BACKGROUND
On 30th December, 1954 in the ancient city of Kaduna, barely a week after Nigeria concluded her General Elections, Emmanuel Olugbenga Ariba was born into the illustrious family of Pa Ezekiel Ayodele Alayode Ariba (Baba Kaduna) who was a Headmaster, business man and Madam Winifred Feyisola Ariba a successful trader. The third child of a large family.


ACADEMIC PURSUIT
Emmanuel Olugbenga Ariba, started his academic journey at St. Michael’s Primary School and Inisha Grammar School, Osogbo for his Primary and Secondary School respectively. After his Secondary School Education, he got admitted into the Premier Institution of learning,University of Ibadan where he bagged B.A Hons, Theatre Arts in 1977. He recieved his Masters of Art (Theater Art) in 1982 at the same University. His quest for knowledge lured him to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) where he received his Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication in 1997. Before his demise, Olugbenga was studying for his PhD in Advertising TV Commercial at the the Premier Institution of learning, University of Ibadan.

CAREER

Gbenga Ariba began his Broadcast journalism exploit at Radio Nigeria as a Producer II (Drama) in 1978 where he was writing, producing and editing drama programmes. Two years after, he was promoted to the position of a Producer, handling documentaries & feature programmes of the station. He became a Senior Producer in 1982 where he was supervising and allocating programmes to Producers before rising to the position of Principal Producer.

In 1989, he was appointed Officer in Charge of Radio 3, a station set up to serve needs of a cosmopolitan and multicultural society; broadcasting in four Languages (Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Pigdin). As Officer in Charge, Gbenga Ariba supervised the administration of the station and ensured that the primary purpose of setting it up – a grass root station was achieved.

Gbenga Ariba also acted in the drama of series and wrote quite a number of Scripts for these series while at Radio Nigeria 2 (Metro FM). “Long Throat Junction” where he played the role of Jimoh Oko Salamotu and “Citizen Muda”.     He initiated some fascinating programmes such as ”Mr. Rowland Heshaws Restaurant”, a 15 Minute Social Drama Series for Radio; “Discordant Note”, a 30 Minute/55 Radio/TV programmes about the lives of a young couple; “Adventures of Sunny Sunny”, another 15 minute drama series on a Maverick Journalist.

As a playwright, Gbenga Ariba has written over 200 radio plays and most of his works are Radio/TV Drama which have enjoyed broadcast on the FRCN Network and sometimes ago on the NTA Network. Some of his plays include; The Return, A Dying Union, The Crux of the matter, Heart of Forgiveness, The Suspense, Changing Time, Operation keep Gandu street, Some Lecture, Back to roots, The Birthday present, Brothers keepers, Starting in the City, Poor man dey suffer, Baba Iyabo’s Visit, Kitchen Na Number 1 office, Foreign wetin, Aids dey o, Aids no dey show for face, Tolotolo na Turkey, The Invasion, Tokunbo Mentality, Original 419 among others.

While working at NTA Lagos, he contributed scripts to programmes like; For Better for Worse 1980 – 85 (Scripts and Acting), Play of the week 1980 – 85 (Scripts and Acting), The Cradle – one of those that created the programme under the supervision of Mr. Kalu Okpi (1989).

“Gandu Street”, a 15 Minute hilarious and exciting Drama Series that reflects the typical Nigeria society which featured Pa Gandu, a Retired Civil Servant; “Have you heard?”, a pungent and satirical 15 minute Drama Series on the Nigerian Society; “Adventure of Sunny Sunny”, a Drama Series on a Maverick Journalist.

He also produced Radio Commercials and Jingles including; Belfil Sewing thread (1999), Afex Bank (2002), Mobil Commercials (2002), Maldox (2003), Dorchestar Cigarette (2003), Dangote Salt (2006), Flit Insecticide (2006).

His advertising mastery unfolded in September 1990 when he was employed as a Senior Manager at Lintas Advertising Limited. While at the Advertising firm, he produced sensational Radio/TV Commercials, some of which include; Gala Sausage Roll (Jingle, 1990), Oroyo TVC Commercial and Jingle (1993), Satis Beef Sausage TVC (1993), Captain Jeleen TVC (1994), Maltina Moments TVC (1994), Close up Sachet (1994), Pepsodent TVC (1993), STAR/ Maltina Promo TVC (1993-97), Mobil TVCs (1993), Star Radio Commercial (1994), (Shine Shine Bobo), Cafenol/Panadol (Radio, 1993)

By 1996, Gbenga had become the Group Head and Head Radio, Film Department. A role that allowed him research, conceptualize and provide strategies for the production of major radio and TV commercial campaigns.

In 1998, Gbenga founded G.A. Productions in Lagos. A Radio/TV production company that fully engaged in the Production of Radio and TV Commercials; Documentaries, features and Drama programmes for Radio, TV and Home videos. The media outfit has Two (2) Studios for Radio Voice over/Jingle production Studio and A TV Production and Post-Production.

The firm also engaged in Advertising and Public Relations where Gbenga writes and produces Radio/TV Commercials, Drama, Features, Documentaries and Light, Entertainment Programmes; trains Produces/Directors and supervises production of creative works.

The Media guru was offered an appointment as a Part Lecturer at Lagos State University – Adebola Adegunwa School of Communication, Surulere and majored on Contemporary Broadcasting, TV Production, Editing, Drama and Video Production

After his exploit at LASU, the veteran broadcaster joined Crescent University, Abeokuta in 2008 as a lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication where he taught over 15 courses in broadcasting, drama and documentary, news and feature writing, film and programme, consumer management, among others.

When he left Crescent University in 2015, he was offered an appointment at Chrisland University, Abeokuta. While at Chrisland University, he was a foundation member of the department and friend to the Board of Trustees. He worked assiduously, serving in various capacities in the University. He served as the Head of Media Unit/ PRO and former HOD, Mass Communication Department. During his tenure, his support and commitment to the Department and University was awesome, which led to the University equipping the department with a state-of-the-art Radio and Television Studio. Gbenga Ariba promoted the good image of the University through various Media Houses in Lagos and Ogun State. He never gave up on the University with his valuable advice on how to advertise and move the University forward. As a matter of fact, he was recommended as one of the most committed and dedicated staff. He was also a part time lecturer at the Federal Radio Corporation FRCN Training School, Shogunle, Lagos State.

As a member of several distinguished profession, including the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Nigeria Institute of Public Relations Gbenga has other academic and professional qualifications to his credit.

He was currently on a research titled The Role of Persuasion in Advertising TV Commercial for his MPli/Ph.D at the University of Ibadan 2011, a programme he was running till his call to glory.  

FAMILY LIFE

Gbenga married his baby girl and heart-throb for over forty years, Deaconess Olufunmilayo Ariba, daughter of Late Pa. Olaseni Fakolujo and Mrs. Alaba Fakolujo [nee Oyemade] on the 4th of November, 1983 at St. John’s Anglican Church, Aroloya and their union is blessed with four children, doing excellently in various professional fields and business. They are Barr. Ajibola Ariba, Mrs. Omolade Fapohunda [nee Ariba], Mr. Olagenro Ariba and Mr. Abayomi Ariba. He is blessed with lovely grandchildren, extended family members, friends and loved ones. Gbenga ensured that his Children had quality education from Primary to Masters Level and beyond.

He actively engaged his children, mentored and provided the needed support for them to excel in their various career. The affection, bond and love shared with Mrs. Funmi Ariba were witnessed by everyone as they attended every social function together.

SOCIAL LIFE

Gbenga Ariba was a devout christain and prominent member of the All Saints Anglican Church, Yaba where he was actively involved in the publication of the Church’s Magazine. He has travelled across Nigeria, Africa and Western countries to update his knowledge in Journalism, Advertising and Corporate Communications. He has mentored many practitioners and students in the media sector.

He enjoyed watching Nat Geo Wild and Super Sports channels on DSTV (Football in particular); as he was a passionate supporter of Arsenal Football Club. He was conferred with the Otunba title by Oba Abdul-Rasheed Omotayo “Cossy” Salami (The Saderiren of Isonyi-Ijebu) in 2021.

Gbenga was a gentleman par excellence, a good and kindhearted man; he was a motivator, confidant, father to many children/students. He touched the high and the low in his immediate and extended environment.

Otunba  Emmanuel Olugbenga  Ariba a.k.a. (Gbenga Ariba)  will be greatly missed by his family, friends and loved ones most especially his Dearest Wife, Funmi and the Children.