Baameto Of Epe Kingdom, Alade Saliu-Okulu celebrates 7 decades In Thanksgiving Service

To have chalked up seven decades In Nigeria, where, according to experts, life expectancy is barely 54,  is not an achievement to be scoffed at, and not by any stretch of imagination a mean feat.

It reaffirms a rare survival, victory over life viscisututes and triumph over predictable stress of city life. It is also a manifestation of divine blessings.

Alade Olawale Saliu-Okulu is a renowned humanitarian and astute business magnate who just clocked 70.

Not even time and wears have been able to detract from his physical appeal as many will find it hard to believe that this tall, handsome and stylish man, is that far gone in age. He still looks young and has maintained his good looks over the years.

Okulu successes and accomplishments in those seventy years of his existence are as intimidating as his imposing physique and towering personality. Aside from the fact that serendipity smiled at him at some point in his life, Olawale Okulu story is that of foresightedness, dedication, determination and hard work. Providence imbued him with the sort of clairvoyance that eludes many as he rose from the bottom to the highest rung of the social and economic ladder.

Alade was born on tuesday may 8th 1951 to the family of Alhaji Muritala Akanni Saliu-Okulu and Alhaja Hafsat Ibiwunmi Saliu-Okulu nee Agoro (Agoro Compound, Isale-Agoro), Epe Lagos State, Epe.

Alade started early Quranic education at age 4 in Alfa Saka of Oke Balogun Arabic School. In 1957 aged 6, he started primary education at local authority central primary school Epe. He finished primary education in 1962. In 1963-1964, Alade attended Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary Modern School, Epe. In 1965-1969, He enrolled in Epe Divisional Grammar School for his Secondary Education.

Alade was a brilliant, intelligent and ambitious student. He also exhibited tremendous leadership qualities; hence he was made one of the school prefects.

After he finished from Epe Grammar school, he proceeded to the then Federal School Of Science, Onikan, Lagos, where he studied between 1971-1973. In 1974, he gained admission into Concordia University Montreal Canada. Alade graduated with a Honours Bachelors Degree in Political Science (Magna Cum Laude) in 1977.

Return to Nigeria

He returned to Nigeria in 1977 and after the National Youth Service, Alade joined the then Department of Customs & Exercise as a Graduate Superintendent Collector II and rose to the rank of Comptroller of Customs. He served in the Customs for 33 meritorious years and retired in the year 2011 after having reached the mandatory age 60 of retirement.

 

Social Life/Community Service

Alade is a benevolent, selfless and altruistic character whose humanitarian and social gestures have helped place many on sound and proper life’s footing.

Alade is an active social personality. He participates on social clubs and community activities. At his local community level in Epe, he is active in the socio-cultural affairs. He had over a period of almost 3 decades been involved in the activities of Epe Kayokayo Annual festival in which he served in several committees of the annual event.

Membership of the following Clubs/Association

Epe Kayokayo Festival planning Committee – Coordinator

Epe Ogunmodede Club – President

Epe Premier Circle – Former President

Eko Epe Forum – Member

Patron Epe Ogunmodede Club Wives Association

Immediate Past President (IPP) of Epe Grammar School Old Students Association (EGOSA)

Ikoyi Club 1938 Lagos – Member

Lagos Country Club Ikeja Lagos – Member

Friendship Train Club – President

Community Service

In recognition of his positive and remarkable contributions to his community, the Kabiesi Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom conferred on Shakiru Alade Olawale Saliu-Okulu, the chieftancy title of Baameto Of Epe Kingdom.

READ ALSO: Olu Of Epe Gives Big Revelation About Kayo Kayo Festival 

In conclusion, Alade is a deeply religious person, a member of NAFSAT and a council member of its National Elders Council. In furtherance of his contribution to his local community mosque – the Atinni Ratibi Moswue Oke Balogun, Epe, Alade single handedly provided a modern borehole to address the challenges of water of the congregation, he also upgraded the windows of the same mosque to modern aluminum ones.

Chief Alade Olawale Saliu -Okulu Baameto, RTD, Comptroller Of Customs is happily married with children and grandchildren

However, there was never a time in modern human history when utmost adherence to specific health protocol and medical advisory is persistently demanded and vehemently enforced, no thanks to the virulent COVID-19 disease and the attendant pandemic.

In light of the above, celebration of this glorious occasion and monumental achievement, though stylish and elegant, will be done moderately and modestly in compliance with the COVID-19 protocol.

The Thanksgiving and Ramadan lecture will take place at Ojodu estate recreation field on May 8.

Eko Hot Blog felicitates with the astute and accomplished businessman, an epitome of excellence and altruism, the Baameto of Epe Kingdom on occasion of his seventieth birthday.