By Ayantunde Ayangbayi, JP
Wednesday, 9 September 2026, marked another birthday of our amiable and outstanding public administrator, Alhaji Abdullateef Tayo Shittu, Director-General of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Abuja, FCT, Nigeria.
For the birthday celebrant, it was another opportunity to give praise to his Creator and appreciate his immediate family, staff, friends, colleagues and well-wishers, who used various social media platforms, traditional media and other channels to celebrate the man of the moment.
The life of the celebrant can aptly be described as a blueprint of what the life of a model public servant should represent in Nigeria and, indeed, in any ideal society across the world.
With more than 30 years of active professional experience, Aare Abdullateef Shittu is a seasoned and firebrand economist and human capital development expert who possesses an impressive curriculum vitae and a legacy of rare intelligence. He is endowed with multiple talents and has consistently demonstrated the capacity to shoulder higher responsibilities with little supervision.
Shittu began his career at the National Oil & Chemical Company, formerly Shell Oil Marketing, before moving to the Bureau of Public Enterprises, where he served as Deputy Director of Privatisation and Commercialisation.
He also served as Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Transport and Communication, where he played a key role in the establishment of the Nigerian Communications Commission. He subsequently became the pioneer Director of Finance and Administration and Corporate Services of the Commission.
At the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Tayo Shittu has brought strategic guidance and direction to efforts aimed at promoting good governance, policy harmonisation and collaboration among Nigeria’s states, with a strong emphasis on inclusiveness, economic development, growth and improved governance across the country.
From this journalist’s perspective, Alhaji Abdullateef Tayo Shittu has not faltered or failed in pursuing the objectives of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum or in addressing the critical challenges confronting Nigeria’s states during his tenure as its helmsman.
He has played his roles creditably and excellently, upholding the highest ideals of public service, dedication and transparency. He has been a builder of systems, a mentor to many and a steady hand at times when wisdom and courage were required. Well done, sir!
You have championed initiatives that have uplifted the masses, inspired collective responsibility and reinforced enduring values of service and brotherhood. By every reasonable yardstick of measurement, your life exemplifies a rare blend of humility and greatness, making you a quintessential personality worthy of admiration and emulation.
Dr Tayo Shittu’s membership of the Offa Metropolitan Club and his contributions to the growth and development of Offa, his hometown in Kwara State, cannot be overemphasised. His commitment to his community and the broader development of Offa remains an important part of his public service legacy.
To the Iyeru Okin Omo Olofa, the birthday boy, may your days be filled with peace, your nights with rest, and your heart with joy and fulfilment.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Sardauna Ngeri of the Ilorin Emirate, celebrates you daily, as do all Kwarans, for the fantastic representation you are giving the State of Harmony.
Kabiyesi Oba Muhammed Mufutau Gbadamosi, Esuwoye II, Olofa of Offa, says, “Well done.” The Offa community is blessed to have you.
This journalist values your exceptional qualities, unassuming personality, cerebral endowment, quiet nature, team spirit and patriotism. You remain a good team player and a worthy ambassador of Offa and Kwara State.
As you celebrate this remarkable milestone, may the Almighty Allah bless you with continued good health, greater wisdom and enduring fulfilment. May your legacy continue to shine even brighter, and may the presence of the Almighty Allah never depart from your household, sir. Amin.
Happy birthday, sir! Big congratulations, sir! May you celebrate many more years in His grace, continuing to serve Him and humanity. Amin.
- Mr Ayantunde Ayangbayi, JP, is a journalist and media consultant based in Ilorin, Kwara State.