Chief Muyiwa Alaba Yusuf is an international journalist and publicist, a communications and development strategist, media and public relations consultant, community steward and a gold-hearted philanthropist – one whose epochal career spans nearlly four decades, both home and abroad.
Yusuf was born into a modest enterprising family in present day Akoko South Local Government Area of Ondo on 05 January 1960, ten months before Nigeria’s Independence.
He had his early education in Akungba and Ikare Akoko, respectively.
He did elementary primary schooling at AC/CAC United Primary School, Akungba and graduated with Division One from Oroke High School, Akungba Akoko in 1979. He later proceeded to Ondo State College of Arts and Science, Ikare Akoko, where he obtained advanced level certificates in three subjects in 1981.
He is also an alumnus of both the University of Lagos (1986 set) and the London School of Public Relations, LSPR. Yusuf had cut his character development teeth at The Coaching Academy, United Kingdom.
He also had stints at the Nigerian Institute for Journalism and the Centre for Management Development (CMD) both in Nigeria.
Since 2012 till date, Yusuf has been useful as a resource person to ECOWAS on Conflict Resolution and Early Warning Conferences across the Sub-Region.
Work History: at 21 in 1981, Yusuf joined Ondo State Ministry of Information and was attached, at different times, to four Commissioners/Ministries between 1981-83. Prominent among them is current Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, 94, who was then the Commissioner for Finance under Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin’s administration.
Others were Chiefs Olawunmi Falodun, Olufemi Ilori and the State Attorney General, Aderibigbe who hailed from Owo.
After resignation from Ondo State Civil Service Commission in 1983 and further education at UNILAG, 1983-86, Yusuf served his country in old Anambra State (now Ebonyi State), where he published his first magazine at Ezza Girls Secondary School, using archaic typewriter, stencils and old Rank Xerox ink copier. The publication was called the GUARD. Its motto was to Uproot Ignorance and Plant Tolerance.
In 1988, Yusuf joined the famous Vintage People Magazine, published by veteran journalist and consummate columnist, Mr. Muyiwa Adetiba.
Youthful Alaba Yusuf soon became a national household name through his weekly investigative and entertaining stories.
In 1991, Yusuf flew to London aboard now defunct Nigeria Airways on a N5,000 return ticket. Later, United Kingdom was to become a second home to him and his family.
In UK, Yusuf continued in his prowess for societal stewardship. He collaborated with his friend Basorun Dele Momodu as foundation editors of Ovation Magazine in 1996.
He was also the spokesman for Nigerian National Union in UK and Ireland, NNU. The Union created the idea of Right to Vote for Nigerians abroad, and instrumental to the coming of alternate airlines into Nigeria, Virgin Nigeria in particular.
After the stint at Ovation and post graduate education at the London School of Public Relations, Yusuf set up arguably the first all-Nigerian-owned PR outfit in UK, known as Labamedia Communications, whose clientele ranged from scores of Nigerian restaurants, Churches and musicians to the Nigerian High Commission under Ambassador Prince Bola Ajibola, KBE.
Based on Yusuf’s advice the High Commissioner moved Visa Department from Fleet Street to current Northumberland Avenue. Diplomatic tool was also deployed to free the Nigerian couple jailed 7 years for selling bushmeat.
Professionally, the Labamedia boss managed the crisis that followed the dastardly murder of a 10-year-old Nigerian boy, Master Damilola Taylor in year 2000.
Today, a big Library has been named after the slain teen in Peckham South East London.
Famous charities also enlisted with Labamedia, such as the ones run by soccer star Nwankwo Kanu (Kanu Heart Foundation) and global celebrity and super model, Patti Boylaye’s Support for Africa on HIV/Malaria.
Labamedia Communications also published a good cause Magazine named NOBLE PEOPLE, which featured world celebrities who are into charitable activities.
In the course of his career, Yusuf has met with the high and mighty in society. They include: former heads of states Madiba Nelson Mandela of South Africa, John Kuffour of Ghana, Generals Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Olusegun Obasanjo, respectively.
He has also worked with First Ladies, Vice Presidents, Senators, Ministers, royal fathers, sports, movie and music stars – all too numerous to mention.
Back home in Nigeria, Akinrogun worked as General Manager Communication and Strategy to Indian-iwned Concessionaire company for Ajaokuta Steel Company, ItakpeIron Ore Mining Company and Delta Steel Company, Aladja-Warri, 2006-2007.
On the political turf, Yusuf was the National Spokesman for Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) 2013-14. He was also Head of PR at APC Presidential Campaign Council Media and Publicity Committee in 2014-15. Yusuf currently serves as Head of Public Relations Unit at Atiku Media 9ffice, since June, 2014.
Akinrogun Alaba Yusuf belongs to many clubs and associations: the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, the Nigerian Institute of Journalists, Alumni of the University of Lagos, Ultimate Club Akungba Akoko, Okarufe Leadership Association and a host of others
Akinrogun Alaba Yusuf is married to a UK registered nurse, Olaide Alaba Yusuf (now Yeye Akinrogun). They have two professional adult children: Miss Abimbola Omolabake, a financial analyst and Engineer Olawale Kayode, son.
