By: Executives and Members of NUJ-NAN Lagos Chapel
Today, as the sun sets on a remarkable chapter in the story of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), we gather with full hearts to honour a man whose spirit has illuminated our newsroom for years — COMRADE ADELEYE AJAYI. This moment is bittersweet. We celebrate the indelible legacy you have crafted, even as we feel the weight of bidding farewell to a leader, mentor, and friend whose footsteps will echo in our halls for generations to come.
Comrade, you have not simply worked at NAN; you have breathed life into it.
You have been a beacon of unwavering dedication, a pillar of relentless commitment, and a paragon of meritorious service. Your journey is not marked merely by deadlines met or stories published, but by the countless lives you have touched, the careers you have shaped, and the integrity you have instilled in all who had the privilege to walk beside you.
Your passion for truth transcended mere profession — it was a calling. You nurtured the seeds of excellence in the hearts of young journalists, transforming eager novices into confident narrators of our nation’s story.
Through your mentorship, you built more than just reporters; you cultivated fearless storytellers who carry the touch of journalism with dignity, courage, and a fierce dedication to justice.
Your impact resonates beyond the newsroom. It lies in the strength of every journalist who stands tall because you believed in them. It thrives in the stories that have shaped public discourse and upheld democracy, all fueled by your unwavering standards. You have invested not just time but your very soul into human capacity building, crafting a legacy that will outlive us all.
As you bowl out of NAN, know that your exit leaves a void that cannot be easily filled. Your colleagues—friends, reporters, foot soldiers, and loved ones—will deeply feel the absence of your steady hand, your wise counsel, and your infectious enthusiasm. But your departure is not goodbye; it is a new beginning. For no matter where your journey takes you, the bonds you forged here remain unbroken.
Our newsroom will forever be your sanctuary. We invite you to come back—not just as a visitor, but as family. Drop in to share stories, to laugh, to inspire, and yes, to enjoy that cup of coffee that awaits you anytime you pass by. Our doors, like our hearts, will always remain wide open for you.
May the path ahead be filled with the same passion, purpose, and profound impact that defined your years with us.
We celebrate you today and always, Comrade Adeleye Ajayi, with immense gratitude, deep respect, and unending admiration.
Thank you for being our leader, our mentor, our brother in the relentless pursuit of truth. Happy Birthday and Glorious Retirement to Accommodating, Jovial, Accurate, Youthful and Intelligent Comrade Adeleye AJAYI.
With heartfelt appreciation and warmest wishes.
Congratulations!
Congratulations!!
Congratulations !!!
Isaac Ighure, former Editor-In- Chief, NAN: Comrade Ajayi, chronologically speaking, you’ve successfully mounted the desired sixth-floor today. This looked-forward-to age elevates you to the enviable rank of a Senior Citizen of Nigeria.
I congratulate you on your achievement. May God bless your new status and whatever endeavours you engage in from now on. I pray He also keeps you strong and healthy while simultaneously keeping at bay those niggling challenges that disturb those in that cadre and above. I also wish you an enjoyable and fun-filled retirement, an inevitable accompaniment of your new age.
Happy birthday! Happy retirement!
Folorosho Poroye: Wow! Welcome to the sixth floor Leye, AKA ‘Ma Pe Nbeyen’ Ajayi. May the Most High continue to protect and bless you and your household richly IJMN. Congratulations bro for bowing out of service safely. It’s your day Omo won nijebu Ayepe, enjoy minimally.
For Goke: Waoh !!! Congratulations to my amiable friend and colleague. Gbenga, you are welcome on board. Reproach will never be your portion in your retirement period. As He has been with those of us who left the service before you, He will be with you also.
AJA, Congratulations ! Congratulations !! Congratulations !!!
Wole Sogunle: Chief Ajay! You’ve fought a good fight, you have finished well in the agency. Henceforth is laid before you yet more laurels. Your milestones in unionism are manifest for all to see and the story of my stint as a member of the NGE Standing Committee cannot be told without you. My Chair, I wish you well in the next level and pray that as you attain this landmark of 60, you will remain as precious as diamond in the hands of the almighty. He will go before you, give you peace and show you the path of life. You’re blessed.
Atitebi: Ajayi, congratulations on reaching this milestone of retirement in NAN.
It’s a great achievement and I wish you a happy post retirement life.
You have, no doubt, left your footprints in NAN as being attested to by your colleagues.
I will you the best in your future endeavours.
Eddy: Dear Leye, congratulations on your retirement. I’m so proud of the dedication and hard work you’ve put into your service. Enjoy this new chapter, relax, and cherish the memories. Indeed, you made a difference, and it’s time to take care of yourself now. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement.
