+20th Anniversary Of His Parrot Xtra
It was a gathering of who-is-who from across different sectors in Ibadan and beyond on Monday, 5 May, 2025 at the luxurious Excellessor Lounge, Basorun, Ibadan where Ambassador Olayinka Agboola, publisher of ParrotXtra Magazine, celebrated his 60th birthday and 20 years anniversary of ParrotXtra Media Network in style.
The party, which also berthed Southwest Leadership and Legacy Summit and the launching of ParrotXtra Compendium, was colorful and glamorous. Everything about the party speaks volumes about the person of the celebrant. Agboola is naturally a lovable and a cool-headed man. So it wasn’t surprising the level of supports and the massive turnout experienced during his birthday celebration despite being on a working day.
Former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi (chairman of the summit), Oloye Lekan Alabi, Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu, Nollywood actor, Dele Odule and a whole lot of others all honored Agboola and celebrated his life and years of excellence in media.
The Bosue fuji maestro, Dr. Adewale Ayuba was on bandstand, and was, as usual, at his best. City People’s DARE ADENIRAN (08057639079) brought to you some interesting gists from the well attended party. Enjoy it……
ABOUT THE CELEBRANT
Olayinka Agboola is an Ibadan man. He was born and raised in the ancient city. He attended Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan. He had two degrees from the University of Ibadan, B.A in Archaeology and M.A. in History. Agboola later obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos. He officially started his journalism career at the defunct Fame Weekly Magazine in Lagos in 1991, after his service year.
Before establishing ParrotXtra Media Network, a division of ProKonnect Limited in 2024, Agboola, aside Fame Magazine, worked with ThisDay Newspaper, Ovation International Magazine, Sketch Newspapers and the Nigerian Tribune. He also served as Deputy Chief Press Secretary under the administration of late former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Lamidi Onaolapo Adesina (Lam Adesina).
He’s the Publisher of ParrotXtra Glossy Magazine and the online version, PMParrot.com as well as production of a popular radio show, ParrotXtra Hour/Ayekooto on one of Nigeria’s biggest radio stations, Splash 105.5fm, Ibadan every Tuesday by 11a.m.
THE SUMMIT
Yinka Agboola has been commended by many by not limiting his birthday celebration to mere merry merry. The occasion doubled as the South West Leadership Summit and Award, themed “South West: Critical Issues to Shape the Future.” Dr. Seye Oyeleye, Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, was the Guest Lecturer. He delivered a thought-provoking lecture, highlighting the region’s challenges and opportunities.
Oyeleye, who was represented by Prince Adetayo Adeleke-Adedoyin, Head, Special Projects and Funding at DAWN Commission, emphasised the need for vision-driven action to propel the SouthWest forward, citing five critical issues—leadership, media, AI, technology, youth, and security—that will determine the region’s future. He stressed that the South West’s survival and sustainability depend on addressing these challenges, leveraging its rich cultural heritage, and harnessing its youthful population’s potential. He pictured a future where the South West becomes a consolidated bloc of Smart, Attractive, Vibrant, Optimal, and Resilient (SAVOR) locations, driven by leaders with vision, media that speaks truth to power, and youth empowered with skills.
- YEMI FAROHUMBI’S FATHERLY ROLE
Former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi was the chairman of the summit. Farohumbi, in his welcome address, not only spoke highly of Yinka Agboola’s resilience and achievements in media but also hammered on action plans for the development of South West region. He highlighted the region’s unique cultural and historical context, emphasising the need for regional leadership to drive economic development.
He said, “South West is the only geographical and political region that share the same soil type, same climatic conditions, almost the same vegetation, culture, language and history.
“That is why South West has to be the leader in economic development because we are homogeneous. People who share almost the same thing but looking in different directions. Farohumbi also called for unity and collective action to address the region’s challenges and unlock its potential.
ABOUT PARROTXTRA MEDIA COMPENDIUM
Also to commemorate Yinka Agboola’s 60th birthday, Parrot Xtra Media Network Compendium was launched. The first of its kinds compendium was launched by Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, the first female Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and the lawmaker who represented Oyo Central in the Senate. The compendium comes in three parts. One is about Yinka Agboola and the story of ParrotXtra Media Network. The second part are interviews some of the guests that have featured on ParrotXtra Hour/Ayekooto on radio. While the third part features photos and dates of birth of members of Parrot WhatsApp community, Friends of Parrot on WhatsApp. Sunmonu, during the unveiling of the compendium, described Agboola’s contributions to media and society as commendable. “The compendium is a valuable reference material for future generations,” she said.
BETWEEN YINKA AGBOOLA & D.J SEMITE
It’s an open secret in Ibadan that both Ambassador Olayinka Agboola and the entertainment guru, Semiu Adenekan, popularly known as D.J Semite, are very close. They are friends-turned-brothers. So it wasn’t surprising to Semite standing by his brother on his milestone celebration of 60th birthday. Semite didn’t only the host (his Excellessor Lounge was the venue) but was also the major planner of the party. He was practically on his feet and made sure all went well as planned. Trust Semite, he’s known to be an excellent planner. He was, as usual, at his best during the celebration. The security, the beautiful ushers as well as the sitting arrangement and entertainment were just on point. The Summit was held at the VIP section of the lounge before guests moved to the open lounge for the reception. In fact the venue was cozy, and the party itself was an exciting moments as Dr. Adewale Ayuba dished out melodious tunes to maximum enjoyment of guests.
WHY CELEBRANT’S WIFE WAS ABSENT
Conspicuously missing at the birthday ceremony was the celebrant’s wife, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Agboola. She missed the big day as she is currently in Canada attending to equally important matters. She however sent in her special birthday wishes to her husband. Anjolaoluwa Olayinka-Agboola, the first child of the family, also stood in for her mum and her brother. She flanked her dad for the better part of the ceremony, brimming with joy.
OPULENCE CREATION CEO, BASHIR AKANDE STOLE THE SHOW
Alhaji Bashir Akande shone like a thousand stars at Yinka Agboola’s 60th birthday party. Akande, the CEO of Opulence Creation and Mogaji Olorin family of Ibadanland, stormed the party in style. He’s a business associate of the celebrant. He designs his outfits. Not only that, he’s also the fashion designer for a good number of guests at the party, including the musician of the day, Dr. Adewale Ayuba. Little wonder that both Ayuba and Alhaji Gboyega Lawal, the MC of the event, kept talking about Opulence’s creativity and exquisite designs.
DELE ODULE COORDINATED CUTTING OF THE CAKE
Nollywood actor, Dele Odule was saddled with the responsibility of coordinating the cutting of the beautiful birthday cake which comes in Green and White with a touch Gold color. Odule carried out the assignment excellently well. He was joined by the immediate family of the celebrant and some other top dignitaries in cutting the cake.
WITH LOVE THE PARROT FAMILY
Some set of people who were also outstanding at the party were the members of the Parrot Family. This comprises of present and former staff of ParrotXtra Media Network. They were all there to support and celebrate their team leader, Olayinka Agboola. What stood them out was their unique branded T-shirts. They also presented the celebrant with a big portrait frame with his fine and bold photograph.
THE ROLL CALL
To say that Ambassador Olayinka Agboola’s 60th birthday party was colorful and well attended is an understatement. Dignitaries from all walks of life came around to celebrate a man of impeccable character and a media icon at 60. The list include the former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farohumbi; veteran Nollywood actor, Dele Odule; Maye Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oloye Lekan Alabi; The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander in Oyo State, Rosemary Alo; DCP Abiodun Onoha, who represented the Oyo Commissioner of Police; Dr. Adetayo Adedoyin; Prophet Lucy Adetunji; Alhaji Idowu Oladepo; Prophetess Kehinde Fasoro; Mr. Bello Monsur; representative of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Mr. Kola Olumide; Mrs. Dupe Olunbanjo; Bishop Moradeyo; Mr. Clement Ige; Hon. Akeem Ige; Executive Assistant to Governor Makinde on Culture, Alhaji Gboyega Lawal; Dr. Ogunesan of 1982 set of Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan; Architect Muyiwa Ige; Mr. Godwin Mekwuye of Vivid Imagination; President of Omo Ajorosun Club of Ibadan, Engr. Gbenjo; Barr. Akeem Aponmade; Special Adviser on Media to Oyo State Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun; Uncle Toye Ajagun, Osi Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Akogun Gani Balogun; Chairman, Ibadan North West Local Government, Alhaji Rahman Adepoju, former Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr Taiwo Adisa; Mayor Isaac Brown; Chairman, South West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP); Pastor Bisi Oladele; Mr. Wale Fowosere (Wale Omo Gafo; Comrade Seun Awodele of Honor F.M; Chairman, Yes F.M, Comrade Yemi Sonde among others who are too numerous to mention.
