RISING STARS; Interview with Taiwo

Orolugbagbe Olabanji Joel is popularly known as Òrò. He is  a lover of Christ, a lover and supporter of anything good. He is a Nurse, a Writer and a Socialist with the sole believe that everyone deserves a better life irrespective of who they are, their background, religion, ethnicity, skin colour or gender. 

He chose to be a voice with his integrity in high esteem and to be a hope to those who don't have one. Fighting for a just course, the freedom of the nation, reorientation of the community at large and taking back of our future from the hands of rogues we call leaders is what he loves doing.

Olabanji Joel does so many things which include playing of trumpet, sporting, traveling, exploring with three articles being published by Sahara Reporters ranging from politics to Nursing. However, he has written about 100 articles with over 80 being published on his personal blog and others on relevant media platforms as need be.

Finally, Joel is first appointed President of Sparkling Light Press Group OAUTHCSON (Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, School of Nursing Ile-Ife, Osun State) (2017/18 tenure), former sports director at OAUTHCSON, former PRO & Treasurer of the Fellowship of Christian Nurses, (OAUTHCSON) 2016/17 tenure and the Organising Coordinator at the fellowship during 2017/18 tenure. 

As the sports director, he led his school to a zonal nursing game in 2017 where they emerged as the third position with him having one gold and two silver medals to himself.

 Presently the Deputy Director of Sparkling Light Press Group Sickle Cell Disease Arm, an arm of Sparkling Light Press Group which aims at helping the sickle cell with information, education and needs needed to ease their pains, they see them as the true warriors.

 While in school, his love for music made him join a classical music group called Ring the bell (Campanista family) where he sang as a tenor singer, He picked up the trumpet in 2016 and was trained by the music group where he later performed as one of the orchestras.

Meet our rising star for this week

 Who are you?

I am Olabanji Joel Orolugbagbe, A Nurse, Writer, Socialist and lover of all things that are good.

Where did you come from?

My earthly origin is Ilesa, Osun State but my eternal place is heaven with God.

- What's your take on excellence?

I will regard excellence as success and it's based on individual's definition of what success is. To me, success is a must, it's not about having millions or billions, it's about self actualisation and impact.

- What is your passion?

While growing up, I have seen the hardship people go through in daily basis and the impact of a failed nation on the lives of the youths. Also, as a Nurse I have seen people suffering from various health issues without adequate funding to meet their health needs, all these joined together made to develop a strong passion for advocacy and socialism, I believe we all deserve a better life. Presently doing my part through various media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook page @Olabanji Joel- The Voice, twitter @OlabanjiJoel and personal blog which is Orolugbagbejoelmind.blogspot. com

- What has kept you going in pursuing your passion?

While in Nursing school, I participated in almost all the institution's activities which the school's press group (Sparkling Light Press Group) was part, my passion for media started from then and my voice being heard through media in places where I have not even gotten to keeps me going. I am always moved by the hardship people face eachday and this has also kept my passion intact and strong despite me being fully aware that I am threading in a dangerous path.

- What is your purpose in life?

This question is a powerful one and I will simply say I am was not created for myself, my creation by the creator was to impact people and touch lives through various means. My purpose can easily be linked to the gift of perseverance and multitasking which God has given me as this has helped me in doing things even beyond my humanly thinking. CREATED FOR OTHERS.

- What is the most important thing to you in life ?

I have learnt over time that too much of everything is bad, I don't take things to heart and this makes me not to have anything as the most important thing but one thing I can still point out to being the most important thing is "FULFILLING PURPOSE". God has created me for something, what is my purpose on earth if I fail in the task he has committed into my hands?! Definitely, I must not fail God.

- Your mentor? 

Depending on the area we are looking at, I have various mentors. In Nursing, Dr. Mrs A.B Awoseemo is my mentor, in media, Isaac Hastrup and Olajide Tomisin are my metors, in music, Afolayan Oluwaseun and Olaleye Sunday are my mentors, in leadership, Osundeyi Taiwo and Kehinde are my mentors, in perseverance and in general, my parents(Engr and Mrs Olayiwola Orolugbagbe) are my mentors. Just to mention but few. Sorry I have so many mentors because of the various spheres of my life that need to be trained to perfection.

- Your hobbies?

Traveling, Writing, Sporting (Table Tennis), worshiping and surfing the internet.

- What is leadership to you and self_esteem?

Leadership to me is a broad content embedded in taking responsibilities for what has been committed to one's hands irrespective of the challenges or circumstances that might arise. Self esteem simply means self worth, the way we see ourselves and the value we place on our person. It's whom we think we are.

- Your role model?

In music, Nathaniel Bassey, in activism, Omoyele Sowore, in Nursing, Dr. Mrs Awoseemo and in general, my parents.

- What's  your forsight for the health sector in Nigeria?

Uhm, the depreciating state of our health system is not the fault of personnel but that of the Government. The country keeps on losing the best to other countries due to unfavourable working condition and poor welfarism amidst under-equipped health facilties. I see the health sector in Nigeria being a world class standard if prompt attention free of corruption is placed on the health sector. 

- A word for the season

To every season comes new opportunities and gifts but only the determined get hold of it. While praying, have faith and be on the lookout, while watching, don't get carried away by frivolities, remain focused and be consistent and surely the gift of the season will be yours at your own time.

- Who is Christ to you?

CHRIST IS MY EVERYTHING, THE REASON FOR MY EXISTENCE AND THE ONE BEHIND MY EXISTENCE.

- What has been your secret to balancing your career and spiritual life.

Descipline, grace, commitment and determination.

- Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Ooooops, 5years seems far but what I will be in 5years time depends on the steps I take day by day. I don't see myself being stagnant, I see myself fulfilling purpose and breaking boundaries.

- Favourite food, cloths and colour?

Pounded yam will go as my favourite food because it is my local diet and I am a local man. Lol. In dressing, I love anything simple and casual while I have no favourite colour.

- What will you like men to remember you for?

The influence of a man with the fear of God on lives and earthly authorities is what I want to be remembered for. Let it be known that a Christ son came and ruled.

- A word for youths out there?

In several of my articles, I have called on the youths to be responsible and deliberate on having a good future, nothing good comes easily and when it does, it surely doesn't last. The youths must be determined to make impact and take responsibilities. Success in all areas we might have developed interest in is important, as long as the goal is achieved and this can only be done through consistency, perseverance and diligence.

RISING STARS; INTERVIEW WITH TAIWO

 It's another edition of rising stars this week.Stay tuned 

Here is our star profile

Esther Opone, aka The Value Adder, is a young lady passionate about adding value to lives and spaces around her through healthcare (as a Biomedical Laboratory Scientist), civic engagement (as a professional volunteer  under the Volunteers Hub Africa platform) and content creation (teaching personal development through and for civic engagement  via her Instagram page @thevalueadder). 

A believer in the power of positive contributions, no matter how little, she is the founder of The Value Network Africa, a youth-focused organization aimed at building and equipping a network of African youths to add value to self and society through deliberate personal development and civic engagement. 

A graduate of the University of Ibadan, Esther is a 2017 YALI (Young African Leaders Initiative) Fellow, alumna of the Carrington Leadership Lab, Commonwealth Women's Mentorship mentee and a GLS (Global Leadership Summit), University of Ibadan veteran. She also participated in the European Alpbach Forum 2020, courtesy of the African Masterclass Series by Ideation Hub Africa. 

Esther currently serves as the Professional Development and Opportunities lead for Volunteers Hub Africa and was also an activator of the SDGs among young students across schools in Oyo State for the World's Largest Lessons in 2019. 

Esther is an ardent lover of books, great music, volunteering, conversations, the internet and all forms of art and creativity. She also loves learning and trying new things. 

She can be reached via: 

estheropone.disha.page

Instagram: @thevalueadder 

Twitter: @thevalueadder_

Facebook: Esther Opone 

LinkedIn: Esther Opone

INTERVIEW

Taiwo Who are you? 

Esther: I'm Esther Opone, aka, The Value Adder, a lady invested in adding value to lives and spaces around her. I'm a biomedical lab scientist, copywriter and professional volunteer under Volunteers Hub Africa. I also create content around personal development and civic engagement, as well as lead an NGO The Value Network Africa. 

Where did you come from? Delta state. I like to use the term "Made in Heaven, assembled in Africa/Nigeria", lol. 

Taiwo: What's your take on Excellence?

 Esther: It means to surpass the norm/average. To stand out and deliver something of high standard or quality. I take it as our calling. Daniel in the Bible is a good model of that. 

Taiwo: What is your passion? 

Esther: I'm deeply invested in adding value to lives and seeing people do the same. It doesn't have to be so far fetched, just put in your best wherever you are and do something to make people and situations around you a little better than you met them. And ultimately, to glorify God. Currently, I do this a medical lab scientist, as a content creator and through getting actively involved in my community. 

Taiwo: What has kept you going in pursuing your passion? 

Esther: The fact that I know God's got me. And I owe it to Him, people who have invested in me and those who need me. 

Taiwo: What is your purpose in Life? 

Esther: As with all of God's creation, primarily to worship him and, especially as a Christian, to carry out the great commission of bringing others to the knowledge of the gospel. That is the core. 

Conventionally, my purpose is to add value to lives and spaces around me. Show, challenge and help people be the best version of them and in turn, make impact in the society.

Now the different ways in which I can fulfill this purpose vary, but that is the"why". And as I evolve and carry out my assignment, it gets clearer and sharper. Some things, you grow into as you take action and as you get to a certain point in life. 

Taiwo: What is the most important thing to you in life ?

 Esther: People. Loving, serving, growing with people. 

Taiwo: Your mentor?

 Esther: I have both direct and indirect mentors, like Pst Debola Deji Kurunmi (DDK), Pst Tinu Smith 

Taiwo: Your hobbies? 

Esther: Reading! I also enjoy surfing the Internet, which ties back to reading and learning new things. Music is bae, so I love jamming it, across different genres, as long as the lyrics aren't obscene. Volunteering, engaging in conversations when I'm up for it, writing and appreciating art in all its forms. 

Taiwo: Who is your role Model? 

Esther: Jesus Christ, Dr. Esther Longe, Pst. DDK, Adaora Mbelu

Taiwo:

Who is Christ to you? 

Esther: My Lord and saviour. The one who holds my hand and walks me through situations. Who looks down on me with pride, like "me sef, I dey create, see my daughter ó". Who's constantly shaping and moulding me into an express image of himself. Who placed people in my life to discipline, teach and build me for his good pleasure, towards ministry and service. The one who shows that he is there and is concerned about everything, even the littlest detail. 

Taiwo: Can I know your favourite food, cloths and colour?

 Esther: No favourite foods. I used to have no favourite colors, but recently, I find that I'm tending towards classic and neutral colours, especially grey, white, black, nudes and earth tones. Majorly because they serve as the perfect canvas to layer other colours I feel like. 

Taiwo: What will you like men to remember you for?

Esther: As someone who lived well and expressed God. Who helped people become better and fulfill purpose. Who provided access for others and modeled love, excellence and impact. 

Taiwo: A word for youths out there? 

Esther: My favourite quote comes in handy here " Consider becoming the type of energy that no matter where you go or where you are, you always add value to the lives and spaces of those around you". Live for Christ, invest in growth and take ownership of your community, make positive contributions, no matter how little.

RISING STARS; INTERVIEW WITH TAIWO

Our star for this week is a Poet, Performer and a Child's rights activist who employs Artistic advocacy to right the wrong in his society. Meet Folajimi Kalejaye.

He is a graduate of communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan.

He is a member of Poets in Nigeria and the founder of Save Our Future Initiative a non governmental organization geared towards fighting the menace of child abuse and building capacity in the younger generation. Under the auspices of the initiative Folajimi led the donation of 1650 textbooks to 8 secondary schools in Ibadan as an undergraduate leading over eighty students at the core of its activities, in Ibadan, Oyo state and Kano Nigeria.

He's an ardent believer in poetry's power to generate National transformation. 

Folajimi has taken to the stage at Festival Poetry calabar, Pentasi B World  Friendship Poetry Festival Accra Ghana, Lagos Book & Arts Festival, Nzeh Mada Festival Nassarawa, Jaw-war, Art-Hub, Selos Cafe, amongst others. 

His debut poetry video AJIKE was released in May 2020 and his latest poetry video was released on the 23rd of May 2020.

Taiwo: Who are you?

Folajimi: I am Folajimi Folajimi Kalejaye; a poet, a storyteller, a child's right activist with great interest in artistic advocacy. But beyond the general task of me defining me by activities, I'll call myself a creative youth with the natural bend for impact making.

Taiwo: Where did you come from?

I'll explore two path to answering this, I come from a bloodline of warriors, believers who have taken the courage to enter into the family of God. I am from a clan of Faithful Christians. However, as a child It was pressed into my ears that my state of origin is Ogun state and I am a citizen of Nigeria. I have come to believe and agree on that even as an Adult. 

Taiwo:  What's your take on excellence?

Folajimi: Excellence to me is not a destination, it's the only tag that can be given to an individual who is/has constantly walked in purpose. Excellence is not about being the first or the best; it's the constant and continued realization of a worthy goal. Excellence is sometimes abstract it can be the expression of a state of nothingness where everything that occupies an individual utmost joy and satisfaction Hence, there is no yardstick for measuring excellence. 

Taiwo: What is your passion?

Folajimi: My Passion so far has not been static, lols, I feel I varies. I have however stayed committed to Children ministry as a calling therein lies my most pressing passion. Child literacy, child advocacy, making sure children all around the world are safe and free from harm and dangers in our society. 

Taiwo: What has kept you going in pursuing your passion?

Folajimi: God's word: I found my passion and purpose in the Bible so I have thus far embraced it as truth. It's a commandment for me to fight for the cause of the oppressed.  whenever I look around and I see pain in the eyes of some children I am always touched by the feeling their pain their stories and this undefined feeling has fueled me to always want to do more for these children.

Taiwo: What is your purpose in life?

Folajimi: Oops I seemed to have jumped the gun before getting there. My purpose in life is to fight the cause of the oppressed. 

Taiwo: What is the most important thing to you in life?

Folajimi: Not to think too far, it's the gift of salvation and the need to preach it.

Taiwo:Your mentor? 

Folajimi: Pastor Femi Wilhelm & Kolade Olanrewaju Freedom, 

Taiwo: Your hobbies?

Folajimi: Reading, playing games, teaching, surfing the internet.

Taiwo:  What is leadership to you and self_esteem?

Folajimi: Leadership is influence, everybody is a leader because everybody can exert influence. It's only the degree to how we exert influence that matters. So a leader is an individual that knows the way, shows the way, and follows the way.

Taiwo: Who is your role model?

Folajimi: Reverend Ayomide Abraham, his quality of life is second to none, I love him, someday I'll be his mentee. Yeah, Barrack Obama too, his eloquence thrills me.

Taiwo: Who is Christ to you?

Folajimi: Christ is all to me, the existence and very essence of my being. 

 Taiwo: What is your favourite food, cloths, and color?

Folajimi: Rice and stew, shirt and trousers, blue and black. 

Taiwo: What will you like men to remember you for?

Folajimi: My immense contribution to fighting the menace of child violence to the nearest minimum.

Taiwo: A word for youths out there?

Folajimi: To Thyself Be True