Some people announce their arrival with a bang. Others don’t have to. They walk into a room, do their work, solve problems, earn respect, and quietly leave their footprints behind. Tunji Bello belongs to that increasingly rare species. At 65, the man has never had to bellow to be heard. Tunji Bello doesn’t bellow.
Happy 65th Birthday to Tunji—a good man who does good and is, in turn, blessed by a Good Lord.
I remember with great fondness our days together at the National Concord, where I was posted from Sunday Concord to head the Features Department as Editor in the 1980s. I was fortunate to work with outstanding colleagues such as Tunji Bello, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Mrs. Wale Sokunbi, Omololu Kassim, Sanya Oni and a few others whose commitment and cooperation made the job a pleasure.
Together, we transformed the Features Department, giving it a stronger human-interest orientation and making it speak directly to people’s lives. Those were the days when my late “twin brother,” Dimgba Igwe, and I had written The Art of Features, in which we argued that feature writing is about telling compelling human stories—stories that matter and touch the reader. Tunji Bello embraced that philosophy with remarkable ease. He was diligent, dependable, respectful and always willing to do the work without seeking attention, bringing a quiet, scholarly excellence to the Features Desk.
That experience later blossomed into something even bigger. Weekend Concord actually grew out of the Features Desk. About a year later, our Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, the late Dr. Doyin Abiola, invited me into her office to inform me that I would edit Nigeria’s first Saturday newspaper. Right there, we gave the paper its name: Weekend Concord. She initially preferred Saturday Concord, but immediately accepted my suggestion and asked me to produce a dummy. The rest, as they say, is history.
It was a great privilege working with brilliant journalists like Dimgba Igwe, Dele Momodu, Femi Adesina, Eric Osagie, Shola Oshunkeye, Omololu Kassim, Ose Oyamendan, Lat Ogunmade and several others. We were equally fortunate to have the late May Ellen Ezekiel (MEE) and my friend Sam Omatseye writing columns for us.
I still hope to write a book someday on Weekend Concord and how we helped redefine Saturday journalism in Nigeria, making it the people’s newspaper, loved by vendors and readers alike.
The tributes that poured in as Tunji clocked 65 on Wednesday have been warm, sincere and richly deserved. Shola Oshunkeye captured the feelings of many when he wrote:
“Happy birthday in advance to my beloved Oga Tunji, one of the greatest minds I have ever come across in my journey through life. A man of impact, lover of humanity and a super achiever yet humble as a dove, he stands tall in that rare class of men who, in spite of their privileged status, treat people with uncommon courtesy, respect and friendliness. Long may you live in sound health, profound joy and unending prosperity.”
That tribute says almost everything about the man we celebrate today. It speaks of intellect without arrogance, achievement without pride and influence without intimidation. Such words are written only about people who have consistently earned them.
Many others have echoed the same sentiments. Across the tributes runs one common thread: Tunji Bello is not merely successful; he is admirable. His reputation has been built not on publicity but on character.
In every institution he has served, he has left the same signature—calm competence, loyalty, humility and humanity. He understands that titles are temporary, but character is permanent. That explains why people remember not only what he accomplished but also how he treated them.
He belongs to that rare breed of leaders who can disagree without being disagreeable, lead without bullying and succeed without forgetting the people around them. In a country yearning for examples of ethical leadership, Tunji Bello stands quietly but firmly as one worthy of emulation.
Some people occupy public office. Others occupy a special place in people’s hearts. Tunji Bello has managed to do both.
At a time when many pursue applause, he has consistently chosen substance. In an age when loudness is often mistaken for leadership, he reminds us that calmness, courtesy and competence still command genuine respect. Whether in journalism or public administration, he has approached every assignment with the understanding that leadership is about adding value to the lives of others.
One quality that has endeared him to so many is his accessibility. Younger colleagues never hesitate to approach him. He does not weaponize knowledge; he shares it. He does not hoard opportunities; he creates them for others. In professions where ego often overshadows excellence, Tunji Bello has remained refreshingly approachable.
Legacy is often mistaken for titles, buildings or awards. But the truest legacy is the good one leaves in people. By that measure, Tunji Bello has built something enduring. He has earned trust, cultivated goodwill and forged friendships that time cannot erase.
The Good Book tells us that “a good man obtains favour from the Lord.” Tunji Bello exemplifies that timeless truth. Throughout his life, he has sown seeds of goodwill, compassion and dedicated service. Today, he harvests the respect, affection and prayers of countless people whose lives he has touched. That, ultimately, is the true measure of a successful life—not merely what one has accumulated, but how many lives one has enriched.
Sixty-five is therefore not simply another birthday. It is a celebration of character, impact and enduring relevance.
As you celebrate this important milestone, my prayer is that the Almighty will continue to grant you sound health, renewed strength, divine wisdom and abiding joy. May your best years still lie ahead. May your home continue to know peace, your work continue to bear fruit and your path shine ever brighter. May the Good Lord, who has been faithful to you through the years, continue to bless, protect and prosper you.
Happy 65th Birthday, Tunji Bello—the man who never bellows, yet whose life continues to speak louder than words.
