***”Your Today is Better than Your Yesterday – Bode Famose, Former NOA Director
By all standards, the story of Comrade Michael Abiodun Oni is a compelling testament to the transformative power of determination, education, mentorship, hard work and divine grace.
As he bows out of the Federal Civil Service on June 3, 2026, after 35 years of meritorious service, retiring as a Deputy Director in the National Orientation Agency (NOA), his remarkable journey stands as an inspiration to young Nigerians and public servants across the country.
His rise from the position of Office Assistant to one of the highest ranks in the public service is not merely a story of career progression; it is a narrative of resilience, self-improvement, and unwavering faith in God.
Rooted in Tradition and Community
Born in the early 1970s into the family of the late Pa Oni Adelubuyan Gabriel and the late Mrs. Oni Omisola of the renowned Oni Dynasty in Ilemo Quarters, Akure Kingdom, Michael Oni grew up in an environment deeply rooted in Yoruba culture, tradition and communal values.
At the time of his birth, Akure was experiencing significant social and economic transformation, driven by urban expansion, educational development and the realities of post-colonial modernization. Yet, the town remained firmly anchored in its cultural heritage.
For young Michael, growing up in Ilemo was more than living in one of Akure’s oldest quarters. It meant being nurtured within a community where respect for elders, communal living, cultural continuity and collective responsibility were not merely taught but practiced daily.
Like many children of his generation, his upbringing extended beyond the confines of his family compound. The neighbourhood, moonlight gatherings, festivals, family meetings and interactions with elders collectively served as a powerful informal institution of moral and social education.
Educational Foundation
Michael Oni began his educational journey at L.A. School II, Oke-Bola, Akure, in 1978 and obtained his Primary School Leaving Certificate in 1984.
He later attended Alakunre Comprehensive High School, Ijoka Road, Akure, where he completed his Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination in November 1990.
His secondary school years coincided with one of Nigeria’s most challenging economic periods. The Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) introduced during military rule brought widespread hardship, inflation and unemployment, leaving many young school leavers uncertain about their future.
Like countless youths of his generation, Oni faced limited opportunities and financial constraints after secondary school. However, destiny intervened through the guidance of a respected kinsman, the late Dr. Ifedayo Daramola.
A Humble Beginning
Dr. Daramola, a senior officer in the Mass Mobilisation for Self-Reliance, Social Justice and Economic Recovery (MAMSER), encouraged the young school leaver to seek employment within the organisation.
Acting on that advice, Michael Oni joined MAMSER on June 3, 1991, as a Messenger/Cleaner, a position later designated as Office Assistant.
Though modest in status, the appointment became the foundation upon which an extraordinary career would be built.
Within the organisation, he encountered a crop of highly educated and visionary officers who recognised his potential. They encouraged him to pursue further education while remaining committed to his duties.
Among those who took special interest in his development were Professor Adetoye Martins of Ekiti State University, former Ondo State NOA Director Mr. Bode Famose, popularly known as “Dr. Lopez,” Pastor Mrs. A.O. Famuyiwa and several other senior colleagues whose mentorship profoundly shaped his future.
Pursuing Education Against the Odds
Determined to improve himself, Oni secured admission into Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, in 1996 to study Geography/Integrated Science.
Combining work with academic pursuits was challenging, but he persevered.
In 1999, he graduated with a National Certificate in Education (NCE). Not content with that achievement, he proceeded to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.Sc. Ed.) in Geography from the same institution, graduating with Second Class Honours (Lower Division).
His quest for knowledge did not end there. Through persistence and continuous self-development, he eventually earned a Master’s Degree, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to education.
Triumph Over Adversity
Like many successful journeys, his career was not without challenges.
At one point during his years in MAMSER, he became embroiled in circumstances that nearly cost him his job while carrying out official duties. What could have ended a promising career was eventually resolved in his favour, a development he attributes to divine intervention.
That experience strengthened his faith and deepened his appreciation for integrity and diligence in public service.
Climbing the Ladder
A major breakthrough came in 2006 when he was officially converted from the junior cadre to the officers’ cadre of the Federal Civil Service.
The promotion marked the culmination of years of sacrifice, educational advancement and professional growth.
Over the years, he served in various strategic positions within the National Orientation Agency.
From 2003 to 2009, he functioned as Chief Orientation and Mobilisation Officer in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State, where he worked extensively with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, market associations, religious organisations and local government authorities.
He later served in the same capacity in Akoko South-East Local Government Area between 2009 and 2012.
His assignments exposed him to the realities of grassroots governance and strengthened his understanding of Nigeria’s social and cultural diversity.
Voice of Government at the Grassroots
One of the defining moments of his career came in 2012 when he was deployed to the Press Crew attached to the administration of former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.
Between 2012 and 2017, he was actively involved in documenting and publicising NOA programmes and gathering public feedback on government initiatives.
Reports generated from these assignments were transmitted through the state directorate to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja and, in some cases, formed part of broader government communication efforts.
The assignment broadened his expertise in media relations, public communication and behavioural change advocacy.
According to former Ondo State NOA Director, Mr. Bode Famose, Oni distinguished himself through dedication, professionalism and an exceptional understanding of behaviour change communication.
“As Director of the National Orientation Agency during this period, I observed that he applied himself diligently to his responsibilities and became highly versatile in the art of behaviour change communication,” Famose recalled.
Commitment Beyond Public Service
Outside his official duties, Michael Oni consistently demonstrated commitment to community development and leadership.
While studying at Adeyemi College of Education, he served as President of the Akure Students’ Union during the 1998/1999 academic session, an experience that strengthened his leadership skills.
His service to the Akure community continued in subsequent years.
Between 2017 and 2022, he served as President of the Akure Divisional Federal Workers’ Association of Nigeria (ADFWAN), promoting unity and developmental initiatives among federal workers of Akure origin.
In 2020, he became the pioneer Chairman of the Organising Committee of Akure Sons and Daughters Home and Abroad (ASADHAA), a platform dedicated to mobilising Akure indigenes toward community development and cultural preservation.
He also served on several important committees, including:
Assistant Secretary, Relocation Committee of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Akure Study Centre (2003–2005);
Member, Committee on the Creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) constituted by the Deji of Akure Kingdom in 2021;
Member, Ulefunta Festival Committee (2021);
Member, Census Population Mobilisation Committee (2021);
Assistant Secretary, FUTA Teaching Hospital Project Committee (2020–2022).
Preparing for Life After Service
Even while approaching retirement, Oni continued to look beyond personal advancement toward community impact.
To sustain his contributions to grassroots development and communication for social change, he encouraged the establishment of the Akure Progressives Global Initiative, a non-governmental organisation designed to promote development initiatives within Akure Kingdom after his retirement.
He also took advantage of study leave opportunities that exposed him to broader international experiences, helping him prepare for life beyond active public service.
Celebrating Uncommon Grace
To those who have followed his journey, Michael Oni’s story is one of uncommon grace.
From an energetic office assistant running errands for senior officers to a respected Deputy Director, community leader and development advocate, his life reflects what is possible when hard work meets opportunity and divine favour.
Former Ondo State NOA Director, Mr. Bode Famose, perhaps captured the essence of the journey best when he described Oni as “a living testimony of the uncommon grace of God.”
As he formally disengages from public service after 35 years of unblemished service, colleagues, friends and associates celebrate a man whose career exemplifies perseverance, humility, dedication and continuous self-improvement.
For Michael Abiodun Oni, retirement marks not an end, but the beginning of another chapter of service, leadership and impact.
Gratitude as the Journey Comes Full Circle
For Michael Abiodun Oni, retirement is not merely a moment of reflection on personal achievements; it is an opportunity to acknowledge the many individuals and institutions that helped shape his remarkable journey.
Despite rising from the lowest rung of the public service ladder to the rank of Deputy Director, Oni insists that his success was never a solo accomplishment.
As he formally disengages from the Federal Civil Service after 35 years of unblemished service, he speaks with deep appreciation for the mentors, colleagues, educational institutions and community leaders who invested in his future.
“As I take a final bow from active public service today, my heart is filled with gratitude to Almighty God, whose grace sustained me through every stage of this journey. Whatever I have become is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the kindness of people He placed along my path.”
The retiring public servant paid special tribute to the late Dr. Ifedayo Daramola, whose guidance led him to MAMSER in 1991 and ultimately changed the course of his life.
“I will forever remain grateful to the late Dr. Ifedayo Daramola for believing in me when I was a young secondary school leaver searching for direction. His intervention opened the door to a career that has defined much of my life’s journey.”
He also acknowledged the numerous senior officers who mentored him during his early years as an Office Assistant, encouraging him to pursue higher education and aspire to greater responsibilities.
Among those he singled out for appreciation were Professor Adetoye Martins, former Ondo State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mr. Bode Famose, popularly known as Dr. Lopez, Pastor Mrs. A.O. Famuyiwa, and several other colleagues whose support, advice and encouragement helped him overcome obstacles and pursue academic advancement.
“The confidence my mentors had in me inspired me to believe that my starting point did not have to determine my destination. Their encouragement pushed me to pursue further education while in service, and that decision transformed my life.”
Oni also expressed profound appreciation to the institutions that contributed to his personal and professional development, including L.A. School II, Oke-Bola, Akure; Alakunre Comprehensive High School; Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo; MAMSER; and the National Orientation Agency.
According to him, these institutions provided not only education and employment opportunities but also the values, discipline and exposure that prepared him for leadership.
“The schools I attended and the institutions I served under gave me more than certificates and promotions. They instilled discipline, broadened my perspective and provided opportunities for growth. I remain indebted to them.”
He further extended his gratitude to traditional rulers, community leaders, colleagues, labour unions, professional associates and the people of Akure Kingdom who supported his various community development initiatives and leadership engagements over the years.
As he looks forward to life after retirement, Oni says his story remains a powerful reminder that humble beginnings need not limit one’s aspirations.
“I joined the service as a Messenger and Office Assistant. Today, I am retiring as a Deputy Director. If there is one lesson from my journey, it is that with faith in God, hard work, education, integrity and the support of good people, no dream is beyond reach.”
For a man widely described by friends and associates as a living testimony of God’s uncommon grace, retirement marks not the end of service but the beginning of another chapter of impact, leadership and community development.
As former Ondo State NOA Director, Bode Famose, aptly noted in his tribute, “Your today is obviously better than your yesterday. May your tomorrow be better than your today.”
Indeed, for Michael Abiodun Oni, the curtain may have fallen on a distinguished public service career, but the story of service, mentorship and community impact continues.
