Wale Jagun & Mariam Akinloye
It was indeed a well -deserved celebration of one of the few professional community journalism practitioners around, as media experts and eminent personalities paid glowing tributes to the Publisher/Reporter -in -Chief of THE IMPACT newspaper, Kunle Adelabu, on his birthday.
The grassroots journalist celebrates his birthday every August 4th.
Media professionals, including publishers, editors, senior reporters, journalism teachers, notable government functionaries and community leaders, took time out to join numerous other well -wishers to honour and acknowledge the impacts of the revered grassroots reporter who, for over three decades, have engaged in community media practice.
Their tributes were part of the massive outpouring of birthday wishes on THE IMPACT newspaper’s WhatsApp platform and other social media platforms, for the publisher’s 2026 birthday celebration.
Otunba Ganiyu Abiru, Executive Secretary, Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative Limited (IDPIL) and former Clerk/Permanent Secretary, Lagos State House of Assembly, in his tributes, said that the celebrant has been consistently outstanding in terms of impacts.
”Happy birthday to Adelabu, the Chairman and CEO Impact.
“You have done very well as a prolific writer and deep thinker. Though, there are many journalists in lkorodu division, but your contributions, commitment to the growth and development of lkorodu division cannot go unrecognized. You have, by your diligence and hard work, succeeded in making IMPACT brand a household name not only in lkorodu, but outside of d division.
“On this glorious and special day of yours, I pray God of mercies will open doors of opportunities that will facilitate the accomplishment of your heart’s desire.
“You are a nice guy with heart of Gold.
“Once again, happy birthday and may your destiny bless you with a brighter future. Cheers!!! It shall always be well with you”.
Former Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and a community leader in Ikorodu, Mr Saheed Kolawole Shillings, also congratulating the celebrant, described him as a resourceful and hardworking journalist.
”To a resourceful, diligent and hardworking journalist, a community developer and a joint to many bones, happy birthday Kunle Adelabu, and many happy returns!”.
A communication scholar with the Department of Mass Communication, Lagos State University (LASUSTECH), Dr. Steven Anu’ Adesemoye, acknowledging the reporter’s contributions to journalism, described him as a genuine journalism professional.
“Beyond and above your stature, your outstanding contributions to community journalism shine like the morning sun.
“Your principles distinguished you. Your consistency defines you. Your frankness protects you. You stand as the finest portrait of genuine journalism”.
Dr Steven furthered: “Ìkòròdú celebrates you. Journalism appreciates you. Champion of modern community journalism, happy birthday”.
”Ire kanka, kabiti”, he prayed.
Dr Ade Inasa-Thomas, a senior journalism scholar with the Department of Mass Communication, Lagos State University (LASU), also paying his own tributes, said that the celebrant has raised the bar in his professional practice.
”Happiest happy birthday to a dear brother, professional colleague and Journalist par excellence. Your commitment to the profession has raised the bar.
“You have truly been a great ambassador and influence in the Journalism profession. I pray for more years of greater impact. May God grant you grace for greater exploits in the years ahead.
“Congratulations! Igba odun, odun kan ni o lase edumare”.
Prince Ganny Awobajo, Publisher of Ikorodu News, also congratulating his junior colleague and one time reporter, said:
‘Happy birthday to you – a professional colleague of note, community advocate. Congratulations on this special day of yours”.
The Editor, Uhuru Times and political consultant, Mr Wale Adedayo, also described Adelabu as a quality journalist.
”Quality professional. Omo Oodua Pataki. You are highly valued!”.
Otunba Dare Odufowokan, former Political Editor with the Nation newspaper and now a Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to the Governor of Ogun State, described the reporter as a remarkable professional.
”Congratulations to one of the most remarkable professionals in my sector.
”Many more years in greatness and peace of mind. Congratulations”.
The Senior Special Assistant on Political Mobilisation and Strategy to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Ibrahim Kehinde Oladega (Degababa Dega), also acknowledging the celebrant’s impacts in journalism, wrote:
”My brother and a friend, a media icon. One of the footprints of community journalism in Lagos. Happy birthday. Signed sir! Jagun Adelabu Kunle”.
Elder James K. Alabi, FCA, MBA JP, a renowned community developer in Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, on behalf of the Igbe Road Rehabilitation Committee (IRRC), celebrated Adelabu for his grassroots impacts and principles.
”A great guy, a man of vision and impacts, resourceful, diligent, and consistently focused.
”Happy birthday to you, my great brother and fellow community developer.
”Your roles during the rehabilitation of our dear Igbe Road still stand unparalleled. A shining light, covering events at every stage, without receiving a dime from us.
”You are a man of principle, a man who walks the talk, dependable, sincere, and reliable.
”We celebrate you on this your beautiful birthday. Congratulations”.
The Yeye Opomulero of Ikorodu, Yeye Adeola Agunbiade, also congratulating the celebrant, lauded his commitment to credible journalism practice.
”Happy Birthday @Kunle Adelabu, @Mr. IMPACT as fondly called.
”Your unwavering commitment to truth, integrity, and credible journalism, has earned you the respect and admiration of many. Thank you for always keeping our community informed with accurate and balanced news, and for all you do behind the scenes that often goes unseen but never goes unnoticed.
”Wishing you many more years of good health, greater achievements, and continued impact. Congratulaions, once again, Mr. Impact!”.
A community youth leader in Igbogbo and former President, Igbogbo Youth Coalition (IYC), Mr Gbenga Oduniyi, commended ‘Mr Impact’ for using his platform and practice to give Ikorodu Division the much needed voice.
“Happy Birthday to you, Kunle Adelabu.
”The brain behind Impact Newspaper, a topmost voice in Ikorodu Division. You are a storyteller with purpose, a builder with vision, and a proud member of the Achievers Crew.
“Through your pen and your platform, you’ve given Ikorodu a voice, spotlighted our people, and held truth to light. You don’t just report the news, you shape community, you inspire action, and you create impact that lasts”.
Oduniyi, who is also the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), Achievers’ Crew, a development and community based group, acknowledging further the impacts of the celebrant, said:
”As a true community developer, your work goes beyond headlines. You connect people, you empower young minds, and you turn challenges into opportunities. May your influence keep growing from Ikorodu to the world.
“May Impact Newspaper keep waxing stronger, and may your own life be filled with greater impact, good health, wisdom, and open doors.
“I pray God crowns your efforts with success, protects you and your family, and writes new chapters of greatness for you. Keep leading, keep impacting. The community is proud of you. Happy Birthday, Baroyin of Ikorodu division”.
Alhaji Mufutau Jimoh, News Editor, Oriwu Sun newspaper, in his own tribute, wrote:
”Happy birthday to our dear juggernaut publisher and deeply conscious and dedicated journalist, Prince Olukunle Omo Adelabu.
“My sincere prayer for you is that God will crown all your efforts with success that commensurate your hard work over the years in no distant future. Amin thuma Amin.
“Congratulations and many happy returns sir!”.
Another communication scholar and former editor with Oriwu Sun newspaper, Mr Ramson Acheme, also acknowledged Adelabu as a seasoned journalist and community developer.
”Happy Birthday, sir. You’re a distinguished editor-in-chief, a fantastic journalist, a seasoned entrepreneur and a community man.
“We appreciate your sacrifices and for bearing the touch of community journalism in the digital age”.
