When you have written a bestselling corporate book, a magnum opus titled ‘50 NIGERIA’S BOARDROOM LEADERS—Lessons On Corporate Governance and Strategy,’ and a big business leader, a captain of industry like Aliko Dangote writes you a special letter, congratulating you on your 70th birthday and saying that your “illuminating books…have greatly enriched boardrooms across Nigeria and beyond,” it sounds like sweet music in the ears and comes as a worthy birthday gift.

Dangote doesn’t stop at that.  He even quotes the Holy Bible, prophesying that from your literary output, hard work and “good job,” you will surely walk in “the company of kings.”  And I say a Big Amen!!!  Let somebody help me shout a Big Hallelujah!

In one week, I had congratulatory letters from two eminent Nigerians.  First was a letter from Senator Ibikunle Amosun, chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Markets who sent a special emissary to my house.  Next, it was a letter from Aliko Dangote similarly brought to my house a day after. Coincidentally, both letters were dated 26 July 2022.

Let me start with Aliko Dangote’s letter:

“My dear Mike,

On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of Dangote Group, I would like to congratulate you on your recent celebration of the landmark 70th.  I also join the entire Awoyinfa family to give thanks to Almighty God for a life full of unique career accomplishments. 

“As the pioneer Editor of the Weekend Concord from 1989-1999, and the founding Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Newspapers (Nigeria) from 2003-2010, you carved a niche in the media industry through your renowned human interest approach to reporting, and your legendary skills in casting of news headlines. Little wonder that your colleagues and mentees unanimously regard you as the leading light in contemporary journalism in Nigeria. 

“The illuminating books you and your late friend, Dimgba Igwe co-authored have greatly enriched boardrooms across Nigeria and beyond. The Bible in Proverbs 22:29 (Good News Translation version) says, ‘Show me someone who does a good job, and I will show you someone who is better than most and worthy of the company of kings.’  This passage speaks to your innovative inputs as a devout Christian and hardworking personality. 

“As you ponder the goodness of God at your landmark age of 70, we warmly wish you abundant health to sustain the legacy you have enabled through your art and unique writing style.

“Once more, on behalf of the Board and Management of the Dangote Group, I congratulate you. 

“Yours sincerely,

ALIKO DANGOTE, GCON

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President/Chief Executive.

Now, the other letter from Senator Ibikunle Amosun:

“Dear Mr. Awoyinfa,

Happy 70th Birthday! I convey warm felicitations and best wishes to you, on the occasion of your 70th birthday, on Saturday, 23 July, 2022.  Congratulations! 

“Let me use this auspicious occasion of your birthday to acknowledge your giant strides and invaluable contributions to Journalism in Nigeria. I salute you for the professionalism with which you discharged your duties during your meritorious career as Editor, Columnist, Writer, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher with several major Nigeria’s Newspapers including Concord Press, News Agency of Nigeria and The Sun Newspapers. 

“As you join the league of the Septuagenarians, I wish you a happy birthday, and pray that the Almighty God will grant you many more years, in good health, so that the Journalism profession and our dear nation in general, can continue to benefit from your wealth of experience. 

“Please accept my hearty congratulations and the assurances of my highest regards.

“Very sincerely yours,

Senator Ibikunle Amosun CON, FCA

NIGHT OF NIGERIAN NIGHTMARES

For the lovers of boxing and mixed martial art, it was a night of double nightmares, double tragedies for Anthony Joshua and Usman Kamaru, the undefeated and the now defeated UFC welterweight champion. How come two Nigerian fighters flying the nation’s flag inside the fighting ring outside our shores were defeated the same night?  I really feel for Usman Kamaru, the undefeated pound-for-pound welterweight champion who was close to winning unanimously in the final minute of the fifth and last round but was caught in the head, dazed and floored by one lightning kick unleashed by the Jamaican-born Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards.  As for Anthony Joshua, it was the night the Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk proved that he has Anthony Joshua’s number—meaning he knows what to do to defeat him anytime.  But it is not the end. “I’m a fighter for life. The hunger never dies,” Anthony Joshua said.

Win or lose, thank you Anthony Joshua and Kamaru Usman, for proudly flying the Nigerian flag and proving to be Nigeria’s gladiatorial ambassadors.  My prayer is for your sun to rise again.  You sure will rise again!