“Today, I celebrate my Golden Jubilee — years that were never promised, yet lovingly granted by Allah… From my very first breath, my life has been a sign of Allah’s mercy and decree.”
— Yakubu Kamaldeen Aliagan
By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
Some lives begin quietly; others announce themselves with destiny. The life of Yaqub Kamaldeen Aliagan, fondly and universally called Meta, belongs unmistakably to the latter.
Fifty years ago, Meta entered the world under circumstances that could only be described as a divine script unfolding in real time. He was the last-born of triplets, a fragile arrival after prolonged labour that left medical experts doubtful of his survival. Expectations were low, hope was thin—but Allah’s decree was absolute. Against all odds, the child doctors feared might not live became the only survivor of the triplets.
That extraordinary birth did not go unnoticed. It drew the attention of the then Military Governor of Kwara State, Colonel Ibrahim Taiwo, who promised gifts for the newborn triplets. Political upheaval soon followed—the overthrow of the General Murtala Mohammed government—and the promise remained unfulfilled. Yet, as history would show, Allah had already written a far greater gift for Meta: life, purpose, and longevity.
Today, as he marks his Golden Jubilee, Meta’s own words best capture the essence of his journey:
“Today, I celebrate my Golden Jubilee — years that were never promised, yet lovingly granted by Allah… From my very first breath, my life has been a sign of Allah’s mercy and decree.”
Indeed, every year since that fragile beginning has been nothing short of a blessing. His life has unfolded not through entitlement, but through gratitude; not by noise, but by grace. Through ease and hardship, strength and vulnerability, Allah has carried him, protected him, and sustained him beyond human expectation.
Alhamdulillah for fifty years of life.
Professionally, Yakub Kamaldeen Aliagan represents the power of quiet excellence. A communications expert, journalist, and public relations professional, he has devoted decades to public service, strategic communication, and ethical information management. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from the University of Ilorin and a Master’s degree in Linguistics from the University of Ibadan, Meta blends intellectual depth with calm professionalism.
His career has been defined by responsibility and trust. As Head of Corporate Affairs at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, he oversees institutional communication and public engagement with dignity and discretion. His earlier service with the Kwara State Ministry of Information and Communication and as Press Secretary to the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development further reflects a life committed to responsible journalism and public accountability. A registered member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Meta’s professional identity is rooted in integrity, balance, and restraint.
Yet, beyond offices held and titles earned, Meta is most celebrated for who he is.
A quiet noble figure, he embodies contentment in an age driven by excess and noise. He is a devoted husband, an accommodating and dependable brother, and a loving, caring father whose home mirrors the calm wisdom he brings to public life. As a confidant, he listens more than he speaks. As a brother, he gives without fanfare. Many even affectionately refer to me as his twin brother—a reflection of our closeness—though history records him as the sole survivor of the triplets, preserved by Allah for a higher purpose.
As he steps into this new chapter of life, Meta does so with humility, offering a prayer rather than a proclamation:
“May Allah accept what has passed, forgive my shortcomings, and fill what remains of my life with purpose, peace, and closeness to Him.”
That prayer resonated deeply across the Aliagan family, whose collective gratitude turned his birthday into a shared testimony of faith. Warm tributes flowed freely—celebrating him as Omo Aliagan, Omo Olojo, Omo Arolu, Omo Ilenla—and acknowledging his life as “a miracle and a bundle of mercies from the MERCIFUL.” From prayers for rahmah, sakinah, hikmah, good health, and prosperity, one message rang consistently clear: this life is Allah’s favour made manifest.
In his concluding reflection, te celebrant returned all praise to where it belongs:
“All praise belongs to Allah, the Most Merciful. May Allah continue to shower abundant blessings on the Seal of Prophethood, Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam), his household, Companions, and lovers till eternity.” Aamin, thumma Aamin.
At fifty, Yaqub Kamaldeen Aliagan (Meta) stands not merely as a survivor of history, but as a living sign of mercy—a man shaped by gratitude, guided by faith, and grounded in service. His life is a quiet reminder that when Allah decrees, no circumstance can overturn His will.
Alhamdulillah for fifty years. Allahu Akbar for the journey.
And may the years ahead be even more beneficial, peaceful, and pleasing to Allah. Amin.
Aliagan, an Abuja-based Journalist writes a Tribute to celebrate his noble brother!
May Almighty Allah continued to be pleased and gentle with you always! Amin
