Aare Abdullateef Shittu: Celebrating an Icon, Public Administrator and Eminent Scholar

By Ayantunde Ayangbayi, JP

Wednesday, 9th September, 2026, was another birthday of our amiable and outstanding Public Administrator, Abdullateef Tayo Shittu, the Director-General, Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) Abuja, FCT – Nigeria

For our birthday boy, it was another opportunity to give praises to his Creator, his immediate family, staff, friends, colleagues and well-wishers, who took to various channels/social platforms, as well as traditional media to celebrate the man of the moment. The life of the celebrant can be described as a blueprint of what a model Public Servant life should be in Nigeria and in any ideal society in the world.

With over 30 years of active experience, Aare Abdullateef Shittu is a seasoned and firebrand Economist and Human Capital Development Expert who parades an intimidating Curriculum Vitae, a legacy of rare intelligence with multiple gifts shoulder higher responsibilities with little supervision.

Shittu’s career began at the National Oil & Chemical Company (formerly Shell Oil Marketing) before he moved to the Bureau of Public Enterprises as Deputy Director of Privatization and Commercialization. He also served as Special Assistant to the Hon. Minister of Transport and Communication, playing a key role in establishing the Nigeria Communication Commission, where he was the pioneer Director of Finance and Administration, and Corporate Services.

At the Nigeria Governors Forum, (NGF), Alhaji Tayo Shittu brings to bear a strategic guidance and direction to promote good governance, policy harmonization and collaboration among Nigeria’s States with absolute inclusiveness through development economic growth and improved governance across the country.

This journalist sees Alhaji Abdullateef Tayo Shittu has not faltered nor failed in achieving its objectives and addressing the critical challenges facing Nigeria’s State as the helmsman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF). He played his role(s) thus far creditably and excellently with the highest ideals of Public Service, dedication, transparency, a builder of systems, a mentor to many and a steady hand at times that required wisdom & courage (Well done sir!!).

You championed initiatives that uplifted the masses, inspired collective responsibility and reinforced unending values of service and brotherhood. By any 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 overemphasized.

To the Iyeru Okin Omo Olofa – Birthday Boy, May your days be filled with peace, your nights with rest, your heart with joy and fulfillments, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, (CON), Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) & Sardauna Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate celebrates you daily and 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, Offa Community is blessed to have you, this journalist values your exceptional qualities, unassuming personality, you are cerebrally endowed, quiet nature, a good team player and patriotic fellow.

As you celebrate this remarkable milestone, may the Almighty Allah bless you with continued good health, greater wisdom, enduring fulfillments, your legacy continues to shine even brighter and the presence of Almighty Allah never depart your household Sir, Amin.

Happy Birthday sir!! Big Congratulations sir!! Celebrate many more years in His grace to serve Him and humanity, Amin.

Ayantunde Ayangbayi, JP is a journalist/Media Consultant based in Ilorin, Kwara State.