Asorogbayi Jide Ojo at 57

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To the glory of God, I’m able to witness another birthday celebration in the land of the living; in good health and prospect of a better future. The outgone year has been very challenging for me. I was heavily indebted and struggles through life. Billing was suffocating. My consultancy business suffered setback, no thanks to POTUS, Donald J. Trump who shut down United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Some of the NGOs that I consult for are USAID funded.  So, with the closure last year, things took a turn for the worse in terms of patronage. But hey! Am still on my feet standing and surviving the odds.

The heartwarming news for me in the last one year is the academic successes of my biological and foster children as they graduate and went for their National Youth Service Corps scheme. Many of them are now gainfully employed. As the popular Yoruba proverb said, “Oun tan lo na nuun; baba to fe’binrin omo re.” (that means, gradually the news of a useless father who snatched his son’s wife will soon go round). In this context, challenge of school fees payment will soon end once all the children graduate from school.

Another cause of thanksgiving for me is that despite my enormous challenges, my health did not fail. Am not bedridden or hospitalised for any ailment. Neither is any of my siblings, children and friends. Living to be 57 years old in Nigeria of today is great grace and I do not take it for granted.

I appreciate God for continued relevance especially in Nigeria’s civil society and media space. As at today, April 28, 2026, I have had the privilege of being published in 84 newspapers, magazines, and newsletters; as well as interviewed by 70 television stations and 93 radio stations. These radio stations cover 17 states and Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria as well as several international broadcast media in Africa, Europe, Asia and America. The feedback I get from producers and presenters on broadcast media that engage me regularly is inspiring and encouraging.

I have presented several academic papers at conferences and workshops, and have written chapters in 14 books. It is newsworthy that I have authored three books namely: “Nigeria, My Nigeria: Perspectives from 1990 – 2010”, “A Nation in Tow: Essays on Governance and Leadership in Nigeria.” (2016) and “Nigeria: Corruption and Opacity in Governance “(2019).

I was a resident News Analyst with Arise News TV from October 2017 - March 2020 and was a former host of Development Focus with Jide Ojo on Independent Television (ITV) Abuja from January 2021 – December 2022.  Until my voluntary resignation from IFES-Nigeria in 2014, I was the editor of the organisation’s monthly Political Finance newsletter.

Today is not a day for long speech but that of thanksgiving. If you get to read this, kindly offer words of praise to God on my behalf. He has really done me well.

Sincere regards!

Asorogbayi Jide Ojo

April 28, 2026.

 

  

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