PanNigerianNews 
One of the milestones offering the opportunity of celebrating the people we cherish most in our lives is birth anniversary. And so such days represent a significant leap in the life of the particular celebrated enigma.
Today, Thursday, August 8, 2024, indeed, represents the birth of a hero who was born exactly 60 years ago in Ogbomoso, the city of the brave, located in Oyo State. Alagba Sayo Alagbe was born on August 8, 1964 to the family of Late Pa & Late Mama Alágbe of Isude’s Compound, Aaje area, Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Among others, he was educated at the University of Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University) located in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Sayo Alagbe, the soft-spoken ‘generalist’ par excellence, is an unsung personality in Ogbomoso, Oyo State and beyond, owing to numerous contributions in writing and beyond. This ardent believer in the progress of our society has distinguished himself as a factor to reckon with in many ramifications. He is reputed for his finesse in writing, broadcasting, journalism, and culture, both in English and Yoruba languages. Alagbe is also a connoisseur in other arts, including music and film production.
In fact, the birthday song “For he is a jolly good fellow…” aptly captures the qualities of this quintessential enigma. He is an example of Omolúàbí; he is an epitome of knowledge and philosophy. One hardly leaves his presence without gaining a new thing in terms of life and knowledge; no, it’s not possible. He has special angles to special issues.
Sayo Alagbe is a counsellor par excellence and has lifted many burdens away from people in philosophical angles to all issues affecting societies.
Apart from being a thorough-bred journalist of high repute, he is still a ‘ generalist’ –l knowing something in everything. Talk about philosophy, education, culture, religion, politics, sports, name it; he is there to have robust contributions to the issue under discussion.
Among others, Sayo Alagbe worked with the defunct African Concord Newspaper and The Commet owned by the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief M. K. O. Abiola. He also served on the Board of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), both telimevision and radio during the tenure of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of the state, with remarkable contributions to the system. He established his consultancy group, Timfred Communication Limited.
Interestingly, it is noteworthy to restate that Sayo Alagbe is a journalist, writer, poet, philosopher, composer, film producer, teacher, culture exponent, broadcaster, media and communications consultant, translator, trainer, among others. The endlessness of this list attests that Alagbe is too difficult to be accurately described in a particular area. He has an overlap of experiences in diverse areas.
Sayo Alagbe has authored, among others, the following books: “Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III: His Life, History and Philosophy”; “Ìjálá Ògúndáre Fóyánmu: Ìjìnlè Ohùn Enu Yorùbá”; “Gani Adam: Leadership Challenge”; “Lérè Pàímó: A Quintessential Thespian”; “TimoToye”; a collection of Yoruba poems; 1000 Yoruba proverbs, book of proverbs, among other scholarly works. So many academic researchers working on Yoruba culture have thronged his office for consultation and information gathering.
He was very close to Iku Baba Yeye, the immediate past Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom, Oba Lamidi Atanda Adeyemi; Chief Gani Adam, Aare onakakanfo of Yoruba land; King Sunday Adeniyi (King Sunny Ade); former Chief of Staff to Oyo State governor, Chief Bisi Ilaka; Barrister Sikiru Adewoye; Lawyer Ayoola Ajayi; Lawyer Fagbemi SAN; Justice Atilade Ojo Rtd; Gen Oladayo Popoola Rtd; Late Oba Samuel Adegboye Osunbade. The list goes on and on….
There is, therefore, no better time to celebrate this august enigma, role model, Omolúàbí personified, teacher, journalist, writer, editor, and culture exponent. On this significant birthday today, 8th day of the month of August, I felicitate you, our very distinguished humble man with a large heart that cares. May you continue to experience the abundance of God’s amazing grace in good health, sound mind, peace, long life and prosperity.
Adepoju, Co-Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of PANNIGERIANNEWS.COM, is a PR specialist and researcher.
