A Special Feature on a Civil Servant Extraordinaire, a Grassroot Leader, and an Icon of Integrity at 60
The Curtain Falls on Active Service, But Not on Impact
On October 3rd, 2023, the atmosphere was filled with gratitude, joy, and reflection as Otunba Sharafadeen Alao Adeniyi Durowoju bowed out of active service as the Director, Project Implementation and Monitoring Unit, Office of the Chief of Staff, Governor’s Office, Alausa, Ikeja. Coincidentally, the day also marked his 60th birthday—a rare double celebration that symbolized both fulfillment and new beginnings.
For Otunba Durowoju, retirement is not an end but a transition. True to his character as a visionary civil servant, he had long prepared for life after service, proving himself to be one of the wisest administrators Lagos State ever produced. His philosophy was simple: “Never eat with two fingers while in service; think of tomorrow, think of family, think of sustainability.”
Retired, But Never Tired
Unlike many public officers who face uncertainty after their career, Otunba Durowoju charted a different path. His entrepreneurial spirit and foresight led him into the travel, tour, and immigration sector, where he birthed Durow Global Travel Inc.—a global travel brand with a touch of excellence. This investment reflects his belief that life after service must be both productive and impactful.
Grassroot Leadership: Afobaje on the Map
Beyond Lagos State, Otunba Durowoju has distinguished himself as a transformational community leader. As Chairman of Afobaje 15 Autonomous Communities in Otta, Ogun State, his leadership turned Afobaje into a sought-after model of grassroots transformation.
Some of his hallmark initiatives include:
- Youth inclusiveness in leadership and decision-making.
- Financial empowerment for women through the establishment of the Afobaje Women Cooperative.
- Security enhancement with the creation of a So-Safe Corps office for life and property protection.
- Strategic partnerships with NGOs and organizations for sustainable development.
His ability to blend probity, creativity, and inclusivity has positioned Afobaje among Nigeria’s fastest-growing communities. He often reminds young people:
“Two things make people ask where you are from and which school you attended—Success or Failure. Make sure your community is remembered for excellence, not for mediocrity.”
Who is Otunba Sharafadeen Durowoju?
Born on 3rd October, 1963, into the family of Balogun Hammed Durowoju and Alhaja Wusamotu Ayoka Durowoju, Otunba Sharafadeen was destined for leadership.
- Education Journey: From St. Phillip Primary School, Olorunsogo, Mushin, to Ibadan Grammar School, then to Ogun State Polytechnic (Laboratory Science), Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti (Applied Chemistry), and finally the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry). He later earned a Master’s in Public Administration (LASU, 1992).
- Civil Service Career: Joined Lagos State Government in 1993 as a Legislature Officer, later transferred to Establishments, Pensions & Training, and rose through the ranks to become Director, Project Implementation & Monitoring Unit.
- Professional Memberships: Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (2000), Nigerian Institute of Management (2003).
- Innovations in Service: Redesigned Lagos State’s Project Inspection Template, pioneering the Digital Cabinet Reporting Model that improved transparency and accountability in governance.
Traditional, Religious & Social Titles
Otunba Durowoju’s leadership extends to traditional, religious, and social spheres. He is:
- Asiwaju Adini of Magbon Central Mosque, Agege.
- Otun Aresa of Iresa Ile, Oke Efon, Abeokuta.
- Balogun Adini of Nasir-deen Islamic & Asalatu Group.
- Leader, Transformation Forum, Afobaje, Ota.
- Chairman, Afobaje 15 Autonomous Communities, Ota, Ogun State.
- Member, House Committee of Friends Worldwide.
The Family Man
Behind the towering administrator is a warm family man. He is happily married to Alhaja Omowunmi Mulikat Durowoju and Hajia Sekinat Adeola Durowoju, blessed with children who continue to reflect his values of hard work, education, and service.
A Legacy of Integrity & Ingenuity
Otunba Sharafadeen Durowoju represents a rare breed of public servant—dedicated, transparent, and foresighted. He embodies what it means to “serve without blemish,” leaving a track record of ingenuity, from project monitoring innovations in Lagos to grassroots transformation in Ogun.
At 60, he stands tall as:
- A consummate administrator
- A visionary entrepreneur
- A transformational community leader
- A man of faith and tradition
- An exemplary husband and father
A Birthday, A Retirement, A Continuation
As he celebrates his diamond jubilee and bows out of public service, one thing is clear—Otunba Sharafadeen Alao Adeniyi Durowoju has not retired from impact. His footprint in governance, community development, business, and faith remains indelible.
In his words:
“Retirement is not the end of work; it is the beginning of giving back differently. I will continue to serve God, family, and community in every way I can.”
Congratulations, Otunba!
We celebrate you as a man of towering moral capital, probity, and sagacity—a true example of what it means to serve with dignity and plan with wisdom.
Happy 60th Birthday! Happy Retirement! Long may your legacy shine.
