Today, 15th September, marks yet another milestone in the illustrious life of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Iyiola Ajani Omisore, a prince of Ile-Ife, an engineer of no mean repute, and a politician whose footprints have been deeply etched in the sands of Osun State and Nigeria at large. At 68, Senator Omisore’s life is not merely a chronicle of years but an uncommon affirmation of purposeful living and impactful service to humanity.
Born on this day in 1957 into the royal family of Oba David Olajide Omisore of Ile-Ife, Senator Omisore’s upbringing imbued him with foresight and an instinct for leadership. As the grandson of the revered Lowa Ajani Anibijuwon Omisore, he inherited not only royalty but also the age-long values of hard work and an abiding love for the development of his people. His mother, Princess Emila Adejola, further strengthened his connection to the nobility and custodianship of tradition, making his life’s journey one of both destiny and diligence.
From his early education at Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic School through St. John Grammar School Ile-Ife, and later to Federal Polytechnic Owo and post-graduate studies in the United Kingdom and France, Omisore’s educational path is a reflection of someone who is an absolute stickler for excellence. With two engineering degrees, a postgraduate certificate from Brunel University, a PhD in Infrastructure Finance from the International School of Management, Paris, his intellectual prowess stands him out as a role model to the younger generation.
Senator Omisore’s professional story is equally profound and exhilarating. Starting with Drake and Gordham in the UK and then Drake and Scull Nigeria, he supervised and executed projects that strengthened Nigeria’s infrastructure backbone, from airfields and teaching hospitals to rural electrification and industrial complexes. Through his firms, Mechelec Consultants and Chrisore Engineering Ltd., he proved that Nigerian professionals can compete and excel at the global standards.
Quite significantly, Senator Omisore served as the immediate past National Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In that role, he stood firmly for fairness, equity, and internal democracy, resisting the clandestine adoption of a sole candidate for the presidential primaries and ensuring that an acceptable and transparent process was conducted in 2022. That was a defining moment for the party and the nation’s democracy.
In public service, Senator Omisore’s record speaks volumes. As Deputy Governor of Osun State between 1999 and 2003, he brought technical competence, visionary planning, and strategic rigor to governance. In the Nigerian Senate, where he served Osun East from 2003 to 2011, he rose to national prominence and political leadership, chairing strategic committees and contributing robustly to constitutional reforms, aviation safety, housing development, cultural tourism, and the all-important committee on appropriation. He was also a delegate to the 5th Consultative Assembly of Parliamentarians in the Dominican Republic, which further cements his global reach.
Beyond politics, his professional honors and recognitions, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers Presidential Merit Award and the Prime Award for Remarkable Contribution to the Growth of Engineering Profession, clearly demonstrate his deep impact on the nation’s technical and professional life. As a Fellow of both the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (UK), Omisore represents a rare blend of intellect, professionalism, and national service.
Today, as Osun State stands at the threshold of new possibilities, Senator Omisore’s governorship aspiration embodies more than ambition; it represents continuity of vision, depth of experience, and an enduring passion for the people of Osun. His life story is a signpost for young people who dream of combining professional excellence with public service; it is a reassurance to elders that the legacy of good governance can indeed be sustained.
At 68, His Excellency is not slowing down. His energy remains admirably infectious, his ideas bold, and his commitment to the people of Osun and Nigeria unrelenting. In his person, the virtues of royalty, structural accuracy, and democratic service converge to produce a leader who sees beyond today and builds for generations.
As we celebrate His Excellency, Senator Iyiola Omisore on this auspicious day, we salute not only the man but the ideals he represents: competence, compassion, courage, and vision. We celebrate a nation-builder who stands firmly at the confluence of excellence and progress, a patriot who has dedicated his life to making Osun State and Nigeria better.
May the Almighty God continue to strengthen him with wisdom, good health, and boldness to pursue the noble cause of transforming Osun State and empowering its people. May his dreams for a more prosperous, inclusive, and infrastructurally developed Osun State find expression in his next chapter of public service.
Happy 68th Birthday, Your Excellency, Senator Iyiola Ajani Omisore: brilliant engineer, respected statesman, and visionary leader. Your life is an inspiration, your service a legacy, and your future a beacon of hope for Osun State. Go forth in the might of the Lord and conquer territories. At 68, the world remains your oyster.
Once again Happy Birthday, Your Excellency. Igba odun, odun kan ni o!
Oyama, a media practitioner and Special Assistant to the Chairman/CEO of File Solutions Ltd, Senator Ayo Arise, writes from Abuja.
