Tunde Aremu: The End of A Chapter
The death, on Friday 8th September 2023, at above 60 years of age, of Alhaji Shuib Tunde Aremu has robbed members of my generation of a patriot, an administrator per excellence and a fine public office holder. Not surprisingly, there have been an outpouring of tributes from across Kwara and beyond only for a man who earned the respect of many. Little wonder, this world is fleeting, ephemeral, will-o’-the-wisp. What is man that thou art mindful of him? Man, whose breath is in his nostrils, the Good Book says.
In retrospect, the remarkable life and career of Tunde Aremu transcended the public offices he once occupied before his honourable exit from the civil service. He made far-reaching contributions to the growth and development of several areas, including selfless service to humanity. Aremu remained a worthy role model to the very end.
Fortunately, I had visited him in his house not quite long to check on him, and I was told he went to pray. I waited until he was back. He was surprised to see me come around. We had a lengthy conversation regarding every aspect and little did I know that would be our last encounter. Indeed, life is about memories! It is the only thing we are left with when flesh and spirit departs the earthly plane and we can do no more than remember the life of the departed, through times and memories shared, especially their deeds in their lifetime.
When on that faithful Friday 8th September, Alhaji Alabi Amuda, himself a retired Permanent Secretary, called and broke the sad news to me, the whole world became quite at once. That same night, I rushed to Alhaji Amuda place where I wept profusely and was inconsolable. I told him rather emotionally that I had lost a benevolent and a benefactor in Tunde Aremu. But I took much more solace in Alhaji's words of admonitions who himself described Tunde Aremu as a loyal, diligent and God-fearing individual who never fail in any assignment given to him. Alabi Amuda further described the deceased as a tested and trusted fellow.
Born in Iponrin community, under East Local Government area of Kwara State. Tunde had his Primary School Education at Iponrin and went further to Okene Secondary School Okene in Kogi State from 1977 to 1982 where the brilliant mind passed his WASC Examination in just one attempt.
In 1982, Tunde was admitted to study History at the University of Ilorin for which he graduated in 1986 and went for his NYSC in the old Rivers State. At first, he was appointed Education Officer II at the then Kwara State Education Management Board on the 20th March, 1991 and was posted to Iwo Isin Comprehensive High School as a Class Teacher.
Mind you, we are as good as that breath in our nostrils. When it ceases, we are done, gone, across the bridge, to eternal life. And that is if only we are conscious of this daily. But as human beings, we often forget, and live as if it would last forever. But the masquerade festival always ends, no matter how long it lasts. Therefore, whether it’s long or short, let’s make our life matter. Tunde Aremu did, and it ended on Friday 8th September. A remarkable and glorious day in the Islamic calendar. He now rests, after what Shakespeare calls“life’s fitful fever,” where we are like actors on a stage, and we have our entrances and exits.
In October 1993, Aremu was converted to the Prestigious Administrative Officers Cader as Personnel Officer II on GL 08 and was posted to the Personnel Management Services at the Governor's Office where he served for Seven years before he was later posted to the Defunct State Primary Education Board(SPEB) now SUBEB. While at SPEB. Aremu was appointed Education Secretary for Patigi Local Government and on completion of his assignment in Patigi in 2002, he rose through the ranks and served in various MDAs including Abuja Liaison Office as well as the Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation, Radio Kwara where he diligently served as the Corporation Secretary between 2008 to 2012.
Tunde Aremu's quest for knowledge and distinction, propelled him to further his educational career and was able to obtain his Masters Degree in Public Administration at the University of Ilorin in 2008. For me, no doubt, a man with such a fine and rich credentials will definitely be in hot demand by any result oriented system and this accounted for how in 2013, he served as the Secretary Kwara State Ministerial Tenders Board at the Ministry of Works and Transport from where he was posted to the Government House as Deputy Director of Protocol.
As an outstanding Admin Officer, the deceased attended series of courses on General Administration and Security at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) Topo Badagry and at NIIS Abuja. Since hard work as they say pays, Tunde rose to the rank of Directorship as the Director Personnel Finance and Supply (DPFS) at the Ministry of Water Resources in 2015. I was then the Press Secretary of the Ministry and I was glad he came around. We worked briefly together before he was transferred again.
As God would have it, he was appointed Permanent Secretary and was in charge of Political Cabinet and Special Services, Governors Office before his honourable exit from the service. No doubt, I dare say Tunde was one of those accomplished Nigerians I wish to live the kind of lives they lived. He lived his life modestly for God and humanity, attained every height possible in his chosen path, specifically as a Permanent Secretary, managed to escape controversies and left a legacy that will be there for generations unborn.
Affirming that he was really no more after the news of his sudden demise got me was so painful. It was like that, I suppose because we, mortals, are always guilty of thinking we can live forever and thus forgetting that everyday is a bonus from God. Tunde Aremu was a man I owe so much in high esteem and now they say he is gone. Gone to where? Just like that? It is painful, shocking and sad. Tunde Aremu why? What happened? Aremu was above anything else experienced and talented in his field of call. He had retired from the civil service of Kwara state but was never tired of putting us through whenever we call on him for guide.
In retrospect, it was the beginning of a venture that offered no hope nor clue as to where the next meal would be coming from for a young guy like me. I came to Radio Kwara (arguably the best and leading radio station with ardent listeners in town) pretty young in 2009 for my Industrial Training (IT). I completed the exercise and went back to school that same year. When I was finally done in 2010, I thought I had established a fine relationship with Radio Kwara, at least to some extent and I felt I could leverage on that. At that point in life, the available option left for one to avoid staying idle was to go back to Radio Kwara to see if things would work out, which I did and one of those who made it work was Tunde Aremu. He used his good office to work out my letter of appointment. He did same to many others too. The rest, as they say is now history.
As painful as his demise might seem, I am also glad he died a modest man and he earned everyone's respect. Albeit rest, they say, is sweet after labor. Aremu had a lifetime of work. He was poised to have his due rest. But the rest became eternal. He has been laid to rest in his native Iponrin hometown. My Oga lived a disciplined life as attested to by many, including family, friends and other well wishers in their tributes and I agreed completely with them all.
Whichever way we see the whole situation, I will continue to live in denial that this never happened. Maybe I have only been sleeping. Hopefully, I will wake up from this nightmare. That is a dream one day. Little wonder when beggars die, there are no comets seen. The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes. Those were the words of that famous and my favorite poet, Williams Shakespeare. I agree completely with also.
For sure, it is a known fact that people die everyday, but all of them affirm for us the goodness in humanity like Tunde Aremu. I am glad our path crossed. Times and circumstance decide who we meet in life. Our hearts decide who we want to retain in our lives, and people's behavior determined whether we want them to remain in our memories or not. Aremu for me, is the type that comes once in century. Yes!
Death may have ended his life at a time we least expect, but not the relationships he had built with many over the years. And because of this alone, a lot of people who knew him are understandably still going through grief, denial, depression and acceptance. He was a man of wisdom. Strength and dignity were his garb. And also, his gift and his legacy. Painful end indeed. His demise remains depressing and shocking, but there's no time for a lengthy farewell.
It would therefore, be an understatement to say Aremu will be surely missed. Maybe by share providence, if someone like me is privileged to write a biography in the nearest future, such a book will not be complete without mentioning the leading roles played by Shuib Tunde Aremu in my career as a journalist, whose faith, hard work and dedication to his job as a decent public official, offered a true meaning to his existence for which he demonstrated the fact that when our beliefs are invested in something greater than self, we will indeed find fulfilment in life.
Aremu was such a kindhearted man who believe in talent discovery and encourage you on what you can do with your talent to positively impact the world. To the glory of God, I believe he came, he saw and he actually conquered by leaving his marks for everyone to see. The lesson we can all learn I suppose is that, religious and faith can never be a part-time conviction for the true believer, especially when there is a need for people to practice what they preach.
I would continue to cherish the memories of Tunde Aremu for providing for me and several others opportunities and the platforms to showcase what I can do. When he died on that faithful Friday, he left nothing but blessed memories behind, and without any doubt, late Shuib Tunde Aremu impacted my generation and our society greatly.
And I ask, how many people (including this writer) can we truly identify with their faith in words and indeeds? That we can talk about Aremu today is because he lived his life in a manner that put no one in doubt that there was no compromise when it comes to the matter of his faith, job and selfless service to humanity.
As we therefore morn the late asset to humanity cum illustrious son of Iponrin community, let us reflect on his legacies of simplicity, professionalism and a form of self respect that did not at anytime seek self advertisement. Unfortunately, this enduring virtues are conspicuously absent in the official profile of most people today.
Now that he has commenced the beginning of her everlasting journey, my condolences therefore, is to his family members, the Kwara State Civil Service, Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Kwara State Chapter, Iponrin community, Ilorin East Local Government, Management and Staff of Radio Kwara, associates, friends and other well wishers.
Even in death, I say thank you for everything Tunde Aremu. Thank you also for putting up a good work and lasting records to be emulated. Thank God for helping you to win the race. What awaits you now I am sure is a full compensation of your good deeds.
Rest on till we meet to part no more.
Adieu!
Ishola Gbenga ANIPR is from Elesinmeta.
Sunday, 17th September 2023
08038987149
isholagbenga@yahoo.com
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