Ekinrin-Adde Day 2026: Arch Olajide Ademola Clinches Omo-Atata Award
The National Publicity Secretary of Ekinrin-Adde Community Development Association (EACDA), Pastor Emmanuel Ajibola Ogungbuyi, has disclosed that Arch. Olajide Ademola Olutekunbi, a Uk-based indigene of Ekinrin-Adde Community, is one of those to be Inducted into the Omo-Atata Hall of Fame.
The Community’s Spokesman stated that, the induction will be done at the Awards-Night, a flagship of the Annual Ekinrin-Adde Day Cultural Festival, scheduled to hold on the 26th of June, 2026.
Esein Magba, Arc. Olajide Johnson Ademola Olutekunbi was born in Kaduna and raised in Ilorin, Kwara State. He is the son of late Chief Hon. Samuel Ademola Olutekunbi and Madam Agnes Olutekunbi (née Otitoju), a respected daughter of Ekinrin ruling family. From his parents, he inherited the enduring values of integrity, humility, hard work, and service to humanity.
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His educational journey began at Chapel Nursery and Primary School, Ilorin, before he attended Titcombe College, Egbe, Kogi State. In 1985, he enrolled at Federal Government College, Ilorin, for his Advanced Level studies and later proceeded to the School of Basic Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
He studied Architecture at Ahmadu Bello University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in 1990 and a Master’s Degree in 1992. Determined to broaden his knowledge beyond his profession, he later pursued an MBA at the University of Ilorin during the 2003 and 2004 academic session.
In 2007, he earned a Master’s Degree in Construction Project Management from Loughborough University, United Kingdom, further strengthening his expertise in project management and construction.
Arc. Olajide Johnson began his professional career with Environment Design Consultants, Kano, where he worked between 1993 and 1994. He later joined Kayode Anibaba Associates from 1994 to 1995 before establishing his own architectural firm, Demarc Consult, in 1996.
In 1998, following the untimely passing of a colleague who had been a partner in another practice, he joined Plan Settlement Consultants, where he distinguished himself as an architect, project manager, and house builder.
In 2001, while maintaining his private practice, he also began lecturing at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, contributing to the training of future architects. His academic career later took him to the University of Lagos in 2004 before he relocated to the United Kingdom for further postgraduate studies.
He is a fully registered member of the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria, the Nigerian Institute of Architects, the Association of Architectural Educators in Nigeria, and the Association for Project Management, United Kingdom. He also holds the historic distinction of being the first registered architect from Ekinrin.
Arc. Olajide is deeply committed to community development. As a young undergraduate, he was among the founding members of the Ekinrin Adde Students’ Union, ABU chapter, in the late 1980s. He also became a founding member of the Ekinrin Adde Community Development Association, United Kingdom Branch, where he has consistently supported initiatives that promote unity, cultural heritage, and community development among indigenes in the diaspora.
He currently serves as a Patron of the association, providing mentorship, guidance, and support. In recognition of his decades of dedicated service and outstanding contributions, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.
A devoted Christian, Arc. Olajide’s faith remains the foundation of his life and continues to shape his character, leadership, and commitment to excellence. Outside his professional and community engagements, he enjoys football and is a lifelong supporter of Manchester United Football Club.
He is happily married to Adekemi, and together they are blessed with wonderful children.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JUNE 19TH 2026)
