We Are Only Familiar with What We Know' - Yemisi Ajeojo

Yemisi, 23, is passionate about community development, business growth and guiding young people to recognize and maximize the resources within and around them for growth, impact and fulfillment. Join Opeyemi Tifase on this interview with Yemisi, telling how Social Media is the new CV.

NNI: Can we meet You?

Guest: My name is Yemisi Ajeojo,  author of “Social Media is your new CV” a book where I shared how I have  gotten amazing opportunities from social media and how anyone can position themselves online for amazing opportunities. From what to share, how to connect with the right people to how to use Linkedin, the book covers it all. I am also the co-founder of Triift Africa, a social enterprise that provides easier access to low interest loans, business support and advisory. 

In addition, I am the co-founder of Cirkle Labs a digital social enterprise Leveraging on community and collaboration to influence education, enterprise and employment at the grass root level with digital tools. I have worked in private and public sectors in both Nigeria and the UK in roles that cut across innovation, community development, project management, economic development, governance, strategic leadership and business development. At the heart of it, I am  passionate about making social impact- influencing people and systems, community development, business growth and ecosystems.

 

NNI: Kindly tell us about your book, ''Social Media is Your New CV''

Guest: I will always remember moving back to Nigeria in 2017 filled with a lot of uncertainties because almost everyone that heard that I was coming back had made sure to remind me of the unemployment statistics in Nigeria.

So, imagine my surprise when I got over 5 job offers in less than 2 weeks from people that I had met on social media. In addition to job offers, I have gone on to receive an invitation to speak at Tedx, speak at other amazing events and even sponsorship for some of the community projects  I have done from people I only met on social media. I wrote this book to share what I did right with other young people.

Majority of young people are on social media, and these platforms provide access to a  lot of opportunities and that is why I wrote this book.

Yemisi Ajeojo

I shared not just my story, but the story of other amazing people I know who have gotten job opportunities and even scholarships just by connecting with the right people  the right way and sharing the right content online. In my book, I have shared how anyone  can achieve this too.

From how to set up a profile that stands out, to how to network correctly on social media and even how to use and get results from LinkedIn.

NNI: How can you leverage on opportunities that digital media provides?

Guest: When you continue to develop skills, and acquire knowledge that adds value to the community, as well as clearly communicate this value on digital platforms and intentionally engage with the right people you will find it really easy to leverage on opportunities that digital media provides. 

NNI: What views do you hold as regards social media strategy?

Guest: A social media strategy whether as one created for an individual or business goes a long way to create an intentionality with being online and having a voice.

Read: OAU Final Year Student sentenced to Jail for Cybercrime

NNI: It is really strange how the older generation believe social media cannot earn one a living. What are your comments about this?

Guest: I don’t think it is strange, to a large extent we are only familiar with what we know. The job market is changing, 10 years ago or even 5 years ago a lot of the jobs that exist now with digital tools did not exist then. So, imagine growing up thinking that the only key jobs that provide financial security is to be a doctor, accountant, engineer or lawyer. But now you have a daughter or son who just sits all day with a laptop and earns money by working for  companies in countries  he/she has never been to. I can only imagine how hard it is to come to terms with.

NNI: What was your first experience as a TEDx Speaker?

Guest: I had the opportunity to speak at the first Tedx that took place in Bowen University in 2018. There are different ways to be a Tedx speaker, but the first thing is to have a message you want to share and be sure that you can share it as articulately as possible within a short period of time, maximum 12 minutes. This is very easy to achieve with practice. You can put yourself forward to speak at a Tedx event or just make sure that everyone around you knows the things you are passionate about and you would like to share this knowledge at Tedx event. That way, people are able to recommend you for opportunities when they arise.

NNI: What would you say is the biggest lesson failure ever taught you?

Guest: Failure has taught me to never define myself by a happening at one point of my life. That it didn’t go well today doesn’t mean I do not have a life to leave tomorrow.

NNI: What motivates you?

Guest: I am really result driven and passionate about making social impact. 

The poverty rate in Nigeria is very alarming . Each time I watch the news, it is like a big weight has been put on my shoulders  and I am staring at a ticking time bomb that will affect me and generations to come if I do not put my own effort towards addressing it. 

Thank you very much for the audience. Your story is quite inspiring.

Biography of Jide Kosoko

 

Born on the 12th of January 1954, Prince Jide Kosoko is a Nigerian actor, movie director and producer. He's popular for acting in Yoruba movies where he plays the major character most times. A prince of royal blood, Jide Kosoko hails from Lagos State, Nigeria. Prince Jide was born to Prince Lasisi Kosoko and growing up, he attended the Yaba College of Technology where he Studied Business Administration. He also went to Lagos School of Drama (Theatre Arts).

Read: Biography of Temilade Kosoko

Prince Jide Kosoko is also a writer, editor and administrative consultant. He started his acting career in the Nollywood Movie Industry at a very young age of ten (10). This was in the year 1964. His big break into the Nigeria Movie Industry was from a movie titled Taxi Driver, in 1983. Since then, he has featured in so many Nigerian movies, especially Yoruba movies. One of his Popular movies where he played a major role was "Makanjuola". According to the actor, acting has always been his passion.

He has collaborated with so many acting organizations such as Awada Kerkeri Group.

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A polygamist, Prince Jide Kosoko is married to four wives (though he's a Christian), with only two surviving wives. According to him, he lost both wives within an eleven month interval to childbirth complications. He is currently blessed with fourteen (14) children, with some of his children actively involved in the Nollywood Movie industry.

Read: Biography of Adekunle Gold

Jide Kosoko has gotten many awards regarding his achievements in his field as the best of bests. One of those awards was "Special Recognition, at City People Movie Award, that was 4 years ago. Meanwhile, aside acting, he's also an ambassador for many brands here in Nigeria.

Movies by Jide Kosoko

Jide Kosoko is a successful Nigerian actor who has built his wealth from his feature in many movies. With an approximate networth of over $500,000, below is a list of movies he has featured in

1. Sugar Rush
2. Child not Bride 
3. Hourglass
4. The Third Child
5. Happy Birthday Dad
6. Pretty Little Thing
7. Stronger Together
8. The Wedding
   

Prince Jide Kosoko is active on social media. You can connect with him via his official handles on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X

 

Biography of Chief Evangelist Ebenezer Obey

Evangelist Ebenezer Obey is

 

 

Read: Biography of Linda Osifo

 

Songs by Ebenezer Obey

 

Evangelist Ebenezer Obey is active on social media

Biography of Temiloluwa Elizabeth Otedola (Temi Otedola)

 

Temiloluwa Elizabeth Otedola is a Nigerian actress, model, businesswoman, and blogger. She was born on March 20, 1996. She was born into the Femi Otedola and Nana Otedola families. The CEO and founder of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Company is her father, Femi Otedola. In addition to being the final child, Ifeoluwa Florence, commonly known as DJ Cuppy, has three siblings who are well-known: Prince Otedola, Tolani Otedola, and Ifeoluwa Otedola. She completed her graduate work in London and earned a degree in art history from University College, London.

In December 2014, Temi Otedola launched the JTO Fashion fashion blog. She used her blog to share her thoughts and opinions on fashion and lifestyle in Nigeria and West Africa. Temi Otedola used her traditional and western attire to introduce the world to fresh design sensibilities. She has also used JTO, her own website, as a platform to share her projects. She has ties to her followers in the design, crafting, and photography areas. She became one of the emerging icons in the fashion world because to her coolest sense of style. In her fashion blog JTO Fashion, she primarily posts photos and tour diaries. Her ebony skin tone enhances the attractiveness of her yearning for color in her attire.

 

Read also: Biography of Actress Kehinde Bankole

 

With the aid of her style and subculture book, she aspires to become a notable symbol in the fashion industry. She records her travel, artistic, and fashion endeavors. She made her Nollywood debut in 2020 in Kunle Afolayan's Citation, where she is well-known for portraying Moremi Oluwa. She was nominated for Revelation of the Year at the Best of Nollywood Awards 2020 and won Best Actress at the Ghana Movie Awards for her leading role in Citation. In the newest Anthill Studios production, "The Man For The Job," a feature film written and directed by Niyi Akinmolaya, she makes a comeback to the big screen for her second feature since starring in Kunle Afolayan's "Citation."

She co-hosts a podcast called "How Far with Mr". Eazi and Temi with the Nigerian artist Mr. Eazi, with whom she is in a relationship. She and Mr. Eazi became engaged on April 10, 2022.

Temi Otedola has acted in the following films as of right now:

• Citation (2020)
• The Man for the Job (2022)

In Awards and Nominations Temi Otedola was nominated in the Revelation of the Year Category of the 2020 Best of Nollywood Awards. In 2021, she was nominated and won the Best Actress in a movie Award at the Ghana Movie Awards for the 2020 movie, Citation.

Temi Otedola is active on social media. You can connect with her via her official handles on Facebook, X, Tiktok and Instagram.

Biography of DJ Cuppy

Born on 11th November, 1992 Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola who is popularly known as DJ Cuppy is a Nigerian Disc

 

 

DJ Cuppy is a musician and entrepreneur with a rapidly increasing empire. Born in Lagos, Nigeria in 1992, Cuppy's musical endeavors began at a young age. By the time she turned 18, whilst attaining a BSc Economics at Kings College London, she was already producing her own tracks and DJing around the world. To this date, Cuppy's DJ skills have taken her to over 25 countries and she continues to fill dance floors across the globe.

Cuppy is making a triumphant break to the global music scene and is one to look out for...

DJ Cuppy is active on social media. You can connect with her via her official handles on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X. You can also follow her music releases via her official website here

 

5 Positive Ways Fasting can affect your Health as a Nigerian

Fasting is nothing out of the ordinary amongst we Nigerians. Indeed, we fast for several reasons ranging from religious to cultural to even political reasons. We also engage in different forms of fasting, which include dry fasting, water fasting, fruit fasting, and even white fasting. Some fast to consecrate themselves for a particular cause. Others fast because they are instructed to. Some even consider fasting as punishment to the body. However, have you ever really considered some of the positive ways fasting can affect your health? Well, here are five of them.

1. Fasting can slow down ageing

Ageing has to with gradual changes in your body that leads to a decline in bodily activities. Recent researches have shown that one of the underlying factors of this process is the accumulation of damaged cell over time, and fats and sugars have been found to be key players in the process of cell damage. When these nutrients are too many in your body cells, they overwork them and lead to what’s called oxidative stress, which eventually destroys those cells. Fasting, however, can lower the rate of these cell destruction, and thus slow down ageing.

2. Fasting can improve your brain functions

When you fast, you deprive your body of glucose, which is the major source of energy for many organs, and your body is forced to make use of fat stores. The brain also utilizes glucose, and during fasting periods, it has to find an alternative source of energy. Ketones, which are made from fats, are therefore used as substitutes. Ketones have been proven to be better energy sources for the brain, and this is why the brain functions are improved during fasting. Asides this, some researchers have found fasting to help in inhibiting inflammation of brain cells. This improves brain functions too.

3. Fasting can help you shed unhealthy Weight

If you’ve ever thought about getting rid of some extra weight, you’ve probably thought about fasting. Fasting is indeed an effective way of shedding weight and even maintaining a healthy weight. As earlier stated, when you fast, you deprive your body of calories in form of sugars and fats which compels your body to deploy your fat stores. As a result, you have higher chances of losing unhealthy weight, as long as you don’t go back to consume twice the calories you lost while fasting. 

 

4. Fasting can make your heart healthier.

One of the major reasons behind cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction and even heart failures is the build-up of fats in the coronary arteries which supply the heart. When you fast, however, the amount of fat in the blood is regulated and this prevents the clogging up of the coronary arteries by fats. This way, your heart will healthier, and you will have lesser chances of developing heart diseases. 

5. Fasting can have protective Functions

Apart from protecting some specific organs, fasting protects the body as a whole. It does this by inducing a process known as autophagy, which involves the clearing up of debris from cells and the removal of toxic or any potentially harmful material from the body. Researchers also believe that autophagy prevents progression of diseases like cancer and Alzheimer disease, etc.  Consequently, the body is protected.

Now, we see that beyond the religious and cultural significance of fasting, it is beneficial to your health. So, the next time there's a Ramadan fast or your pastor declares a fast, I hope you remember that fasting is not just about punishing your body, but is also a rewarding activity.

Our Digital Economy is powered by Information Democracy - Ikedichi Egwu

Join us as we walk the talk with Ikedichi Egwu, a brand strategist, digital marketer and Public Speaker as he shares his thoughts on the subject of Digital Marketing. 

NNI: Can we meet you sir? 

Guest: Thanks for having me on your platform. I am Ikedichi Egwu, and I come from the South East part of Nigeria (Ebonyi State precisely). I am a brand strategist and digital marketer.  My journey into the world of branding dates back to when I was in 200L at the Obafemi Awolowo Univeristy, Ile-Ife. I couldn't seem to understand the philosophy driving the African entrepreneurial landscape at that time. My quest to find out stemmed the beginning of what would be later become my career as a brand strategist. Digital marketing for me is a field that encompasses all. Regardless of your industry, sales and marketing drive businesses. Also, the future is digital. Artificial Intelligence is the driving force behind major modern day innovations.

 

It was the above thinking framework that drove me into digital marketing. Today I have gone on to work with several brands as a digital marketer and brand strategist across the country. Currently, I work with Digital Funnel in Lagos as a brand strategist and digital marketer.

Moreover, I have traveled across several states within Nigeria speaking across multiple platforms on the subjects of branding, personal branding, digital marketing and leadership. So, I am who most persons would prefer to term a public speaker.

 

I was once a technical drop out from the Obafemi Awolowo University. My philosophy about life was at the core of my decision to drop out of the university while I was already in 500 Level, my final year. (Laughs.) 

Well, the good news is that I went back and decided that I would finish up my degree program eventually. I was taking a degree in Crop Production and Protection.

NNI: How has the entrepreneurship journey been for you so far?

Guest: The entrepreneurial journey for me has not particularly been easy. It's been filled with mistakes and lessons, like for many brands out there dipping their toes into the water. The journey, however, has been worth it.

NNI: Your emphasis on Digital Skills is strong. What is the relevance and how can individuals leverage them for growth?

Guest: Well, as I said earlier, the future is digital. In fact, the post covid-19 economy would favour brands that are digitally driven. 

Brands would want to look for ways to do things faster and achieve better outcomes. And the solutions that are going meet these needs would be digitally powered. So, your industry not withstanding you either adopt a digitally inclined approach or find your business falling behind your competition.

We are at a time in history when information is highly democratized. What this means for individuals is that there's no digital skill they set to learn that they can't grasp – be it programming; digital marketing; machine learning; IT Support etc. This would confer on the individual advantages that place them ahead of their competition.

NNI: Why do you think people are skeptical about online courses?

Guest: People are not skeptical about online courses, many Nigerians are. 

One of the reasons is the speed with which we adopt technologies. It would even be safe to say that many times we have fallen between what they term late adopters and laggards in the information diffusion process. It's a huge setback for us as it sees us crawling behind our contemporaries across the world.

In addition, while the other parts of the world are championing the digital revolution, Nigeria is still contesting leadership of a struggling regional artisan economy – a position it can barely hold on to as focus keeps shifting to its bordering counterparts who have shown a more responsible approach toward governance.

NNI: How does startup branding affect the future of digital revolution?

Guest: This is an era where digital visibility has an impact on the success of any start up – a time when relevance and visibility are like two sides of the same coin. You can only attract the business of customers who have heard about your business and or actually  seen it.

So, for a startup that's considering gaining a strategic positioning both online and offline, emphasis must be laid on visibility. 

NNI: Is it necessary for Digital Skills to be included in school curriculum? Why?

Guest: As a matter of fact, digital skills must be included in our curriculum if we must catch up with other parts of the world. The world has gone past the industrial revolution. We are talking digital now with AI, Machine Learning etc. 

You can't continue to teach students skills of the past and expect them to be relevant in the present. To me that's counter-productive.

If the problem of mass unemployment among the youths is to be dealt with, then there's the need for mass investment in human capital as it applies to what is relevant now – digitization.

NNI: Many have results to prove that digital skills do not yield actual conversions. Is there anything they are doing wrong leading to these results? 

Guest: Digital skills yield maximum conversions. In fact, programmers are amongst the highest income earners in the world at the moment.

The challenge, however, is that many persons who come into the digital world come in with the "overnight success" faulty thinking framework. But it does not work that way. You need a certain amount of mastery to begin earning big from your digital skills, and that kind of mastery requires patience and consistency.

Anyone who tries to make you believe that digital skills do not convert is deliberately hiding the truth from you. It's the new untapped oil for Nigeria.

NNI: What is your view on Global Youth Development and growth as regards the digital world? 

Guest: I would say Nigerian youths are way behind on a global index. Of course, you could argue that there are many Nigerian youths doing fine when placed side by side with their contemporaries from other parts of the world. But the question would be how many of us and at what age?

Findings would show you how we are way behind. It becomes necessary therefore for the youths to rethink their approach to life. The day I understood that my competition was global was the day my life found a deeper meaning. 

NNI: What's your believe as regards interconnected growth? Is it absolutely impossible for a brand to develop in isolation and without partnerships? 

Guest: I preach collaboration a lot. In fact, it's my belief that collaboration is the best form of competition. The damage in the country already is something one man can't correct. It's going to take collective efforts to make that happen. 

There's a limit to the number of jobs a business which exists in isolation can create. We need to come together to enjoy the economies of scale.

The digital economy worldwide is powered by the democratization of information. So if we don't come together and share intelligence, our digital growth would be slow.

NNI: Research shows that demand is making price for digital skill courses increase. This is fast becoming a problem and turning back potential students. From experience, how can this be solved?  

Guest: Well, I would rather choose to not agree with this. In fact, the demand for these skills is achieving the opposite – these courses are rather becoming cheap so more persons can get on board and acquire the skills needed to service the fast-growing demand for them. For example, there are less programmers than we need in the world today.

I began learning programming to further enhance my skills as a brand strategist and digital marketer. It may interest you to know that I have not spent as much since I began the training. As a matter of fact, most of the resource I use so far are free. There's Free Code Camp there, you don't pay a dime to learn. There's Gemn, American Internet Business School, Google and YouTube. Interestingly, Udemy has options for partial or fully funded scholarship for indigent students who may be restrained by funding from taking their courses.

So, what's more? Seriousness and the willingness to commit quality time to learning on the part of the individual.

NNI: What is your advice to fellow young individuals?

Guest: My advice is simple! Yes, the government has failed us and continues to deteriorate by the passage of each day but the responsibility is ours not to further fail ourselves. I understand that it's not easy and probably will not be in the foreseeable future. But if you will continue pushing and not doubt your abilities, there will be no limit to how much you can become.

NNI: What new heights do you hope to scale in the near future?

Guest: I am looking forward to building an inclusive digital community for all Nigerians. The goal is to grow into a household name as far the African and Nigerian digital space is concerned. Also, I look forward to more speaking invitations, but this time, from other countries across the world.

NNI: Thank you for your time.

Guest: Thanks again for having me.