Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D.

Aníbiírè | International Development & Policy Expert | United States @StateDept Fellow | Proud Akure Son | *Views are solely mine!

[Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D. @olanibire]

Remembering the Christians massacred in cold blood during a Sunday mass in #Owo town in #OndoState on 5th June 2022. Religious extremism should have no place anywhere in the World. May God continue to rest the souls of the departed saints. #Anibiire

[Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D. @olanibire]

@olubunmi4ever Thanks boss!

[Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D. @olanibire]

Honoured to be named an Harvard Rose Service Learning Fellow. Grateful for the opportunity to advance research that strengthens health systems and improves healthcare access in Nigeria. The work continues!

[Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D. @olanibire]

@IO_FALAIYE Thank you @IO_FALAIYE

[Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D. @olanibire]

I do not take this honour by @HarvardChanSPH for granted. ‘#RoseServiceLearningFellowship #PublicHealthResearch #Harvard

[The Guardian Nigeria @GuardianNigeria]

Nigerian health expert Dr. Olakunle Ajayi earned a prestigious Harvard fellowship to research healthcare access barriers and improve outcomes in Ekiti.

https://t.co/0hePlnpFzD

[Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D. @olanibire]

The continued abduction of students and teachers is a national tragedy and a stain on our collective conscience. Nigeria is fast sliding into an ungoverned state. The cries of these innocent victims cannot be ignored and I implore the FG to act now to secure their freedom.

[Oyo Matters @Oyo_Matters]

“Please, we are begging . This is our 13th day in the den with both the children and us, under the rain and scorching sun. Please do not fight these terrorists, Gov Seyi Makinde , negotiate with them and give them whatever they demand.” — Kidnapped principal and teachers in new video released by terrorists.

[Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D. @olanibire]

Absolutely!

[TG OMORI @boy_director]

Jesus the right choice

[Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D. @olanibire]

Congratulations Caleb!!!

[OLADEPO Caleb Olugbenga @YhungProf0]

Amid the flood of felicitations following my convocation as Overall Best Graduating Student of LAUTECH, I find it necessary to address the stir around my NELFUND appreciation post. I accept the praise, life changing offers and the backlash, in good faith. Still, it is only fair to set the record straight.

I hail from a village in Osun State, raised in a modest family of five. I attended public primary and secondary schools, not by choice, but because even the most inexpensive private schools were beyond our means.

Even then, survival itself; food and clothing was a daily struggle. I walked miles to school each morning, while my parents laboured as jacks-of-all-trades to make ends meet.

For nine defining years before I entered university, we lived within sight of basic amenities yet beyond our reach, no electricity, no television; just lanterns and candles. Against these odds, I earned a scholarship and now this distinction.

In my third year, a coursemate’s father, someone I had once tutored academically, gifted me my first smartphone which I am still using till now. On several occasions, lecturers, moved by quiet compassion, provided me with clothing. There are many other instances, too numerous to recount.

So, I say this plainly, not all of us are born with a silver spoon. Some of us climbed the ladder by holding on to every rung of legitimate support we could find.

As an engineering student aspiring to make academic history, should I resort myself to blaming my family’s financial situation for my inability to afford fees and essentials like a reliable smartphone or laptop needed for skills and certifications?

For me personally, NELFUND was not incidental; it was instrumental and to acknowledge what helped one’s journey is neither propaganda nor misplaced allegiance. It is simply an act of appreciation.

Thank you @NELFUND and everyone that contributed to this success!

Greatness awaits all of Us.

[Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D. @olanibire]

This is shameful!

[Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D. @olanibire]

It’s obvious these terrorists are watching us. They have seen how crowdfunding worked before, especially for Abba and others before him. I believe they now use torture videos to trigger sympathy and extract ransom. It’s deeply disturbing! 💔

[JOStified X @_Thrixian]

Viewers Discretion is advised ⚠️

His name is JOHN ARUM AZI; In the video, he explained that he was on his way to Kaduna but was kidnapped en route. Together with 6 others, making them 7, with him included.

One of his course mate posted the video on FACEBOOK & that the post was made with his own phone to their group chat by the kidnappers. They're demanding 30 Million naira.

Heard he's a Unijos student. 💔

[Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D. @olanibire]

It’s obvious these terrorists are watching us. They have seen how crowdfunding worked before, especially for Abba and others before him. I believe they now use torture videos to trigger sympathy and extract ransom. It’s deeply disturbing! 💔

[Unijos Noisemaker @ujnoisemaker]

A University of Jos student, John Arum Azi, was kidnapped while traveling to Kaduna. 😭

The kidnappers sent a distressing video showing him being tortured and are demanding ₦30 million for his release.

His life is in serious danger.😭💔

[Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D. @olanibire]

Hahahaha 😂

The same “distinguished” individual whose grammar arrives before the message and then the message never quite catches up.

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[Osaretin Victor Asemota @asemota]

A roommate using all the pages of a hardcore pornographic magazine as wallpaper for his corner would have been certified insane and committed for the rest of his life in other countries, but he became a lawyer and my legislator.

[Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D. @olanibire]

When citizens are forced to the streets to demand safety, it signals a breakdown of the most basic duty of the state. @LuckyAiyedatiwa the voices from all over the state regarding security must not be ignored. Security is not a privilege, it’s a right. #Ondo #Nigeria

[CHUKS 🍥 @ChuksEricE]

Residents of Imafon, Ilado, and Igunsin in Akure, Ondo State, took to the streets today in protest, blocking the Akure Shoprite Roundabout over the rising insecurity affecting their communities.

[Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D. @olanibire]

When senior security officers blur the line between accountability and appeasement, the price is paid in the lives of soldiers. Deradicalization cannot replace decisive action against terror, and leadership must never signal tolerance where there should be zero compromise. #Shame

[BSN @Barristerstreet]

🇳🇬 JUST IN: Nigerian Army Brigade Commander Killed in Boko Haram Attack on Benisheikh Base, Borno State

Brigadier-General O. Braimah, Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation Hadin Kai, has been killed following a deadly attack by Boko Haram terrorists on a military base in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack, which occurred late on Wednesday, April 8, saw terrorists launch coordinated assaults on military positions in Benisheikh and Ngamdu, overpowering parts of the brigade formation.

The base was set ablaze during the intense firefight, with multiple military assets destroyed.

Brig. Gen. Braimah was killed in the line of duty alongside several soldiers.

Reports also indicate that the brigade’s Imam was among those killed. Several of the terrorists were neutralized during the battle.

The Nigerian Army is yet to release an official statement, but multiple military and local sources have confirmed the development.

Further details are expected.

[Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D. @olanibire]

A sobering signal. This underscores how serious Nigeria’s security challenges have become. Beyond advisories, this is also a wake up call to our leaders for urgent, credible action to restore safety, stability, and public confidence. Let’s cripple terrorism in Nigeria!

[TravelGov @TravelGov]

Nigeria: On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave U.S. Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation. The overall Travel Advisory for Nigeria is Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Some specific states are at Level 4: Do Not Travel. Read the full advisory: https://t.co/6Lf4kM9LG8

[Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D. @olanibire]

I am struggling to understand why a governor would console citizens and assure them of safety while speaking from an armoured vehicle. It sends the wrong message. #ThisIsWeird

[YabaLeftOnline @yabaleftonline]

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang addressing protesters after the Palm Sunday att@ck in the state.

[Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D. @olanibire]

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[CAF @CAF_Online]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒. 🇸🇳🏆

#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025

[Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D. @olanibire]

Trophies are earned on the field of play!

[CAF Media @CAF_Media]

The CAF Appeal Board decided that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 (“the Match”), with the result of the Match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
https://t.co/QKDI0FCKug

[Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D. @olanibire]

This is painful to process! It is heartbreaking that kidnappers dictate terms while citizens scramble to save lives. I contributed to Abba’s fundraising, and while seeing these bikes with the bandits is enraging, I’m relieved that Abba will at least make it home. #NigeriaAtWar

[Mobilisingnigerians™ @mobilisingniger]

#OSINT: After paying 10m naira ransom it looks like the NYSC corp member kidnapped in Zamfara state has met another demand for providing 2 bikes to the bandits.

The bandit uploaded the picture 1hr ago with the people who brought the bike sitting on the floor, while he checked out the bike which was bought.

[Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D. @olanibire]

While I strongly don't want to help enrich kidnappers, Abba’s life matters most at this moment. I have sent a token to the account details shared in the video and urge others who can to do the same so we can bring him back home safely. #NigeriansDeserveBetter

[$ULTAN☠️𝕏 @Sarki_sultan]

Abba, the abducted corp member, has once again sent a video using the kidnappers phone, confirming that he's still alive.
The bandits are still asking for 2 motorcycles, even after they got the 10m ransom.

https://t.co/fndkJkkpTQ

[Olakunle Ajayi, Ph.D. @olanibire]

There’s a dangerous illusion many of us hold that “It cannot be me.” Hence, the inaction on shutting down Nigeria to demand an end to the killings. Our leaders’ silence mirrors our collective indifference. The question is what will be the tipping point that forces urgent action?

[$ULTAN☠️𝕏 @Sarki_sultan]

Update on Abba, the NYSC corps member who was abducted:

Since receiving the ₦10 million ransom payment, Abba's abductors have completely cut off all communication with his family.

Given the situation, the family has decided not to pay any more ransom (including the bikes his abductors requested after the initial payment).

Abba’s family are preparing to hold his Janaza prayer (Gha’ib) on Friday, 6th March, in accordance with Islamic rules.

Abba’s family wishes to express their profound gratitude to everyone who offered support, prayers, donations, and kind words during this ordeal. May the Lord be pleased with you all and reward your generosity abundantly.

We continue to pray: if Abba is still alive, wherever he may be, may the Lord grant him strength and swift release. If he has passed on, may Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus. Ameen.

Please keep the family in your prayers during this difficult time.