Gok Communications

— Describes Him as Octogenarian Titan It is my profound honor to celebrate eighty years of a life lived with purpose, vision, and unwavering commitment to service. Professor William Olusola Olu-Aderounmu is not just a name in Nigerian academia — he is a pioneering spirit, a builder of enduring institutions, and a dependable beacon of excellence whose influence cuts across two continents and many generations. His simplicity and humility are, in themselves, a veritable encyclopaedia — worthy of study. A Journey Rooted in Akure, Blossomed Across the World Born in 1946 in Akure, the capital city of Ondo State, his intellectual promise emerged early at St. John’s Anglican Primary School and Oyemekun Grammar School, both in Akure. His academic brilliance earned him scholarship opportunities across the Atlantic, where he obtained degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Zoology, and Education — a sterling combination — from universities in Texas. With a specialization in Endocrinology, he returned home...

By Goke Williams Ondo State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has felicitated Professor William Olusola Olu-Aderounmu on the occasion of his 80th birthday, describing him as an elder statesman and distinguished scholar whose life embodies service and excellence. In a tribute dated 15th July, 2026 and signed by the Governor, the Ondo State Government celebrated Prof. Olu-Aderounmu as part of "that distinguished generation of scholars whose lives have enriched both the academia and the country in general." The Governor noted the Professor's remarkable career as an eminent scholar, accomplished author, and university administrator. According to the tribute, he devoted his life to "the advancement of knowledge, the mentoring of younger scholars, future leaders and the strengthening of democratic governance through rigorous scholarship and thoughtful public discourse." Governor Aiyedatiwa further praised Prof. Olu-Aderounmu for exemplifying the...

  By Goke Williams Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure, is celebrating the life and legacy of one of its earliest and most devoted sons, Pa Adewole Atandeyi, who walked through the gates of the school many decades ago as a young boy with big dreams. In a heartfelt tribute signed and presented by the School Principal, Mr. Adeniyi Oluyide, aka Akoni Oodua, the school described Pa Atandeyi as more than just an alumnus. He was a pillar, a builder, and a friend to all. The Principal of the 'Only School', eulogized the departed soul, who belonged to the second set, at the Lying in State Program held in his honor at the school premises earlier today. “Whenever the name ‘Oyemekun’ was mentioned anywhere, his face would light up. His commitment was not in words alone, but in deeds – in counsel, in support, in prayers, and in resources,” the tribute read. Pa Atandeyi remained passionate about Oyemekun all his life. Even in his later years, he continued to support students, answer calls for he...

Today, I celebrate a global icon and our nation's literary star, Professor Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka, on his 92nd birthday, July 13. Exceptional individuals like Professor Soyinka do not come often in a generation- men who illuminate the paths for humanity to follow across diverse endeavours, who are not afraid to go against convention, and who do not let the man die in the face of oppression and injustice. I congratulate this globally celebrated playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, actor, singer, composer, documentarian, and irrepressible advocate of good governance. I recall his winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, becoming the first African to win the Prize in that category, as well as many other reputable awards, such as the Benson Medal from the Royal Society of Literature; the Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award; the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award (Lifetime Achievement); and the Europe Theatre Prize (Special Prize). I also recall Professor Soyinka's ...

By Goke Williams Stakeholders of the Akure-speaking communities have been called to mobilize their shared heritage of cooperation to address pressing developmental challenges and secure a prosperous future for the region. Delivering a keynote address titled "Akure-Speaking Communities at a Crossroads: Heritage, Development Realities and Pathways to a Shared Future", on Wednesday, Dr. Adeniyi Ijogun, Managing Partner of Billing Cost Associates and Chairman, Membership Board of the African Association of Quantity Surveyors, said the communities stand at a historic turning point that demands collective action. The address, delivered to royal fathers, scholars, community leaders and diaspora members, noted that Akure South, Akure North and parts of Ifedore LGAs have historically thrived through diplomacy, trade, military alliances, kinship and communal self-help. "The greatest achievements of these communities emerged through collaboration rather than isolation. That same sp...

 By Goke Williams The Nigerian Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Olawande Ayodele, has clarified comments made during a Channels TV appearance earlier on Wednesday, stating that no fabric has been approved to replace the current NYSC uniform.  In a statement, Hon. Olawande said he mentioned Adire and Ankara only as examples of fabrics proposed during ongoing consultations on reforms to the National Youth Service Corps.  “For the avoidance of doubt, it was not an announcement that any particular fabric has been adopted or approved to replace the current NYSC uniform,” the Minister stated.  According to Hon. Olawande, the Ministry is currently reviewing several options based on criteria including professional outlook, national identity, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness, and the projection of national pride. “No final decision has been taken on the fabric or design,” he added.  The Minister further noted that all decisions under the ongoing NYSC refo...