Permit me to celebrate this young Nigerian who is doing so much in promoting local fabrics across the shores of the continents.
He is a trained journalist with creative mind, sharp sense of humor and bundle of talents.
I like to call him Ibadan, but people call him Africa even though, he was christen Oluwafemi Emmanuel by his Ikire (Osun State) born parents, Mr and Mrs Abraham Olaniyan.
Along his sojourn in life he re-phrased the name to Ola-Abraham, he needed a tosh surname.
We met on our first day in school, (Nigerian Institute of Journalism{NIJ}) and as the saying goes, success attracts success, we became best of friends 30 minutes after the end of our first discussion.
We shared the worst and best days on campus. We jostled our home support to fend for ourselves based on our principle of self survival.
Our campus days were rough, but Ibadan was too gentle for my liking, while I was too radical for his person. Well, I guess as the saying goes 'opposite attracts'.
He always had an 'Ibadan' point of view to all issues, always willing to wait patiently to cross the expressway and willing to apologise to bus conductors, even when he is right.
Politically we hold different ideologies, our stand on issues always differs but our friendship was bonded.
We were both major contenders for elective positions in school, we co-founded NIJ campus leading newsletter DODO, but he latter stepped down from the publication to start his own COCONUT after we disagreed on some editorial stands.
We thrived together on campus, we ran the same purse even though I spent a lot more, he never complained. Being his friend has always been fun.
Ibadan had always been a jinx breaker. I might not agree with his many cumbersome approach of doing things, but he is excellent personified, a multi-tasker who puts his last strength on everything he does.
He spearheaded a lot of reforms on campus, starting from his activities in Solomonic Concept to his role as chairman Students Representative Council, when we organised the first Student Week in NIJ; despite many odds it was a success, a big one!
Politically we hold different ideologies, our stand on issues always differs but our friendship was bonded.
We were both major contenders for elective positions in school, we co-founded NIJ campus leading newsletter DODO, but he latter stepped down from the publication to start his own COCONUT after we disagreed on some editorial stands.
We thrived together on campus, we ran the same purse even though I spent a lot more, he never complained. Being his friend has always been fun.
Ibadan had always been a jinx breaker. I might not agree with his many cumbersome approach of doing things, but he is excellent personified, a multi-tasker who puts his last strength on everything he does.
He spearheaded a lot of reforms on campus, starting from his activities in Solomonic Concept to his role as chairman Students Representative Council, when we organised the first Student Week in NIJ; despite many odds it was a success, a big one!
He also pioneered the Young People Africa YPA, a youth organization in forefront of mobilizing youths across the continent to stand for what is right.
After our days in NIJ, NYSC put us on a separate ways for service year but Ibadan as usual performed his wonders in Eboyin State.
From camp, Ibadan was said to have ruled the OBS with his many creative and funny talk shows; as NCCF drama director he produced and directed a fantastic movie titled the four pillars.
After our service year, while many of us are sticking to journalism practice, Ibadan had found a new love in fashion.
With the support of the Federal Government, he established a garment factory Owambe Clothings in Lagos.
Ibadan, who was raised from a humbled background in the Oyo state capital, currently employs a workforce of more than 40 people; this journalist turned entrepreneur is a classical example of God's grace.
His passion is to cloth everyone who cares with our local attire like Adire, Batik, Kampala , Aso-Oke among others.
Recently, Ibadan met with President Goodluck Jonathan with his cabinet members alongside Governor of Benue and Akwa Ibom on achieving this passion.
President Jonathan who endorsed the label and thanked the Ibadan for making Africa proud.
Just last week, Ibadan shocked the entertainment industry when he organised, Africa's Largest Fashion Show in Lagos with more than 100 models including celebrities such as veteran thespian Clarion Chukwurah, Wale Adebayo of the 'Sango' movie fame, Ghanain actress Ella Mensah, top music producer K-Solo and many more on the runway showcasing the creative works of Owanbe clothings.
The event had more than 1,000 people in attendance that came to witness for the first time in Nigerian fashion history a fashion show which showcases only indigenous fashion designs all made from one fashion label, Owambe Clothings.
The event had more than 1,000 people in attendance that came to witness for the first time in Nigerian fashion history a fashion show which showcases only indigenous fashion designs all made from one fashion label, Owambe Clothings.
Ibadan is doing everything within his capacity to sell made in Nigeria fabrics across the globe.
