allows access to even the distant associate.He values goodwill and loyalty in his relationships.
Mr.Dayo Akanmode is meticulous,intelligent and a passionate workerholic, a man of balanced cognate experience in both private and public sectors and a thoroughbred technocrat.He is so consistent in his drive, yet you will find him as humble as they come!
To the uninitiated, the personal portraitures of Dayo Akanmode may seem too good to be true.Many may even pass them off simply as sycophancy. But I am confident in the true nature of truths – they can only be covered for a while before they emerge as the stubborn mustard seed!
I pen theses testimonies to the credit of the AKANMODE DYNASTY where Dayo was formed and groomed with which the patriarch of same Dynasty: A National leading leader, Hon. Prince Olusola Akanmode has been selflessly piloting its affairs since the demise of their father,Late Oba Johnson Akanmode Olodoa the 2nd.
I also pen these testimonies to the credit of the well informed and beautiful wife: Dr. Mrs Olushola – Afolayan Akanmode who agreed to be married across border, these testimonies to the credit of his political associates as well as the stakeholders,Opinion Moulders,Influential leaders,Followers and other well wishers that successfully unearthed this shining diamond from among the array of stars available as a prolific man we should all celebrate.
Describing him in the political arena, the full arrival of Hon Dayo Akanmode and his political tempo in our present time which even my epistle can still not describe, the colour I lack to paint his political sagacity as a results of his immeasurable and experiences,the qualities of leading leadership he has epitomized and the principle which he has put up to frontline public discourse about facts, policies, cultural compatibilities and the role of state power has made him a pointer of reason and evidence!
Let the next hero you see not be on the screen, or in a book but in the mirrow giving the picture of this handsome and memorable man called Akanmode…he is like 200 million points of blazing light in a formerly darkened sky.
Dayo Akanmode is an uncommon human-diamond, a valued human asset, a deep-thinker with an elevated mind, an acclaimed gentle-man of the Kogi West politics, and by extension, Kogi State in general: a reputable political figure greatly esteemed to his dignity,high public rating and loved for his personal character integrity, he is a prince of the very famous Akanmode Royal Dynasty of Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu L.G of Kogi State.
Hon. Prince Dayo Akanmode was born on the 25TH August,1960
He had his elementary education at the LGEA School, Ayetoro Gbede between 1969 to 1974.His secondary education was at the Famous St.Augustine college Kabba from 1974 to 1979(where he served as the school Library Prefect in his final year).And he later advanced at the Kwara State school of Basic Studies between 1980 and 1981, bagged a Bachelors of Arts(English) and capped it up with a Master Of Industrial And Labour Relations at the University Of Ilorin in 1986 and 2009.
He also holds a certificate in Computer Studies (2009).
He had an early exposure to the intrigues and nuances of the political stuff by serving as visitor’s aide at the Kwara State House Of Assembly between 1981 and 1983.Thereafter, he worked with Osprey Clark Limited as Site Administration Manager from 1987 to 1988 before moving to Fate-Tanke Community Bank,Ilorin where he worked meritoriously for Four years as Credit and Risk General Service Officer on account of his demonstrateable virtue of integrity and diligence.
He thereafter worked as the Managing Director,Sam-AK International Nig. Ltd from year 2000 to 2010, after which he contested and won election and. served as Vice- Chairman, Ijumu LGA from 2013 to 2016, which turned to be a remarkable epoch in his political life during which, his innate character virtues of integrity and public spiritedness became manifest and widely acclaimed.
He has also served at different times, on the board of some successful enterprises namely:Gamut Ventures Ltd, Solid Trading Co.Ltd, Henry-AK Nig Enterprises and The Niche Tourist Resources Ltd.
Dayo Akanmode served with high commendation in notable political and socio development positions such as being the National Secretary of Ijumu Development Movement (IDU) between 2008 and 2011, as well as Secretary Ijumu Consultative Forum during that period.
He is a high value political player, one that many politicians would always loved to have in their camps due to his huge socio-political capital, vast contacts and Network.
As you mark your birthday today, I bring you best wishes and good tiding from myself and a multitude of other followers and well wishers of yours who are appreciative of all that you do to advance the course of our dear people and improve on the legacy and dignity of our potentiality as a state.
In this our time and era, there is no voice so firm and clarion to make a case of the common man at the grassroot as yours.There is no vision so clear and focused to develop, advance and sustain the daily endeavors of every prospective Kogi Resident as your new Kogi Mega City Vision!
As a leader and Torchbearer, you never reneged in your willingness and ability to reciprocate the loyalty and allegiance that you enjoy from your followers.
At the slightest opportunity availed to do so, you always protect your supports and stand by your supporters through thick and thin.Little wonder you enjoy unalloyed and immaculate loyalty to the extent that most of your supporters are prepared to take the battlefield salvoes on your behalf as we clamour for your leadership in Kogi State comes 2023
The above have not come without a price.You have laid so much on the line to fight and protect our present and future amidst internal and external pressure and distractions, but as it pleases the Almighty God, you have been and will keep surmounting them all.
The little we can give in return is saying our little THANK YOU and having you in our prayers.
We most appreciate your unalloyed support in the improvement of mankind!
I therefore urge you all to join this man on this hall-struck mountaintop and ignite the sky with facts and passion on a mission to rescue our dear Okun Nation and Kogi State in general.
“We who reason demand freedom, and which we wish to secure again today and for all”
Happy Celebrations Sir!