18/05/2026
HE SERVES IN THE NAVY BY DAY, WRITES POEMS BY NIGHT: STORY OF AZEEZ MUMEEN
While many Nigerians struggle to survive the demands of a single profession, Azeez Mumeen Abiodun has chosen a path that combines discipline, intellect, and creativity in an extraordinary way.
The Iseyin-born Nigerian Navy officer lives a life divided between military service, pharmacy practice, and poetry — three demanding worlds that rarely meet, yet somehow find balance in his story.
Behind the uniform and strict routines of naval life is a quiet creative whose words are shaped by emotion, pressure, and personal experiences.
Mumeen Azeez, a native of Okala Compound, Ladogan in Iseyin, Oyo State, Azeez joined the Nigerian Navy nearly sixteen years ago. Like many young men in uniform, he learned discipline early, but beneath that discipline was a mind searching for expression.That expression eventually came through poetry.
“Complaints are not encouraged in the military, so I speak through poetry,” he revealed.
For him, writing became more than a passion. It became a personal escape from stress, silence, and emotional burdens that often come with military life.
After long hours of military assignments and responsibilities, while many people would choose rest, Azeez remained committed to building himself academically.
The Nigerian Navy trained him as a Pharmacy Technician while he simultaneously pursued Dental Technology, earning a Higher National Diploma. Not satisfied with stopping there, he later studied Pharmacy at the university and graduated with an impressive CGPA of 4.12/5.00.
His journey, however, was filled with sacrifices.There were moments some colleagues mocked him for spending heavily on books, certifications, and education. Others questioned why he kept pushing himself so hard despite already having a stable military career.But him stayed focused.
“I only wanted to make my family proud,” he said softly.
Finance became one of his toughest struggles as he relied mostly on his salary to fund his ambitions. Time management also became difficult as he tried to balance military duties, academics, and writing.
At a point in his literary journey, inspired by Umar Abubakar Sidi, he challenged himself to write ten poems every day. Though maintaining that routine later became difficult, his love for poetry never faded.
Today, Azeez has written over 200 poems, with some appearing on literary platforms while many remain unpublished.
One of the defining moments in his career came after winning a national and international essay competition organised by UCH-NHS UK on Antimicrobial Stewardship.
The achievement gave him renewed confidence and strengthened his belief in continuous growth.
“That victory made me realize I can always do better,” he said.
Beyond his personal achievements, Azeez has also become a mentor within military circles, helping younger personnel embrace learning, discipline, and self-development.
Those close to him describe him as someone who believes deeply in patience, consistency, and gradual growth rather than shortcuts.
In the world of literature, he draws inspiration from respected writers including Rasak Malik Gbolahan, Rahman Toheeb Abiola, Umar Abubakar Sidi, and Ebi Robert.
Despite all he has achieved, Azeez still believes there is more work ahead.
For young people trying to pursue different dreams at once, his message remains powerful:
“Keep reading, keep trying, and keep making attempts. It may not happen immediately, but one day, there will be reasons to smile.”
From military parades during the day to poetry lines at night, Azeez Mumeen’s journey proves that passion can survive pressure — and that even behind the toughest uniforms, creativity can still breathe.
