The Bigger Picture: How Ajibola Muraina’s Vision Is Shaping a New Generation of Ibarapa Leaders

By Kabiru. A. Ayinla

A hearty congratulations to the newly elected Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Alhaji Akeem Abass. His emergence as the helmsman of this respected professional body is both well-deserved and deeply symbolic.

As attested to by many of his colleagues, Alhaji Abass’s ascension to this enviable position is the product of years of loyalty, selflessness, professional discipline, and a reputation for balanced, inclusive leadership. These qualities, consistently displayed throughout his career, have earned him the trust and confidence of journalists across the state.

While it may be difficult to recall a previous occupant of this office from Ibarapa extraction, what is beyond dispute is that Alhaji Akeem Abass now stands as a worthy ambassador of Ibarapa land. His achievement represents more than personal success; it embodies hope and aspiration for hundreds of school-age children across Ibarapa communities who may wish to pursue careers in the arts, humanities, and media professions. His story reinforces the powerful message that with dedication, integrity, and perseverance, excellence knows no geographical limitation.

May the Almighty God continue to guide, strengthen, and grant him wisdom as he discharges the enormous responsibilities of his new office.

In reflecting on this milestone, one can not ignore the foresight and long-term impact of Hon. Muraina Saubana Ajibola, Ph.D, FCiarb. (UK), former Member of the House of Representatives for Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency. Years ago, he clearly saw the bigger picture when he facilitated the planting of what has now become a golden seed at the Voice of Nigeria and through other strategic empowerment initiatives. Today, those seeds have matured, with Ibarapa indigenes making the community proud both within and outside Nigeria.

The fruits of this visionary investment are evident across critical sectors of national development. Beneficiaries of these initiatives are now excelling and providing leadership within the Federal Ministries of Works, Housing, Environment, Justice, Agriculture, Education, and Transportation, among others

Recently, one of Muraina’s protégés of Ibarapa origin was part of the Federal Government delegation from the Ministry of Environment to COP 30 in Brazil, a testament to the growing relevance of Ibarapa professionals on the global stage. In addition, one of the beneficiaries of his overseas scholarship schemes, an Associate Professor of Construction Management of Ibarapa extraction, is currently making notable academic and professional headlines in the United Kingdom.

According to Hon. Muraina Saubana Ajibola, one of the most effective ways to reduce the marginalisation of Ibarapa and accelerate its development, is to consistently identify, promote, and support the community’s Best Eleven wherever they are found. The emergence of Alhaji Akeem Abass as Oyo NUJ Chairman is a clear validation of this philosophy.

Indeed, this moment is not just a celebration of an individual but a reaffirmation of what strategic investment in human capital can achieve. For Ibarapa, it is another proud chapter in a growing narrative of relevance, resilience, and rising influence.

Kabiru. A. Ayinla

Alugbe Compound

Idere