Wakama may be retired from the civil service but she has shown no signs of tiredness as she embarks on a new venture with her media outfit and foundation.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Many begin the civil service journey but only a select few get to the very top, the grade level 17; through diligence and the grace of God the astute broadcaster, Funmi Wakama, made the list.
Born in Lagos, on July 1, 1966 as Funmi Coker, she started her journalism career as an industrial trainee at the Lagos Television, LTV 8, Lagos in 1985 and moved to the Nigerian Television Authority, Lagos in 1988. She was later appointed as the general manager of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Abeokuta in 2018.
Mrs Wakama’s impactful years as a journalist earned her an appointment as Senior Special Assistant on Media to former governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, and also as the chief press secretary to the governor.
It came as no surprise on August 5, 2023 when the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, conferred chieftaincy titles on Wakama and her husband Ene at the Owu Palace in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
L-R: Member House of Representatives, Hon. Olumide Osoba, Chief Ene Wakama, Chief Mrs. Funmi Wakama, and former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba
Wakama was honoured with the title, Yeye Fiwagboye of Owu Kingdom; while her husband was conferred with the title, Fiwagboye of Owu Kingdom. The conferment of the traditional titles was part of the activities to mark the one-year coronation anniversary of the king.
Many who attended the event had glowing words for the journalist par excellence.
Yeyemeto of Owu kingdom, Seyi Aderinokun, commended her for her good works, saying: “Funmi Wakama is a workaholic. We deemed it fit to honour her with this title, because of the good things she has done for this state and her town.”
Bola Obasanjo, wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, also witnessed the event. She noted that Wakama was singled out for the honour because she was a responsible daughter of the soil. She said, “Our Kabiyesi (king) has singled her out to give her a chieftaincy title, because she is a responsible daughter of ours, and we cannot afford to do without her.”
After the ceremony at the palace, Wakama held a reception to celebrate her retirement from active service, and also to launch a media firm, Allround Communications, and charity foundation, Funmi Wakama Foundation.
Wife of former Ogun State Governor, Dr. Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, Chief Ene Wakama, Chief Mrs. Funmi Wakama, and former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun
The Wakamas were dressed in matching white traditional outfits, complemented with red beads. They also wore golden caps which had their new titles written on them.
Guests from all walks of life trooped into The Marquee at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta dressed in elegant blue and white apparel to celebrate with the 57-year-old.
Among them were former governors of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, Ibikunle Amosun and wife, Olufunso; the Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Musa Olomu; Senator Tolu Odebiyi, and chiefs of Owu kingdom.
Former governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, sent in his goodwill message as he could not attend in person.
Retired army general and former military administrator of Ondo State, Ekundayo Opaleye, chaired the occasion.
Different generations of NTA broadcasters were also present such as Ruth Benamasia-Opia, Waheed Olagunju, Abimbola Sowoolu, and former NTA broadcaster, Seun Olagunju.
The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, felicitated Wakama on her retirement.
According to a press release on Saturday, August 12, 2023 signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP said that Wakama’s commitment, diligence, and exemplary leadership have left an indelible mark on the broadcasting industry and the nation as a whole. Her steadfast dedication to her profession and her unwavering commitment to upholding the values of integrity and excellence have set a shining example for all, he said.
L-R: Olori Bosun Dosunmi, wife of former president, Chief Mrs. Bola Obasanjo; Chief Ene Wakama, Chief Mrs. Funmi Wakama; Yeyemeto of Owu Kingdom, Seyi Aderinokun
“Furthermore, the IGP is pleased to acknowledge and celebrate Mrs Wakama’s well-deserved conferment of a chieftaincy title by the esteemed Olowu of Owu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII. This recognition is a testament to her outstanding contributions to both the media sector and the wider community, and it underscores the respect and admiration she has garnered throughout her illustrious career.
“As Mrs Wakama embarks on this new phase of her journey, the IGP wishes her a retirement filled with happiness, good health, and the fulfilment of all her aspirations. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, and her impact will be felt far beyond the realm of broadcasting,” the statement said.
Osoba, on his part, noted that he was proud of the celebrant.
“She was seconded to Ogun State Government and she did brilliantly well and returned to her profession. I’m very proud of her and I thank her husband because it is not easy to be married to a journalist,” he said.
Wakama may be retired from the civil service but she has shown no signs of tiredness as she embarks on a new venture with her media outfit and foundation.
Beaming with smiles, she told reporters, “I am happy and fulfilled. Do you know what it is to start from the beginning and rise to the top, getting to level 17 in the civil service? It is no mean feat.”