By Halima Abdulazeez
The story of journalism in Nigeria can not be told without mentioning a patriot like Sir Ayo Oyoze Baje, whose 73rd birthday today marks another milestone in a life dedicated to intellectual rigor, creative innovation, and selfless service. As President of the Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria (GPAAN) and Chairman/CEO of Oyoze Creative Concept, Sir Oyoze continues to exemplify how sharp analysis and boundless creativity can transform public discourse and nation-building.
For over a decade, Sir Oyoze captivated national audiences as a regular panellist on Galaxy Television’s prestigious *Editors’ Forum*, delivering incisive insights every Saturday that resonated far beyond the studio. His thoughtful contributions to MiTV’s weekly *The SUMMIT* and LTV’s morning show further amplified his voice, inspiring him to establish GPAAN , a registered entity as a non-governmental organization with the Corporate Affairs Commission on November 2nd, 2017. This platform has since nurtured a thriving community of public affairs analysts committed to elevating Nigeria’s intellectual conversation.
Born in Oboroke-Ihima, Kogi State, to Elder Sadiku Umeche Jatto, a celebrated farmer and philosopher, and Madam Awawau Ormeyi Sadiku, a resourceful cloth-weaver and food trader, Sir Oyoze inherited values that define his character. Married to the late Princess Ahuoyiza Medinat Baje, he is father to four accomplished children: Jimmy, Oiza, Joy, and Sunday. In a poignant reflection during his 70th birthday interview, he shared:
> “My heart swells with gratitude when I speak of my parents, now resting in peace. They embodied discipline, resourcefulness, creativity, unwavering diligence, and absolute honesty. Their home was a haven of hospitality, open to all regardless of tribe or creed. They taught me true manhood: self-discovery, treating others with respect, embracing humility amid success, and becoming a force for good. Impact on lives matters more than self-promotion.”
These parental lessons propelled his journey from secondary school teaching across Bendel, Kwara, and Kogi states, where he nurtured young minds with passion, to pioneering journalism. As the first Nigerian Food Technologist to practice fully as a journalist. He illuminated the food and beverage sector, bridging science and storytelling.
Since 1978, just after his NYSC, Sir Oyoze has pioneered columns with prolific contributions to newspapers and magazines, beginning with “Nigerian Herald” “Poem of the Week”. He holds the unique distinction as the only Nigerian journalist with two weekly columns: “Drumbeats” dissecting politics, economy, and global trends; and *Food and Beverages*, running unbroken for 25 years since debuting in “Business Times” in 2001 and now “BusinessDay” every Sunday. At “Daily Times”. Nigeria’s oldest surviving newspaper, he ascended to Editorial Page Editor, authoring nearly 1,000 articles.
His versatility extends to literature across novels, plays, poems, and “Drumbeats of Democracy”, a four-decade anthology of essays hailed by Folu Agoi, former President of PEN International Nigeria, as “a colourful parade of lucid prose spiced with fine poetry.” Awards like the Vanguard Poetry Award and Golden Pen First Prize from Friesland WAMCO/Campina affirm his literary prowess. Passionate about nurturing talent, he urges the Ministry of Education to recommend young authors’ books, decrying policymakers’ bias toward established names.
Sir Oyoze’s commitment to education shines through extensive lecturing in Nigeria and Ghana. Highlights include 10 addresses to SSACTAC (Maritime Union’s arm), earning him “Comrade” honors in 2018; Gate of Education, Ota, on school security; Bells University of Technology students on creative writing essentials; birthday motivational talks to final-year pupils at Victory College (Ikeja), New Era College (Jankara, Ijaiye), and Airforce Primary School, Ikeja; and the Nigeria Peace Group (NPG) on panaceas for peaceful elections.
As Media Consultant to Bells University of Technology, Ota, for a decade, and current Media Ambassador to XtraLarge Farms and Resorts, he seamlessly connects media, academia, and enterprise. Membership in the Nigeria Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA Lagos Branch), and PEN International Nigeria Center, underscores his stature. His eclectic pursuits, from fine arts and creative writing to inventing Oyoze Mathematical Games, reveal a Renaissance spirit.
Olori Lizzy Akinsolotu (née Nyamida), a former student, vividly recalls: “Sir Ayo was of rare versatility, teaching Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Fine Arts, Mathematics, and English effortlessly. Students wondered about his official subject amid his depth. He founded transformative clubs: Writing and Creativity, Quiz and Debating Society, Fine Art, and Dramatic Club. A disciplinarian blending warmth and firmness, he instilled lasting values. Ever since, I have never seen your match”.
His enduring Influence and legacies have kept rising. He hails from Ihima in Okehi LGA, Kogi State, Sir Oyoze has carried his upbringing’s ethos into a pioneering media career championing equity, justice, and ethical journalism. His panellist roles sparked GPAAN’s birth, while columns in “The Punch” and others sustain public enlightenment. Despite creative losses to negligent publishers, his enthusiasm endures, fueling advocacy for emerging writers and intellectual discourse.
On this 73rd birthday, we honor not just achievements but a character forged in humility and impact. His late wife’s inspiration lives through his children, as does his parents’ legacy. Sir Oyoze Baje remains a thought leader wielding the pen for truth, justice, and nation-building—a beacon whose light guides generations.
Happy Birthday, Sir! May joy, purpose, and admiration surround you always.
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, Committee Chair for Young Writers Committee of PEN Nigeria, and resides in Lagos.
Contact: +234-8034816865 (mailto:umuhfaisal@gmail.com
