By Tiamiyu Kazeem Director of Information Youth Sports and Culture.
If public service had a face of excellence, it would be the face of *Elder Bukola Joel Elufadejin.* If journalism had a model of consistency, it would carry his name. And if mentorship had a perfect example, it would be patterned after his life.
In the heart of Olohunda Local Government where he serves, and across the entire local government service of Osun State, one name commands spontaneous respect – *Elder Bukola Joel Elufadejin.*
A DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVANT AND A FATHER OF THE FORUM
Elder Bukola Joel Elufadejin is the *Director of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Olohunda Local Government*, under the Osun State Local Government Service Commission.
He is not just a Director; he is a Directors’ Director and a father-figure to all.
Presently, he serves as a revered *Member of the Board of Trustees and Council of Elders of the Forum of Directors of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture in Osun State.* In that forum of eggheads and administrators, his wisdom, his administrative acumen, and his calm but firm leadership have made him a rallying point. When he speaks, the forum listens, because he speaks from depth, experience and sincerity.
His office is known for promptness, his files are known for neatness, and his department is known for results. He is loyal to constituted authority, responsive to the plight of his people, and relentlessly diligent. *He is never the lazy type.* He embodies the true Omoluabi ethos – hardworking, respectful, and honourable.
A SEASONED JOURNALIST, AN INSTITUTION IN HIMSELF
To call him a journalist is an understatement. He IS journalism.
Elder Elufadejin is a *seasoned journalist of over two decades of impactful practice.* He is a former *Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council* – a position he held with distinction, repositioning the union and giving voice to journalists across the state.
He is a proud and active *Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)*, where his professionalism has been recognized with awards, including being honoured as an Outstanding Information Officer.
He is also a distinguished *Fellow of the Fourth Estate of the Realm*, a rare honour reserved for men who have paid their dues in the pen profession, and an *Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Social Work of Nigeria.*
For the younger generation of Information Officers and Directors, Elder Elufadejin is *a pillar, a compass, and a living manual.* He mentors without pride, corrects with love, and guides with patience.
A LECTURER, A BUILDER OF ACADEMIC DESTINIES What many do not know is that Elder Elufadejin’s impact goes beyond the local government secretariat.
He is also *a respected Lecturer at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ).* In the classroom, he is more than a teacher – he is a destiny builder.
Under him, hundreds of students have been tutored, mentored, and moulded into professional journalists, public relations officers and media entrepreneurs. He does not just teach theories of mass communication; he teaches life, ethics, integrity and the fear of God in reporting. Many of his students today are editors, publishers, information officers and broadcasters doing very well in life, and they proudly point to him as their academic father
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A BRIDGE BUILDER, SECURITY PARTNER AND MARRIAGE COUNSELLOR
In a world riddled with conflict, Elder Elufadejin stands as a bridge.
He is *a bridge builder of repute and an advocate of peace.* His life mission is to ensure that peace reigns wherever he finds himself.
This passion for peace has earned him a strategic role in community policing. He is presently the *Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Chairman, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Zone XI, comprising Oyo and Osun States.*
Beyond public affairs, he is a man with a heart for homes. He is a *renowned Marriage Counsellor* and the *author of the widely acclaimed book, ‘Now That You Are Married’* – a practical guide that has helped many couples build stable and Godly homes. Through counselling, he has restored many troubled marriages and strengthened many homes.
AN ORDAINED ELDER, FULL OF LIFE WITH GOD AND MAN
Beyond his epaulettes of office, Elder Elufadejin wears a higher crown.
He is *an Ordained Elder in the vineyard of God*, a man who is *completely full of life with God and with people.* His Christianity is not cosmetic; it is contagious. His humility is disarming, his generosity is legendary, and his spirituality is authentic. He preaches with his lifestyle before he mounts the pulpit.
A FAMILY MAN BLESSED WITH A MODEL HOME
Behind every successful man is a solid home, and Elder Elufadejin’s home is a testimony.
He is blessed with a virtuous wife, *a model for women in the church and at home.* She is a woman of grace, substance and godliness – a true helpmeet who complements her husband’s ministry and public service.
Their union is blessed with *adorable, brilliant and well-mannered children who are all doing very well in their respective endeavours.* The Elufadejin children are a reflection of good parenting – respectful, intelligent, and God-fearing.
A PROUD SON OF ILE-IFE, THE CRADLE OF YORUBA LAND
Elder Bukola Joel Elufadejin is a *proud son of Ile-Ife, the ancestral cradle of the Yoruba race in Osun State.* He carries the royalty and dignity of his source wherever he goes. He is an authentic Omoluabi Ile-Ife, who has never forgotten his roots.
*IN CONCLUSION: A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS*
How do we describe Elder Bukola Joel Elufadejin?
He is *seasoned, sagacious, sterling, selfless, strategic, steadfast, sincere, spiritual, supportive, service-driven, scholarly, sociable, and supremely competent.*
He is loyal without sycophancy, firm without wickedness, humble without foolishness, and spiritual without pretence.
He is a Director’s Director, a Teacher’s Teacher, a Counsellor per excellence, and a Family Man of honour.
Osun State Local Government Service is blessed to have him. Olohunda Local Government is honoured to have him as its image-maker. The NUJ and NIPR are proud to call him one of their own.
Truly, *Elder Bukola Joel Elufadejin is not just a name; he is a legacy in motion.*
