17/08/2026
A Message of Gratitude, Thanksgiving and Appreciation
Good morning, my mothers, my fathers, my brothers, my sisters, my friends, associates, colleagues, well-wishers, and everyone who knows and supports me.
The past few days have been nothing short of extraordinary. In many ways, it still feels like a dream.
This past week marked a significant moment in my life. I was honoured with the conferment of an honorary doctorate, and with that recognition came an overwhelming outpouring of love, encouragement, prayers and goodwill that has genuinely touched my heart.
Over the last 48 hours especially, I have witnessed love directed towards me in a way that I could never have imagined. Messages have come from near and far. People have celebrated with me, prayed for me and reminded me just how blessed I am to have such wonderful people surrounding me.
I am deeply humbled, genuinely grateful and, in truth, still somewhat lost for words.
I never imagined that someone like me would one day receive such recognition. Throughout my life, particularly throughout my journey within the security profession and in service to others, I have never pursued recognition, titles or rewards.
I have simply tried to do what I believe is right.
I have served because I believe in progress. I have worked because I love the craft and profession that I represent. I have tried to contribute because I believe that whatever knowledge, experience or opportunity God gives us should ultimately be used to make a difference in the lives of others.
And so, to be recognised in this way is something that I receive with profound humility.
To everyone who stood up and was counted, thank you.
To those who rearranged their schedules, travelled and accompanied me to Stevenage to witness this important moment in my life, I will never forget your sacrifice, your presence and your love.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation to His Royal Majesty, Ọba Oluwatimilehin Kehinde Abẹfẹ Falayi, Arole Ayajọ, Fagbade I of London, for his unwavering support and for personally accompanying me to Stevenage. Your Royal Majesty, your presence, encouragement and continued belief in me meant more than words could ever adequately express.
To my beloved Godmother, who took time from her very busy schedule to accompany me and share this special occasion with me, thank you. Your love, prayers and presence will forever remain part of the memory of that day.
There are also some very special people whom I simply cannot allow this moment to pass without acknowledging.
To Professor Orlando Mardner, my friend, my Brother and my mentor, thank you for your guidance, encouragement and the wisdom you have shared with me. Your influence has played a meaningful part in my journey, and I will always remain grateful.
To Ambassador Adekunle Badmus, the man who made me believe in my abilities, thank you. Sometimes in life, all a person needs is for someone else to see the potential in them before they can fully see it in themselves. You did that for me. You encouraged me to look beyond my own limitations and recognise what I was capable of becoming. For that, I will always be grateful.
To Chief Dr. Adesegun Oshin, my Big Brother, your constant love, support, encouragement and belief in me helped me to believe in myself. You have stood by me through so much, and words will never truly express what your support means to me. Big Bro, thank you for always being there.
To Grace Durojaiye Ibrahima, the woman who refused to allow me to give up on my dreams, thank you. When there were moments when it would have been easier to stop, you reminded me why I started. You encouraged me to keep pushing, keep believing and keep moving forward. I will never forget that.
To Michael Ediale — my Lieutenant, my Brother and, where the Army of Salvation is concerned, my partner in crime — what can I say? You have stood shoulder to shoulder with me through countless moments, responsibilities, challenges and achievements. Bro, I love you. Thank you for your loyalty, your friendship and your unwavering support.
To my sisters, Tina, Lola and Olamide — well, what can I say? Despite the fact that I am your Big Bro, you have always managed to keep me grounded! 😆 You remind me when necessary that titles, achievements and responsibilities may change, but family will always be family. I love and appreciate you all more than words can say.
And to Doyin Amodu — babe, as you always say to me: “Say nuttin!” 😆
You already know. Thank you for the friendship, the laughter, the encouragement and all the moments that need no explanation.
To my Church leadership, especially Pro. Ojutalayo, and to every elder, leader, brother, sister and friend who has ever quietly called me to one side to offer advice, correction, guidance or encouragement — God bless you. Sometimes those private words have had more impact than you may ever realise.
To my church family as a whole, thank you for your prayers and encouragement.
To my brothers and sisters in the Army of Salvation, thank you for your loyalty, love and support.
To the church choir, thank you.
To my family at the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, 175 Earlham Grove, and to every member who has openly celebrated and supported me, I am sincerely grateful.
To the First Power Group, and to every organisation, association, professional body, traditional institution, church group, friendship circle and community to which I belong, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
To my family — my mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and loved ones — thank you for being the foundation upon which so much of my life has been built.
To my friends and associates, some of whom have walked with me for many years and others whom God has brought into my life more recently, thank you for believing in me.
And to everyone who sent a message, made a telephone call, posted a photograph, offered a prayer, congratulated me publicly or privately, or simply smiled and said, “Well done” — please know that I saw you, I felt your love and I appreciate you.
I must also acknowledge another group of people.
To my adversaries.
To those who doubted me.
To those who told me I would never make it.
To those who believed I was incapable, who dismissed my dreams or who thought my ambitions were beyond my reach...
Thank you.
Yes, genuinely, thank you.
Because sometimes opposition creates determination. Sometimes rejection builds resilience. Sometimes the words that were intended to discourage us become the very fuel that drives us forward.
So to everyone who ever said, “You will never make it,” I say simply:
Thank you all.
You may never have realised it, but you helped strengthen my resolve.
And then, finally, to three of the most important people in my world:
Danni, Joel and Jeriah.
My children.
My reasons for waking up every day.
Everything I strive for, everything I build, every lesson I learn and every height I try to reach has a deeper meaning because I know that three pairs of eyes are watching my journey.
I want you to understand that success is not simply about titles, awards or recognition. It is about character, perseverance, service, integrity and having the courage to keep going when life tells you to stop.
If anything I achieve in this life inspires you to believe that your own dreams are possible, then every struggle I have faced will have been worthwhile.
Danni, Joel and Jeriah, I love you all so very much. More than words can ever adequately express.
This honour may have my name attached to it, but I recognise that no individual reaches any meaningful height completely alone.
There are always people praying behind the scenes.
There are people encouraging us when nobody else sees.
There are people correcting us, supporting us, opening doors for us and sometimes simply standing beside us when the road becomes difficult.
This moment therefore belongs, in part, to every one of you who has contributed to my journey.
I pray that the God who has allowed me to experience this season of celebration will cause each and every one of us to be celebrated in our own time.
May doors open for you.
May your labour be recognised.
May your sacrifices never be forgotten.
May those things you have done quietly, without applause or recognition, speak for you in places where your name has not yet reached.
May we all continue to rise, grow, prosper and move from one level of grace and accomplishment to another.
As for me, this honour is not an ending.
It is a renewed responsibility.
It challenges me to work harder, serve better, lead more responsibly, continue developing professionally, and use whatever influence God gives me in the advancement of security, personal protection, humanity and service to others.
I remain the same Michael you have always known — only more grateful, more determined and even more conscious of the responsibility that comes with recognition.
From the deepest part of my heart:
Thank you.
Thank you for the love.
Thank you for the prayers.
Thank you for the encouragement.
Thank you for the correction.
Thank you for believing in me.
Thank you even to those who doubted me.
And above everything else, to Almighty God be all the glory, honour and adoration.
Without God, none of this would have been possible.
I love and appreciate you all.
May God bless you.
May God bless your families.
May your own day of recognition and celebration come.
And may we all continue to rise together to greater and greater heights.
Thank you so very much.
Prince (Dr.) Adedayo Oluwagbemiga Oshin JP
