BY MIKE ABU

STOIC perseverance in the face of unprovoked adversity as well as calmness in situations where others would easily lose their cool, could be among the guiding principles, indeed the staying power that have so far paid off handsomely for Arc. Abayomi Sunday Benjamin Awoniyi, Kogi State Deputy Governor at 52.

The route to greatness as defined by William Shakespeare is a three – way course. It could be by birth. It could be by attainment. It could be also by recognition. In this journey of life, Yomi Awoniyi has been able to bestride these three paths and he is still ascending the pedestal of greatness.

Little wonder he is been celebrated as a worthy support to his principal, Capt Idris Wada, the Kogi State Governor. Once, he wanted to be a Senator. He lost but fate was not through with him. Just when he least expect, fate thrust upon him, a bigger responsibility.

In the face of stiff political challenges Arc. Yomi Awoniyi soldiered on like the proverbial patient dog and the rest is now history. If you believe in destiny, then perhaps you will not wonder what bound Architect Awoniyi, to his boss, Captain Idris Ichalla Wada. Both are children of destiny. It is destiny that catapulted both men to the corridors of power.

However, what further helped Architect Awoniyi’s choice as Captain Wada’s running mate is his rich background in the private sector.  Architect Awoniyi is known for his quiet mien and unassuming posture and these have earned him the confidence of his boss and associates.

Born in Lagos, September 4, 1960, Awoniyi’ attended Government Secondary School Okene, between 1971 and 1973 and thereafter moved to Barewa College, Zaria, where in 1976, he bagged his West African School Certificate (WASCE) Grade one. He was subsequently admitted into High School of Basic Studies, Zaria for his Higher School Programme. That was between 1976 and 1978.

He completed the programme in flying colours and got admitted to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria to study Architecture. In 1981, he bagged a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture and proceeded to bag a Master of Science, Architecture in 1983, also from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Determined to be a core professional, he moved onto University College, London in 1983 and by 1984, he had bagged a Master of Science Degree in Urban Development Planning. Arch.

Professional bodies
Yomi Awoniyi, son of the late political icon and seasoned administrator, Chief S. B. Awoniyi, a member of several professional bodies including, Nigeria Institute of Architects, Architects Registration Council of Nigeria and Nigeria Institute of Management, established Awoniyi Associates, a firm of Architects and urban planners in 1988.He was on the board of several companies including Candid Oil Service Limited, Boja Industries Limited, Bold Concept Construction Company Limited and Howas Services Limited before becoming Deputy Governor.

An Architect with vast exposure and experience, Architect Yomi Awoniyi, actually participated in some key National projects. Some of these projects are; The National Library Project, Abuja; an official residence in the presidency, Abuja; The Millennium Tower Project, Abuja; CAC Prototype office buildings in different states across the country; the Abuja Light Rail project; Itakpe Iron Ore project; Ajaokuta Steel Company projects; construction of sailor for Grains storage in different locations across the country; and The Lagos – Ibadan expressway project  among others.

He had other major corporate projects involvement. These include; development of Wema Bank Plc office Complex in Abuja; development of Housing Estate for National Intelligence Agency, Abuja; development of several Bank premises for Union Bank Plc, Lagos; support services to Shell Petroleum Development Company also in Port – Harcourt; support services to Mobil Nigeria Unlimited at the QIT, Eket; Development of Kwara State Liaison office Complex, Abuja, Development of Kogi State House of Assembly, Lokoja, development of Kabba – Ogidi – Ayere Road, Kogi State, Rural Electrification Project at Kabba -Olle – Iluke axis of Kogi State, etc.

He is vastly traveled having visited over 12 countries across the continents of the world for both business and leisure. Architect Yomi Awoniyi, is also a philanthropist.