Olusunle: 60 years of impact
By Joshua Ocheja
Time flies swiftly, and reaching the milestone of 60 years, a golden milestone that signifies wisdom, maturity, and a life well-lived, in our challenging environment is truly a feat worthy of celebration. The number 60 symbolizes 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 Tunde Olusunle, a distinguished scholar and strategic communication expert, and the esteemed *Otunba Baba Eto* of Ekinrin-Adde in Kogi State.
Our paths crossed in 2013 when I worked as a research assistant to Prof Eyitayo Lambo, a former minister of health. I was tasked with interviewing personalities from Prof Lambo’s Isanlu community, Yagba East local government area, in Kogi State, including Chief Tunde Olusunle. Contrary to my expectation of meeting an elderly man in Isanlu, Chief Olusunle invited me to his Abuja home, revealing a cerebral personality who exuded intellect. This encounter marked the beginning of a valuable intellectual mentorship, shaping my academic and professional perspectives.
We maintained a close relationship over the years. One particular instance that stands out was during the church dedication of my daughter. He graciously attended the ceremony, joining us in church and even accompanying us home afterwards. This gesture exemplifies his remarkable character, as we came from different generations and backgrounds, yet he bridged those gaps to show my family love and support on that special day. His selfless act left a lasting impression on my family and strengthened our mentor-mentee bond, which has now spanned over a decade.
My encounter with Tunde Olusunle marked a pivotal moment in my educational pursuit, culminating in two master’s degrees and a doctorate. His encouragement and support, both intellectually and financially, were instrumental in my success, and his unwavering belief in my potential was a constant source of inspiration. I am deeply grateful for his humility and willingness to share his wisdom, which have been a rare and invaluable gift, inspiring me to be the best I can be.
I vividly recall a memorable conversation with Tunde Olusunle, 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 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, a true testament to his character. 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, including 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, while also honing his skills in crisis management, conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement.
I must confess that I’ve also been fortunate enough to benefit from Tunde Olusunle’s 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. His unwavering commitment to speaking the truth, coupled with his exceptionally high standards, has pushed me to strive for excellence and continuously improve my craft.
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 exemplifies his versatility and range, earning praise from Segun Ayobolu, who described the book 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 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, Tunde Olusunle’s trajectory is a shining testament to a life of purpose, passion, and meaningful contribution.
As the festivities surrounding Tunde Olusunle’s 60th 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 life and career. 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.
