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… Cleric Urges Congregation To Number Their Days
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
IBADAN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA – Children and grandchildren of Evangelist (Chief) Dr. Daniel Olukunmi Idowu, JP, NJP, fondly known as Eketa-Omo and former presenter of S’oda Bee at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), celebrated his 90th birthday on Monday, September 22, 2025.
The two-in-one celebration began with a Birthday Thanksgiving Service held at Saint Peter’s Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan, Oyo State.
In his sermon, the Provost of the Cathedral, The Very Rev’d S.K. Olawoyin, anchored his message on Isaiah 46:4: “Even to your old age I am He, and even to your gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.”
He emphasized that this passage is a divine assurance of God’s unwavering support, guidance, and deliverance from youth to old age.
Drawing further from Psalm 90:12, Rev’d Olawoyin urged the congregation to “number their days” and live with wisdom, purpose, and eternal significance.
He reminded the celebrant and attendees that birthdays are not merely for celebration, but for reflection on the brevity of life and the need to live meaningfully.
The cleric described Chief Idowu as a man of the people, one who has faithfully served humanity in diverse capacities, adding that he has “paid his dues to society.”
He congratulated the nonagenarian on reaching the milestone age of 90 and commended his family for organizing a befitting ceremony in his honour.
Special prayers were also offered for the celebrant, his family, and all well-wishers.
Following the thanksgiving service, the celebration continued with a grand reception at the Ibadan Civic Center, Agodi GRA, Ibadan.
Family members, friends, associates, and dignitaries joined to celebrate the remarkable life, impact, and legacy of the veteran broadcaster and educationist.
It was a cold but beautiful morning on September 22, 1935, when a baby boy was born at Eniosa Onibepe Village, Ibadan, to Madam Oyinlola Ajihun Idowu.
The day marked great joy for Pa James Mobolomope Adigun Idowu, who rejoiced at the sound of his newborn son’s first cry. On the eighth day, the baby was christened (Oluwakunmi) Olukunmi Ipadeola Ayinde.
Some prominent personalities and community leaders graced the colourful event, adding glamour and significance to the occasion. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Mr. Mufutau Agbabiaka; Chief Ayo Dawotola, the Otun Aguro of Ilaro-Yewa; Mr. Kazeem Soyinka, Chairman/CEO of K-Yellow Hotel & Suites; Chief Segun Azeez, the Fiwagboye of Oluyole, Ibadan; Mr. Taiwo Agboola, Chairman/CEO of Finest Aluminium; and Mr. Segun & Mrs. Bukola Ojo.
Also present were Mr. Kehinde Adegbulu; Mr. Tolu Asaye, Chairman/CEO of Gabriel Farms; Mr. Kolapo Adetunji; Chief (Engr.) Kunle Badmus, the Maiyegun of Oluyole, Ibadan; Mr. Taiwo Adebowale; Mr. Obata; Pastor Omotosho Osanyinlusi; and Elhagj (Otunba) Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed, the Otun Baaroyin of Ilaro-Yewa, among several other distinguished guests.
Their presence underscored the importance of the event and reflected the deep bond of friendship, unity, and shared commitment among the attendees.
Born into a large polygamous family, young Olukunmi was surrounded by the love of many mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters. Deeply cherished, he became the family’s beloved “pet child.”
Olukunmi began his early schooling at Aroro in 1940, the equivalent of a modern-day nursery class. In those days, children typically started school between ages 8 and 10.
He often accompanied his father on trading trips to Moniya, where he would be dropped off at school in Aroro before joining his father later in the day.
His father, Pa Idowu, worked as a produce buyer, a trade that instilled in him discipline, observation, and a love for learning.
In 1945, his elder brother, Late Pa David Olawoyin Idowu, took him to Ibadan for more structured learning, believing “Kunmi” had become too pampered at home.
He enrolled at St. Paul’s Anglican Primary School, Yemetu, where his formal education began in earnest.
By 1953, he was preparing for Standard Six, but tragedy struck – a serious motor accident left him bedridden for over a year, interrupting his studies.
Despite the setback, his resilience and determination prevailed. He recovered and completed his primary education in 1955.
After completing his education, Olukunmi began teaching at Hizibunalahi Algalib of Nigeria (HLA), a Muslim school.
He actively participated in Arabic morning devotions and impressed the Imams with his fluency in recitations. However, though they admired his devotion and sought to convert him, he remained steadfast in his Christian faith.
Through the assistance of Mr. Adekoya, a close friend of his brother Mr. Ajibade Idowu, he secured employment with the Church Missionary Society (CMS) Anglican Mission.
He was posted to St. James Anglican School, Akindele Eleja, one of seven schools under the supervision of Mr. S.O. Oyewole, who had earlier taught him at St. Paul’s, Yemetu.
After three years, Olukunmi proceeded to the Ibadan Local Authority Teachers’ Training College, where he earned his Grade III Teachers’ Certificate in 1959.
Upon graduation, he began teaching at St. Stephen’s Anglican School, Adekomi, where his creativity and athletic skills stood out.
He introduced gymnastics and acrobatics into his teaching methods and, in 1960, coached his pupils to perform a spectacular acrobatic display during Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration – an event that earned him widespread recognition.
Following his achievements, Daniel Olukunmi was recommended for a scholarship in Israel.
The scholarship required a Grade II Teachers’ Certificate, prompting him to enroll at the Ibadan Provincial Teacher Grade II College, Osogbo.
Upon completion, he travelled to Israel for advanced studies in Acrobatics and Gymnastics.
After returning, he was posted to IDC School, Orajoke Kudeti, Ibadan, as a Physical and Health Education Coach.
His assignment extended to schools in Kudeti, Molete, Eleta, and Oke-Ado, where he became widely respected for promoting physical fitness, discipline, and sportsmanship among pupils.
Recognizing his dedication, he was nominated for further studies in Special Education at the Olunloyo College of Education, Oke-Ado, where he obtained his Grade I Teachers’ Training Certificate.
He was later posted to the Western Region Ministry of Education as a Supervising Teacher (Inspecting Assistant Grade II).
His service took him to Oyo District, Ijebu-Ode, and later the Ibadan Secretariat, where he worked as Inspector of Education under Mr. Peter, the Principal Inspector of Education.
He played a key role in merging Modern Schools and improving student placement, earning high commendation for his competence, integrity, and leadership.
After years of service in education, Daniel Olukunmi ventured into the industrial sector.
He joined Bata Nigeria Limited, Ojota, Lagos, as an Assistant Accountant, where his diligence earned him a promotion to Production Foreman.
Daniel Olukunmi later worked as Production Manager at The Metropolitan Industry, Ilupeju, Lagos, where his efficiency and managerial acumen distinguished him.
In 1978, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, he founded Eketa-Omo Enterprise and later Eketa-Omo Consultancy, serving as Managing Director and Principal Partner respectively.
Over the decades, Pa Idowu has received several honours, awards, and titles, recognizing his lifelong commitment to education, community development, and moral leadership.
Among his notable recognitions are Grand Patron, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Grand Patron, Community Development Association (CDA); Grand Patron, Man ‘O War.
Others National Patron, Nigerian Justice of Peace (JP); Award of Excellence and Selfless Service to Humanity; Merit Award, The Boys’ Brigade, 7th Ibadan Company; Gobbaniyi of Odan Eleekan, Egbeda Local Government and Otun Baale of Eniosa Onibeepe, Lagelu Local Government
Pa Idowu’s influence and service extend across many religious, civic, and social organizations. He is a proud member of Anglican Youth Fellowship; Christian Independence Society, Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo; BOFA Nig. Enterprises and Oke-‘Badan Elites; Ibadan 12 Star Society and The Boys’ Brigade; Oyo State Assembly of Justice of Peace.
Others are National Justice of the Peace; Ijaye Farm Settlers Association; Association of Farm Settlers of Oyo State and South Western Nigeria; Association of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, Lagelu Local Government and Idi-Osan Agba Akin Community Development Association (CDA)
Through his steadfast faith in God, commitment to education, and dedication to community growth, Pa Daniel Olukunmi Idowu has become a symbol of integrity and service.
His remarkable life continues to inspire younger generations, proving that with faith, hard work, and community spirit, one can impact society and build an enduring legacy.
