Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan: A Chief Press Secretary with a Difference

Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan: A Chief Press Secretary with a Difference

   By Sunday Ajibola

Positions offer individuals opportunities to serve, spanning appointments, promotional, spiritual, and secular roles. Service has two purposes: to benefit oneself and others. It is well-known that the ultimate duty of humanity is to serve people or  enriching oneself. Yet, many who are entrusted with such opportunities often disregard the first principle. They use their positions for personal gain, rendering themselves irrelevant and forgotten once they leave their esteemed roles.
However, a young man is showing us that rendering self service is second to none. This is where Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan stands out—if not as the best, certainly among the very few outstanding Chief Press Secretaries (CPS) Ondo State has ever had. The CPS serves as the spokesperson and image-maker for their principal, the Governor. Prince Adeniyan was Governor Ayedatiwa's first appointment when he assumed office late last year. The choice was unexpected for many journalists, as few were not aware of any close relationship between the two. However, nobody questioned his competence.
Among practicing journalists in Ondo State, Prince Adeniyan is undeniably one of the most qualified for the position, going by his antecedents. His credentials speak volumes:

He began his journalism career as a reporter with Hope Newspaper, eventually rising to the role of subeditor.

He was the mastermind behind the then-popular Sunshine Daily Watch, the first daily pritely owned newspaper in the state.

He founded and ran The Trace Magazine, a fearless weekly publication, for over a decade.

He served as Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council.

By any standard, Prince Adeniyan is exceptionally suited for the role of CPS.
As the Yoruba saying goes, A maa nba eniyan wase ni, a kii bawon se ("We help people secure jobs, it is left for them to justify himself"). In his one year as CPS, Prince Adeniyan has been remarkably productive and impactful. A Permanent Secretary once described him as "a field marshal" who masterfully commands his team with classic efficiency and effectiveness. Despite his reticent demeanor, he approaches every task with precision and passion.
Prince Adeniyan is not one to shy away from public engagement. He confidently represents the Governor's views in interviews, defending, analyzing, and addressing issues as needed. His ability to articulate the Governor’s thoughts and policies is a testament to his professionalism, and there is no doubt that his principal values his contributions.

Beyond his official duties, Prince Adeniyan’s philanthropic nature shines through. He has supported virtually all NUJ chapels by donating essential tools and equipment. Widows of deceased journalists have also benefited from his generosity, receiving substantial financial assistance.
A dedicated member of the NUJ, Prince Adeniyan attends all colleague events, further solidifying his bond with the journalism community. Though, he claims to be a politician, he is more at home in the midst of Journalists. Despite serving just one year in office, his impact is such that it feels as though he has been in the role for far longer. His profile among politicians, journalists, and the general public continues to soar.

Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan’s professionalism, competence, and charitable spirit set him apart as a Chief Press Secretary with a difference.
Kudos to a true game changer!