In the history of every great nation, there are always great people and in the history of great people, there are always exceptional few, those whose lives and action shape the destiny of the people, those who have an indomitable spirit to develop and contribute passionately to improve the people’s lives . Among such few is Professor Raphael Afonja.
Born in the 70s to the family of Dr. and Mrs Afonja of Adesiyan Compound, Isale Afon, Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo state.
When a man’s every faction leads to success, he becomes an enigma, a figure to be wondered at and an uncommon spectacle in a common world. The young Afonja, who grew up in Kaduna started his success story with a brilliant academic career at Hope Primary School before attending Barewa College, Zaria, and Unity School Ejigbo, Osun State.
Not done yet with his pursuit, Raphael Afonja attended the City University of New York, Long Island University, University of North Dakota, and Eastern New Mexico University where he obtained degrees in Computer Science (A.Sc.), Applied and Theoretical Physics (B.Sc.), Engineering Science (B.Sc., Mechanical), Environmental Science (M.Sc.), Information Science (Ph.D., coursework), Civil Engineering (Ph.D.), and he is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration.
Afonja is a Registered Civil Engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering, Nigeria (COREN), a member of American Society of Civil Engineers, a member of Nigeria Society of Engineers, ha Registered Environmental Professional with the National Registry of Environmental Professionals, a Certified Environmental Professional with the Academy Board of Certified Environmental Professional, and a Certified Environmental and Safety Compliance Officer.
Taking his destiny in his hands, he served as an infantryman/Water Treatment Specialist in the United States Army before becoming a Professor of Engineering at City University of New York. He also served as an Airman with the United States Air Force, where he managed and led the Engineering planning function team.
As a cerebral and highly respected scholar, his professional job experience include, Dean of Faculty at SOWELA Technical Community College, Senior Research Engineer and Consultant with City of Grand Forks, North Dakota. He also worked as a Research Scientist with City University of New York, a Visiting Professor at the University of North Dakota, then went on to lecture as a Professor at SOWELA Technical Community College. He was accepted as a Fulbright Scholar at Lagos State University and he has presented and published thirteen research papers while in academia.
The passion to serve and see real changes in the lives of his people inspired him to establish ICARE, a Nonprofit Organization in the US and Nigeria, whose mission focuses on Women Empowerment, Medical Outreach, Education, and Food Security. He is the Chairman of Gamut Engineering and Technology Services and aspired for Federal House of Representatives (Ogbomoso North/ Ogbomoso South/Orire Federal Constituency) in the last election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Recently, the Executive Governor of Oyo state, Engr. Seyi Makinde appointed him as the state Commissioner for Works and Transport.
According to Afonja, his mission in life is to see a developed and secured Oyo State with good Social Welfare System for all citizens. As a farm owner, he believes building new and maintaining solid infrastructures in Oyo State will boost economy for all sectors, most especially stakeholders such as farmers. He believes that attracting investors and partnering with private industries for all sectors will also provide employment opportunities for the youths.
The Ogbomoso born-Professor of Engineering reiterated that his vision for Oyo state aligns with that of the state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde,
Professor Raphael Afonja is happily married and blessed with children.
