Date: 2021-01-21

Today is not a celebration of naira and kobo nor silver and gold BUT a celebration of a unique nature captured in the structure of our culture. May I have the privilege and honour to celebrate a cerebral heavyweight with a world-class mind, a renowned Octogenarian with outstanding credentials, an astute teacher and preacher of values and virtues with superlative administrative portfolios; Alhaji Abdulkarim Abefe Oyekanmi Arowosaiye.

Alhaji Arowosaiye is a trademark of simplicity with high degree of pedigree. Every moment with him will take you into a new height of excellence. A mobile encyclopedia and global identity per excellence whose dedication and motivation for education always leave us with electrifying sensations. Arowosaiye is beyond a household name with fame not in Nigeria alone. The Iroko tree that turned to forest has been tested and trusted for decades at home and outside the shore of our nation. The whole Ghana, the then Gold Coast, will not forget Alhaji Arowosaiye in their graphic memories through his stunning educational background with exceptional brilliance and performance from Makranta to Elementary School in 1948 to 1950 till when he graduated from University of Ghana in 1969.

The road to stardom for Alhaji Oyekanmi Abefe began with his hybrid of working experiences with Ghana Teaching Service Commission and Kwara state Teaching Service Commission from 1969 to 2004 which made him not only a special breed of homosapien but also an iconic mentor of galaxy of stars. Describing the disciplinarian, Alhaji Arowosaiye, the former Vice Principal (Academics) who later became the Principal of Offa Grammar School (OGS) from 1979 to 1993 as a phenomenon and the longest serving Principal of OGS is not tales by moonlight. His academic capacity, native intelligence, oratory power and administrative excellence didn't only consolidate OGS as a breeding ground of world class leaders but also a sound engine for the promotion of Labor Omnia Vincit. It's no wonder that he is a powerful member of Offa Descendants' Union, O.D.U, Education Committee.

The incredibly wonderful son of Baba Abubakar Atanda Adewoye Arowosaiye, an ardent sport lover, didn't only write his name in the annals of history through education career trajectory. He also exhibited strong passion and action in football events which culminated into his emergence as the Chairman of many Football Associations both at the Local and State Governments levels.

The meritoric rise of Alhaji Arowosaiye to stardom is a blessing to his generation, our generation and lesson to generations unborn that learning and earning by the tip of the pen is a decent undertaking.

He is blessed with children and grandchildren and has successfully retired as the Director, P.R.S and as Director for all Schools and Colleges in Kwara State in 2004.

Very distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let's celebrate a worthy Ambassador of Offa, one of the Heroes of the City as he clocks 80.

Written By:

Maruf Olalekan AJENIFUJA

National P.R.O,

O.D.U National Headquarters, Offa