The Ogun State chapter of the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria, OMPAN, celebrates the Media Strategist to the governor of Ogun State, Chief Kayode Akinmade, who clocked 56 on 9th January, 2023.
In a release jointly signed by Ogun OMPAN Chairman and Secretary, Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji and Sodiq Ojuroungbe respectively, the association described Chief Akinmade as a strategist who has helped in shaping the media acceptability of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Noting that the former two-term Ondo State Commissioner for Information, has over the years proven to be an exemplary leader with special commitment to the success of his subordinates, the statement reads, “Attaining this age is truly a gift from God. We thank God for you and the excellent human being that you are.
“Your contributions to Ogun State and Nigeria have been immense and enduring.
“You embody the progressive and democratic spirit this nation needs.
“Today, as you celebrate this joyous occasion, we pray that God Almighty grant you good health, vitality, and increased wisdom and that the rest of your days will be those of peace, prosperity, and happiness as you continue to lend your talents to the improvement of our bellowed country.”
The statement further described Akinmade as a front-line and fearless journalist of the old stock, whose footprint was instrumental to the shaping of modern journalism in Nigeria.
It said, “New and younger generations of journalists in the country owe a lot to the quintessential former commissioner.
“His involvement in politics both at the state and national level portrays him as an elder statesman, whose contributions cannot be wished away among his contemporaries.”
Chief Akinmade is an accomplished journalist, who was born in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State. He had his primary and secondary school education in the state before proceeding to the old Ondo State University of Ado-Ekiti, now Ekiti State University, where he studied and was awarded the Bachelors of Arts Degree in English and Literary Studies in 1992.
He also studied and bagged Masters Degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Lagos. Hon. Akinmade is also a graduate of the prestigious and highly competitive Nigeria Institute of Journalism, where he bagged a Post Graduate Professional Diploma in Journalism in 1995.
He is also an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania, USA, where he studied Disputes and Conflict Management. He had earlier attended the Federal School of Art and Science in Ondo town, after the completion of his secondary school education.
Akinmade began his professional career in journalism with The News Group where he served as the Lagos State Government House Correspondent between 1994 and 1996. He resigned his appointment with The News in 1996 to become an Assistant Editor with the now defunct Diet Newspaper till year 2000.
Hon. Kayode later joined Tribune Group in January 2000 and left the popular print news giant in 2007, having worked as the Lagos Bureau Chief. He subsequently got appointed as the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the former Speaker of the federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole.
Akinmade meritoriously served in this capacity till 2010.
He afterwards concentrated efforts on his media enterprise of Connect Communication. The most commendable performance of Akinmade in this initiative earned him great briefs. The widely acclaimed media genius was appointed Commissioner for Information in Ondo State by the then state governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, in September 2011. He performed very brilliantly in this capacity to earn re-appointment as Commissioner for Information by Dr. Mimiko in his second term of office as the governor of Ondo State.
Akinmade is an Associate Member of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR.
He is a devout Christian, a lover of sports, an ardent fan of Sunshine Stars Football Club, Akure and Chelsea Football Club of England. Akinmade loves to play golf, table tennis, and hockey.
He is a well-cultured person, who has a very deep appreciation of family values. Akinmade is married and blessed with children.
Many Happy Returns as you navigate the lane of maturity and higher responsibilities.
