Adeniji Raji - Sheer Providence: The Story of My Life

SHEER PROVIDENCE

The Story of My Life

Adeniji Raji, mni

Copyright 2021 by Adeniji Raji

First Edition

All Rights Reserved:

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or any retrieval system, without written permission of the author except in cases of brief quotations contained in articles, essays, reviews and other write-ups.

Published in Nigeria in 2021 by

Expand Press Limited

12, Layi Otegbade Street, Pedro, Lagos, Nigeria

+234 803 717 5322

mybook@expandpressltd.com

www.expandpressltd.com

A catalogue record for this book is available from the National Library of Nigeria.

For further information, please contact

adeniji1941@yahoo.com

08034001101, 08172000246

Engineer Adeniji Raji, popularly called Niji, is a telecommunications engineering consultant, a fellow of the Institute of Electrical Engineers (UK), a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and a member of the National Institute (mni). Until 1983, he was the director of engineering of Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) where he was responsible for planning and operations of the International Telecommunication Services. He served as a board member, International Satellite Organisation (INTELSAT) and a representative of Commonwealth Telecommunications Council and various study groups in International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

From 1983, he has been the managing director and co-founder of BTN Nigeria Limited, a company representing British Telecommunications in Nigeria. He is chairman of Raden Investments Limited, a property development company, and principal partner in RAAD System Engineers, a consulting electrical/electronic engineering firm.

Niji has been a Rotarian since 1984 and has served Rotary International as district governor, zone coordinator for Africa on Membership Development, education and training zone coordinator, committee member of Osaka Convention Committee, member of Salt Lake City Convention Promotion Committee and member of Montreal Convention Promotion Committee. He has also received many Rotary awards including the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service and the Distinguished Service in recognition of his devoted efforts for the furthering of better understanding and friendly relations of people of the world.

Niji was chairman, Board of Governors of Eko Boys High School, Mushin, his alma matter, and past president of Eko Boys High School Old Boys Association.

He is a member of Ikoyi Club 1938 and Metropolitan Club.

Niji has served as president of Lekki Muslim Ummah, from 2011 - 2015 and is currently a trustee of the Ummah. He was chairman, board of governors of Muslim Nursery and Primary School, Okeho, Oyo State and grand-patron, Trust Fund for Children with Disabilities.

He is a trustee of Street Children Foundation, an NGO founded by his wife Lara, and a member of the advisory board of Benola, a cerebral palsy initiative.

He is married to Omolara and they are blessed with children.

Many are born in rural communities, but few have the opportunity of migrating to city centers. Many make it to the city centers but few make a success of their chosen professions, businesses or vocations. Many become successful, but very few are chosen to document their experiences for self-fulfilment and for the benefit of society at large. One of these very few is Engineer Ayinla Adeniji Raji. This is a clear evidence that Niji enjoys the special grace of Almighty Allah. Talk of sheer providence!

Niji has written a book with compellingly readable content. Many readers will resonate with the various experiences he went through, growing up. The book is written in flowing, lucid, detailed and candid style.

He and members of his editorial team should be appreciated for the brilliant job.

How would anyone ordinarily expect that someone who learnt the alphabet by writing on sand, someone who went through games like fire on the mountain, bojuboju, and okoto; someone who didnt wear shoes till the age of fourteen; and someone whose father trekked on holy pilgrimage from Okeho in Oyo State to Mecca in Saudi Arabia and back, would grow up to become one of todays leaders of thought in our nation, making waves in religious, professional, business, national and international organizations like Rotary? As Doris Day sang in 1954, Que sera sera. What will be will be!

Yinusa Ayinla Adeniji Raji is wired to be an enduring success story. He is well grounded in the Islamic religious studies. He is calm, deep, broad-minded and intellectual. He has expertise in conflict resolution processes and he is at ease when handling challenges, no matter their nature. His boundless optimism is derivable from his Arabic origin name Raji which translates to hope. All these and much more, shine through in this enthralling autobiography.

Prince Julius Adewale Adelusi-Adeluyi OFR, mni

Industrialist and chairman of Juli Pharmacy

Former Federal Minister of Health

Given the humble background of PDG Adeniji Raji, his resilience in the face of intimidating challenges of early life, the spartan discipline and the strength of character all combined to make him wade through the uncharted ocean of life successfully, this autobiography is sui generis as it challenges as well as inspires youths never to be despondent, but to remain resolute and essentially to believe in themselves and our Creator.

This is a must-read autobiography for everyone, for we must all come to terms with the time-honored conviction that anyone can make it. We earnestly strive and give the required dedication, for even Providence must be earned because nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Aare Dr. Kola Oyefeso

President, Kotco Group

Aare Gbo-Gbo-Gbo of Remo-Land

Engr Adeniji Rajis resourcefulness landed him at the top echelon of his profession and still paves way for him till date despite his age. He is highly prolific and his literary works are a proof of his versatility, profoundness and intellectual prowess. People like him are a rare breed.

Ridwanullah Jamiu, LL. B, LL.M

Chief Imam, Lekki Central Mosque

Adeniji Raji, an authentic humanist, philanthropist, philosopher, and esteemed engineer, has succeeded in writing a great book and a veritable guide for everyone striving and aspiring to be the very best they are destined to be, against all odds and challenges in 'Life's Journey'!

Raji utilizes a Chaucerian cum Achebesque narrative style in accentuating his life struggles, replete with daunting challenges superseded by triumphant victories. An attitude steeped in old traditional values and virtues of integrity, honesty, unwavering faith, and sheer determination in a very commanding and compelling fashion. This is a story of hope and optimism against the usual tragic tale of vicissitudes.

Wisdom Dafinone

Author, Poet & Tax Advisor

Reading through SHEER PROVIDENCE reminds me of the saying: "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." This phrase runs through most of the early life of Engineer Adeniji Raji. SHEER PROVIDENCE is suffused with acts of faith, perseverance, and regular supplication from an early age. It is a must-read for young people who can take valuable lessons of hard work and determination. On the other hand, older people will learn that the grass that is green across the other side of their fence did not happen by accident; it has been nurtured and tended to regularly by someone. SHEER PROVIDENCE is a delight to read. It is filled with inspiration, and the many lessons life teaches us.