Sufuyan Ojeifo turned 60 on August 6, 2026.
I knew.
I did not forget.
I only refused to join the stampede.
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On that day, everybody was shouting “Happy Birthday, Sufuyan!”
Messages were flying.
Photographs were circulating.
Tributes were pouring in.
I kept quiet.
Deliberately.
Why should everybody arrive at the same time?
Even journalism teaches us that sometimes, the best story is the one that survives the breaking-news frenzy.
So I allowed Sufuyan to enjoy the noise of August 6.
I wanted him to enter 60 properly.
To sit down inside the new age.
To stretch his legs.
To inspect the room.
To savour the blessing.
Then I would knock.
Sufuyan!
Congratulations!
You see, there are people one meets in the course of journalism and professional engagements who disappear immediately the assignment ends.
Once the story is filed, the friendship is filed too.
Once the press conference is over, the relationship adjourns sine die.
Some people even forget your telephone number once your usefulness appears exhausted.
Not Sufuyan Ojeifo.
I met him through journalism.
But what journalism introduced, character sustained.
Sufuyan is a reliable friend.
A faithful friend.
A diligent journalist.
A journalist of virtue.
And I use the word “faithful” deliberately.
Friendship today has become almost transactional.
Some people calculate relationships like accountants.
What is the benefit?
Who is in office?
Who has access?
Who can open a door?
Who can sign a paper?
Once the answer changes, their loyalty changes immediately.
Sufuyan does not operate that way.
He has been faithful to his friends.
He remembers.
He connects.
He stays.
That, to me, is a bigger credential than many certificates hanging beautifully on office walls.
Of course, Sufuyan has paid his dues professionally.
The newsroom knows him.
Political journalism knows him.
Editing knows him.
Publishing knows him.
Strategic communication knows him.
And the Nigerian media space knows that the name Sufuyan Ojeifo did not arrive yesterday.
But journalism is more than a byline.
A man may write brilliantly and still fail the examination of character.
Sufuyan has combined the discipline of the profession with the decency of friendship.
That is why I celebrate him.
Not merely because he has reached 60.
Anybody who lives long enough will accumulate numbers.
The real question is: what did you accumulate with the years?
Friends?
Goodwill?
Integrity?
Memories?
Impact?
Sufuyan has gathered a respectable measure of all.
So, my dear Sufuyan, this is not a belated birthday tribute.
No.
It is a strategically delayed congratulation.
There is a difference.
May your 60s be richer than your 50s.
May your health remain sound.
May your pen remain restless.
May your intellect remain sharp.
May good people continue to surround you.
And may you live long enough to discover that 60 was merely the beginning of another fascinating chapter.
Welcome to the sixth floor, my friend.
Please don’t rush upstairs.
Enjoy the view first.
There are still many stories to write.
Many arguments to provoke.
Many friends to keep.
And many birthdays for us to celebrate.
Happy 60th birthday, Sufuyan Ojeifo.
A diligent journalist.
A faithful friend.
A good man.
May your ink never dry.
God bless you
Greater you my good friend!
Happy New Year
Signed
Wale Ojo- Lanre Esq
Director General Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development
