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.
Having 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 programme, 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 Organisation 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 “.
Oyoze Baje: Relishing life at 72
“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.
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, Oyoze Baje 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!