Former High Commissioner to Ghana, former Minister of State for Defence and Minister of State II (Foreign Affairs), Senator Musiliu Obanikoro is one man who has weathered a lot of storms. To call him a survivor is an understatement.
His survival is strange to many; not much as it is due to his refusal to be derailed as it is his strength of character, but the fact that he has survived time and time again is, for some, mind-boggling.
The fact is, this survivor is 60 years old and is worth celebrating.
Musiliu Obanikoro was appointed and sworn in as Minister of State Federal Ministry of Defence by President Goodluck Jonathan in March 2014.
Musiliu Obanikoro, popularly known as ‘Koro’, was born in Lagos, Nigeria. He is from the Obanikoro (Ajayi – Bembe) family of Lagos, Idoluwole (Ojo LG) and the Eletu-Odibo (Oshobile) family of Lagos.
Koro lost his father, Yekini Onikoro, while he was a teen and had to be raised by his mother Ejide Onikoro. Having to fend for himself by hawking newspapers and akpoti (stools) on the streets of Lagos, he successfully completed his primary and secondary school education at the St. Patrick Catholic School Idumagbo, Lagos and Ahmadiya College (currently Anwaru Islam), Agege, Lagos.
Immediately after secondary school, Koro worked briefly with the Lagos State Health Management Board before joining the Union Bank of Nigeria as a clerical officer. After a year and a half, Koro gained admission into Texas Southern University (TSU) USA, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Affairs (with a major in Criminal Justice) and his Master’s Degree in Public Administration.
After TSU, Koro worked with the Houston Adult Probation Department for several years before joining the New York City Department of Social Services as a social worker at the Little flower Children Service Agency. Two years later, he became the Head of the Adolescent Department.
Koro has always had a passion for public service and the welfare of the general public. Realising that his qualifications, passion and energy would better serve his countrymen in Nigeria, he seized the opportunity introduced by then military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s transition programme to return home. Upon his return, Koro entered the election for the office of chairman, Lagos Island Government.
Koro was unsuccessful in his attempt; however, his journey in public service and his contributions to the development of a better Nigeria had only just begun.
He has swarm in deep, shark-infested waters of politics and lived to tell his tale. He has moved on, head held high; these are the things no one can take away from him.
Whisperers around the corridors of Lagos politics say he is poised for a return in 2023 as a senator for Lagos West.
That is 3 years. For now, let us toast to better years for the eclectic former senator, minister and ambassador for staying afloat on the waters of politics and stepping on his political travails to get to his destination.
