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NOTES ON MR ALLI ADEMOLA WASIU

Published

2 years ago

January 22, 2024

1. From your perception, who is Alhaji Ademola Wasiu Alli to you, considering your interaction with him over the years?

Throughout his career, he has nurtured and guided many individuals, who have gone on to achieve great success under his mentorship. His influence as a father figure has extended beyond his immediate family, as he has been instrumental in shaping the lives of prominent figures, amongst whom I, Afolabi Idowu Omoniwa and Mrs. Okwudu Ngozi, have become Directors in the Federal Civil Service. This is a testament to his exceptional leadership and the impact he has on other lives.
Beyond his professional role, our boss has consistently exhibited a loving personality. With a genuine care for his colleagues, he has created an environment where personal growth and well-being are prioritized. A mentor, a guide, and a teacher, he has imparted invaluable wisdom and helped shape the careers of countless individuals. His belief in our potential has instilled a self-assurance within us that will last a lifetime.

2. What are those things you think can piss him off or causes his discomfort for him in a relationship

He is an upright man with a high moral compass. He is as easy going as you can imagine possesses very enviable virtues. Once he notices cunning and deceitful moves, he becomes uncomfortable around such a place. He is an advocate of morality and rationality.

3. Now that he is retiring from the public service, how do you feel about this joyous development?

Mr. Alli Ademola Wasiu fca is a remarkable individual who is embarking on his well-deserved retirement on attainment of 60 years, and it is only fitting that we reflect on his illustrious career and the indelible impact he has made on all of us in the best interest of the service to Nigeria our fatherland and humanity generally.
As he retires at this milestone age, our boss leaves behind a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. A popular figure amongst the middle staff, a formidable pillar within the upper echelons of the institution, he has bridged the gap and united us all. His influence extends far beyond the professional realm, as he has become a trusted friend and confidant to many.

4. How would you describe his career as a staff of the Federal Ministry of Defence?

One cannot speak of our boss without acknowledging his exceptional leadership skills. Throughout his tenure, he has been a guiding force, leading by example and inspiring us to strive for greatness. His ability to rally a team, foster unity, and effectively communicate his vision has been truly extraordinary.
What sets Mr. Alli Ademola Wasiu apart is his unwavering dedication to change for the better. A true change agent, he has fearlessly tackled stagnant units, sections, and divisions. With his remarkable leadership, he has breathed new life into seemingly moribund departments, transforming them into thriving entities. His unwavering commitment to progress has left an indelible mark on our organization.

5. Can you tell us his position on the Project Nigeria as a citizen of the country?

Alhaji Ademola has over the years played an exceptional role in the Nigerian project, functioning in different capacities in his service to the nation. He is a firm believer of project Nigeria and he is an active actor who is working passionately to see that project Nigeria works. His deligence, commitment and leadership stands and I am sure he will continue to embody these qualities anywhere he finds himself.

6. What is your message to him as he is exiting the public service into a private life?

Alhaji Alli Ademola Wasiu is a man of uncommon wisdom. As you embark on your retirement, take some time to reflect on your huge achievements and positive impacts you made while in service. Explore your hobbies and do the things that you love, while you also prioritize your diet and sleep habits and wellbeing. I know for sure these are important to you and you have always taken them seriously. Take our time to enjoy your retirement, savour the moment and enjoy a new experience.
I join numerous others to celebrate GOD’s goodness and mercy in your life, sir.
I’m so happy for you.
Posterity will remember you for good.
My prayer for you is that your life in retirement (new adventure) shall bring you joy, renewed strength, fulfilment, good health and longlive, in Jesus’ name.

7. As he marks his 60th birthday, what is your advice for him as a friend and colleague?

Never one to lose his sense of humanity, our boss has consistently demonstrated his compassion and empathy. Always approachable and understanding, he has taken the time to listen, support, and uplift those around him. He has shown us how to lead with both professionalism and kindness, proving that success need not be achieved at the expense of others.

Please, as you turn 60, continue to be like this and wow every one around you.
As he retires at this milestone age, our boss leaves behind a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. A popular figure amongst the middle staff, a formidable pillar within the upper echelons of the institution, he has bridged the gap and united us all. His influence extends far beyond the professional realm, as he has become a trusted friend and confidant to many.

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Featured

Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles

Published

3 weeks ago

October 10, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.

Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.

What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.

Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.

In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.

Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.

“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”

She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”

The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.

Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”

For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”

Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”

Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.

Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.

Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.

With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.

Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.

“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.

He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.

“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”

Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.

“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”

He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”

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