The Yoruba culture of naming a child, as conveyed in the common adage, Ile lan wo, ki a to so omo loruko, underscores the significance of a name as not only a means of identification but a prophecy, the genesis and the foundation upon which that person’s entire life rests. Hence, it becomes imperative to get the name right from the onset.
It is therefore myopic for anyone to assume that the identification of an individual is the only purpose of a name. The importance of a name transcends identity to be the crux of an individual’s destiny.
The story of Alhaji Wasiu Abiola Anifowoshe, the Okanlomo of Epe Kingdom, who made a triumphant entry into the world seven decades ago, is truly an inspirational and encapsulating story.
It succinctly captures the essence, the beauty and the premium placed on child naming in Yoruba culture.
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Whether the progenitors of Alhaji Abdulwasiu Abiola Anifowoshe had access to western education or were schooled in the tenets of Islam is no knowledge in the public domain.
The irrefutable truth, however, is that Okanlomo, as he is fondly called, is from the bloodline of sages and proactive thinkers, as evidenced in the combination of names carefully handpicked for him and making him the personality he is today.
What are his names, and what do they portend?
WASIU, is a name that implies a pioneering spirit, an individual that imbibes the spirit of a natural-born leader, highly focused individual, and achievement-oriented person.
Most importantly, the name Wasiu also means The knowledgeable. It’s derived from the Arabic phrase ‘Al waasi’
Anifowoshe and Abiola, on the other hand, allude to wealth in the family.
He was undoubtedly born with a silver spoon in his mouth, yet he remains a standard and a parameter to measure humanity; he is humility personified.
These are his names, including the family name, but these three names have been a joint force that has propelled his destiny over seven decades. Little wonder whatever Okanlomo touches turn to gold.
“My success in life can be attributed to several factors: parental love and guidance, my early encounter with Islam that has been the cornerstone and the foundation of my life, and most significantly, the unflinching support of my wife and my children.
My faith in Islam, particularly at such an embryonic stage of my life, has kept me grounded to be more compassionate and tolerant of others. Life is a special gift that should not be taken for granted,” he said
Islam has been a guiding light that has provided me with the clarity to navigate the murky labyrinth of life. Most Importantly, it has helped me to be more compassionate towards others,” he concluded.
Born on the 30th March 1952 to Alhaji Munirudeen Adeniyi Akanbi Anifowoshe and Alhaja Shifatu Ajile Adeniyi-Anifowoshe (nee Abaniwonda) of Anifowoshe Dynasty in Epe Kingdom of Lagos State.
Alhaji Abdul-Wasiu Abiola Anifowose performed the pilgrimage to Mecca almost 65 years ago when the holy pilgrimage was an exclusive preserve of the rich and famous; as such, he earned the title “Alhaji” when he was barely a 5-year old.
His father was a foremost transporter and an accomplished entrepreneur, while his mother was a renowned produce merchant.
Abiola started his education at An-sarudeen Primary School, Ijebu Ode. He had a 3-year stint in a modern school in Lagos before he gained admission into An-sarudeen College, Isolo, in 1969.
He worked briefly with the Lagos State Government in 1973.
With a positive outlook on life and a determined attitude, Okanlomo
set on a voyage to the United States Of America to capture the proverbial golden fleece.
He secured admission into the revered Howard University in the United States of America, from where he bagged his B.sc and Master’s Degrees in Architecture. He later got a second Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning at 30 in 1982.
Abdul-Wasiu returned to Nigeria in 1983. After his NYSC in 1985, he was offered employment by the Lagos State Ministry of Lands and Housing as a town planning officer.
He rose to the position of general manager, Lagos State Urban Renewal Authority.
He served in this capacity for 8 years until he turned 60 in 2012 and retired after 27 years in meritorious civil service.
As a professional who has developed a great passion for architecture and town planning, he did not have problems picking up his tools to serve himself in the private sector as the managing partner of a contemporary consultant group with the company’s head office in Lagos.
Because of his broad experience and the sound professionalism he has garnered over the years, many people were not surprised by his appointment as the Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development. Indeed, Governor Ambode secured a round peg in a round hole.
Abiola is a fellow and the chairman (Lagos Chapter) of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planning.
He is also an active member of several other professional bodies related to Town Planning or Architecture.
He is a socialite with membership in no less than seven clubs in Lagos and Epe, notably among which are Epe Premier Circle (his first club in Epe), Epe Ogunmodede Club, Ambsam Memorial Foundation, The Dynamic Horizon of Nigeria, Lagos Civil Service Club etc. He is also a member of NAFSAT, where he served as the national project secretary for two terms.
Because of his philanthropist disposition, he was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Epe Kingdom by HRM, the past Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom, HRM Oba Mukhtar Ayinde Balogun-Agbaje, Arojojoye III, Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom (Of Blessed Memories).
According to him, the greatest gift you can give humanity is the gift of love, time and compassion. He is indeed a generous giver and unapologetic about his love for the Epe community and humankind.
Chief Okanlomo is happily married to his amiable wife, Alhaja Amidat Abimbola Aduki Anifowoshe, the Tutor General and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education.
The couple is blessed with wonderful children, all successful and doing exceptionally well and contributing immensely to society.
Having chalked seven decades in life is a whole lot of living, a momentous and a milestone that must be celebrated with pomp and ceremony
On Wednesday, March 30th, it will be a parade of the cream la cream of the society as they will all converge at the magnificent Grandeur Event Centre, Oregun, to share in the joy of the Anifowoshes in a celebrative thanksgiving.
We at Eko Hot Blog wish the celebrant, an illustrious son of Epe, the Okanlomo of Epe Kingdom, the joy of the moment and many years ahead to enable him to continue his altruistic tendencies.
Happy Birthday!
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