LOUIS OSARETIN ODION: Son of Esanland, a Wartime Editor, wears Diplomatic Cap for National Service
*By Dr. George Elijah Otumu
There is a popular saying: “A child who knows how to wash his hands dines with elders”. This is a proverb that emphasizes that preparation, discipline, and maturity earn respect and open doors to opportunities and higher social circles. Like a child who is taught proper hygiene and manners before being allowed to join adults, individuals who refine their character, skills, and show respect are deemed worthy of esteemed company and can achieve greatness regardless of their background. This man is witty, cerebral, noble; highly intelligent, and always ‘thinking-out-of-the-box’ in every given opportunity. He cherishes honesty, loves journalism and dresses impeccably. Welcome to the world of Louis Osaretin Odion, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated editors of all time, a power dresser comparable to the late Dr. Clarkson De Majomi, a prominent Nigerian journalist, businessman, and media baron, known for his work with publications like The Mail and for being the first African to grace the cover of UK Vogue as the best dresser from Africa. Majomi was a respected public relations expert who also interviewed numerous African heads of state and Queen Elizabeth II.
Not many were surprised when news hit town late last night that this outspoken, bold and candid son of Esanland has been called up for national duty to assume responsibility as Executive Commissioner (Operations) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Odion has been tapped for the role of Executive Commissioner, Operations, while Rabiu will serve as Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services.
The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation, as stipulated in the FCCPC Act, 2018.
Just as the motto of the Boy Scouts is “Be Prepared”, which signifies that Scouts are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to fulfill their duty, Odion, a Wartime Editor who holds two Master’s degrees: one in Modern War Studies from the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom, and another in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos, had shown the world that he is an open-book, ready to heed the call for national service, irrespective of the complexities of the circumstance.
Interestingly, since whatsoever Odion touches become gold, as a ‘blood brother from Esanland’ whom I know like the back-of-my hand, he is a round peg in a round role. His appointment with FCCPC is a huge, historic addition to the federal government agency, as I am certain he is bringing in his Modern War Studies, International law binoculars to provide a clear path for unparallel accomplishment.
Odion’s operational performance will remove any bottleneck, encourage effective bureaucracy and facilitate quick access to solutions in the agency. Watch out for FCCPC’s rapid transformation, as Odion crosses the T’s and dots the I’s, in a remarkable pattern.
As you can’t take ‘a fish out of the water’, you cannot write a complete story of Odion at any day, any time, a man whose laughter and native cap reminds me of late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, M.K.O, presumed winner of June 12, 1993, presidential election in Nigeria. It then hits home naturally when you remember his evergreen editorial positions in Concord, ThisDay and the Sun Newspapers.
Outstanding success has always been the catalyst of his motivation. Odion passed all the media litmus tests. With over three decades in active journalism, in 2008, he floated National Life Newspapers as MD/Editor in Chief. He wrote the popular column known as “The Bottomline”.
I could recall the first day I walked into his office then on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos State. The moment he saw my name on the visitor’s form, I was told Odion wanted to see me in his office immediately. He called out my name loudly: “George Otumu, my brother”, and I responded: “Bhodiaye”, meaning “How are you doing” in Esan language? He replied: “Akponwosa”, which literally translates “We give thanks to God” in Benin City language. Instantly, we bonded, became not just friends, but brothers. I was hired on the spot by him directly as Deputy Features Editor for the daily titles and weekend publications of National Life Newspapers. He signed my letter of appointment immediately with a golden pen. And I enjoyed every camaraderie we had, lead story ideas shared in the newsroom, our friendship never waned, even till date-Odion and I are still ‘blood brothers’.
He has been a winner of several media honours including winning on multiple occasions the prestigious Nigerian Media Merit Award, NNMA in the category of the “The Columnist of the Year” and recipient of City People Media Person of the Year (2006).
Odion was featured by Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka as co-author of a book, “Green Card, Green God” in 2017. This soft-spoken gentleman who is endowed with the journalism skills of late Dele Giwa, famous Group Managing Director of NewsWatch magazine has reliable sources for scoops, blessed with ‘magic wand of a magician’ in problem solving, possesses the gifted hands of a painter, as he often use the pen to ‘paint’ State-of-the Nation in a breezy, flowery and lucid prose.
You cannot start reading an article written by Odion and get bored. Once you read the first line, you are held spell bound in the aura of his writing prowess till you get to the end. One thing is certain: every of his writing provides lessons learnt.
Odion has been a two-term Commissioner of Information and Orientation of Edo State.
And he served successfully earlier as the Senior Technical Assistant on Media to the President (Office of the Vice President).
It is only true that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to entrust this significant responsibility to this Son of Esanland reinforces the position of virtues, good character, competence of Odion to wear his cap of Modern Wartime, editorial skills and bring diplomacy into foundation of governance in the country, with the aim of navigating any challenges ahead.
At this juncture, as it is customary in the Nigeria tradition that you cannot pass the front of the palace without paying obeisance to HRH, the King in whom the community of the people co-exist, I’d like to use this medium to specially applaud the ‘Jagagban’ of Africa’s most populous black nation, the ‘Emilokan of Nigerian politics’, a political strategist in the likes of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo for his profound wisdom, masterstroke and foresight in appointing Odion, at a point in time in our nation’s history to stir the operational ship of the FCCPC.
It is on record that as of late 2023 and into 2024, Bola Tinubu’s achievements as president of Nigeria focused on economic reforms and security efforts. Key actions include the unification of the foreign exchange rate, removal of fuel subsidies, and the introduction of tax reforms to stimulate economic growth, alongside measures to combat insurgency and improve national security.
Also, it is documented in the halls of posterity below the reforms the Tinubu administration accomplished that are indisputable and uncontestable (no matter the noise made in any quarter):
*Economic Reforms:
*Fuel Subsidy Removal: Tinubu’s administration removed the long-standing fuel subsidy, which had been a significant drain on the economy.
*Foreign Exchange Reforms: The government unified the foreign exchange market, addressing multiple exchange rates to attract investment and stabilize the currency.
*Tax Reforms: Tinubu initiated efforts to reform the tax system to increase government revenue and improve the business environment.
*Security Measures:
Combating Insurgency: The administration has focused on strengthening the military’s capacity and implementing strategies to fight insurgent groups in various regions.
*National Security Overhaul: Tinubu launched initiatives to improve intelligence gathering and coordination among security agencies to address rising insecurity.
*Addressing Infrastructure Deficits: The administration has begun to address the country’s significant infrastructure gaps through various projects and partnerships.
*Focus on Human Capital: Plans were also put in place to invest in human capital development to enhance the nation’s workforce and overall well-being.
To Odion, a man whom the cap fits, millions of Nigerians in the Diaspora are celebrating this great Son of Esanland for making us proud in the country and beyond the shores of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
*Dr. George Elijah OTUMU is the Executive Editor & Group Managing Director, NAIJA STANDARD NEWSPAPER INC USA (Africa’s No. 1 most read international online news medium in North America) *Winner: 2025 Global Recognition WORLD CLASS Investigative Journalism Award in USA (first by any African journalist ever in history) *Winner: Most Consistent Nigerian Editor in the Diaspora, NMNA 2021 *Winner: MBE Best African Editor of the World, Manchester 2016 *Certified & Licensed America’s Global Human Rights Consultant from the United States Institute of Diplomacy & Human Rights in Washington DC
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