My path and the late Col AM Olaniyan's crossed in 1994 when, as a lieutenant, just out of the Academy, I had the good fortune of sharing office with him at the HQ DAPR in Bonny Camp, Victoria Island, Lagos. He was SO1 A/Q, while I was SO3 Info/Pub. Then, a Major, he had just returned from the Gambia, where he was a contingent member of the Nigerian Army Training Assistance Group (NATAG).
The DAPR then, Col OE Okon (later Major General), also late, had directed that all subalterns serving in the HQs should be groomed in writing readable and intelligible articles. It was at this point that I came to learn, admire, and respect Col Olaniyan's deep literary acumen. His command of both spoken and written English was without equal.
At an event at the AHQ Command Mess 2 in Marina, Lagos, sometime in 1995, I observed a senior officer watch with both envy and admiration as the late DAPR (MC at the occasion) deliver introductory remarks. 3 years later, I also witnessed the late former director dazzle participants and spectators alike during the closing ceremony of the 1998 Nigerian Army Small Arms Competition (NASAC) which held at Odogbo Cantonment firing range in Ibadan. Again, in kaduna, during the 2005 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the Ramat Square, I watched with pride as Col Olaniyan mesmerised the audience with impeccable delivery of the history of Armed Forces Remembrance Day across the world.
The late director was not just a competent senior DAPR officer who could not be pushed around. He was also a passionate public relations man, an astute administrator, and a devoted director. He worked for the good of the directorate and cared about the future of DAPR officers and personnel. Whenever he had the opportunity, he made sure that DAPR officers were positioned for visibility in the NA.
In November 2006, I had just completed 3 years tour of duty at the NDA as the Academy spokesman, when the late DAPR posted me to the AFCSC in the same role. That posting ended the annexation of that office by Directing Staff for over 5 years. Also, while serving at the college, I received an invitation to join a team of masters of ceremony who were to conduct the handing and taking over ceremony between Presidents Obasanjo and Yar' Adua.
The late former director also ensured that DAPR officers were staff trained. A couple of my course mates and I benefited from that initiative, which gave us better grounding.
As a DAPR officer, Col Olaniyan proved his mettle, and as a director, he understood his mission, which, in my view, he accomplished with distinction. As we continue to grieve and reflect on the time and leadership of our late DAPR, I honour and salute the memory of the late Col AM Olaniyan and pray for the repose of his soul.
This Tribute was written by Executive Director, Armed Forces Radio Service, Col TO Antigha (Rtd)