•Shocking Things You Don’t Know About Him
“Are you sure you can work with us with this your CV? Coming from the banking sector?” That was the first question he asked me 11years ago on my first point of call when I met him at his office for an interview. Why? Because he always wants to source for the best hands. Now it’s over 11 years that I have worked in different capacities in and working closely with him in the editorial department. It looks like yesterday. Like an adage says. When you like your work, it becomes a passion to you.
Like most people call him, SK, we call him Oga or Publisher in the Editorial Department. SK is a man who does not take No for an answer. I joined the organisation without any professional journalistic knowledge. Or to even put it straight, I never thought I was going to be a journalist. It was this man that brought out that aspect of me, he is a man that taught me the Basics. He made me excel in all departmental capacity I have headed. In all these years of working with him, I gradually became a pro in reporting News, I never used to be so concerned about people’s lives this much, but I am sorry, when you work under Seye Kehinde, you will realize that sometimes, you will even think of writing a story on yourself (laughs).
He is a man that does not take NO for an answer and believes nothing is impossible. The editorial meetings are the best, you can never find him not writing, his passion of writing has turned everyone of us to report on anything automatically, wherever we are. And when he wants to get anything out of you, he surely knows how to have his way!!! Like this:::::
Oga: TAYO, aah ,I have been waiting for you, didn’t you hear about that gist???
Me: ehn ehn, Oga which gists?
Oga: Aaah infact everyone has been saying you are the best person that can do it, by the time you give us a full page report of the report, we are sold out on Monday, (laughs).
Me: eeeh Oga ooo
Even before he tells you about the story, he has made your head swell up that hardly will you be able to say No.
He is a boss that brings out the best in you. Many times what I thought I could not do or achieve, he gives you that support that will help you through. Many times he has boosts our confidence in facing any personality at any event, no matter how highly placed. I remember what he does mostly as a new reporter is, he takes you with him to many people for interviews so you can learn along the rope.
My Publisher is a man who also loves to enjoy life, and no dull moment with him. You can gist and gist till Jesus comes and did I tell you he is also a shy man? Watch out for any of his opening address at City People Events, (laughs).
He is a very simple man, and quote me, if you have ever met him, you will deduce this, in his dressing and character. Humility personified to a fault. Can anyone be good 100%? Of course no but when been good is 98%, the remaining 2% is off guard.
One of his other sides is when you are in an argument with him, you will have to look for a lawyer to win him. (Laughs). If you have worked closely with someone for many years then getting at him might be a bit easy so you think. But hell no, he will drag it with you. (laughs) . He knows how to cajole you so he can get the best out of you.
He has a way of convincing you with whatever topic he brings that you will buy into his idea. I am not sure even a professional teacher can teach the way he does. If you want to get on his nerves, don’t show up for Monday editorial meetings, or bring stories that are not publishable. By then he will open your book and table your matter at the meetings, it shows you how sourcing for stories are next to his skin. He is a professional man of the pen, a celebrity reporter, an astute narrator, a prose guru and concise interviewer.
He is a man that was well taught and believes you have to be the best, no wonder, he has demonstrated a laudable feat in building a brand that has lasted over 20 years which remains the number one soft sell in Nigeria. His brand, City People Magazine has become a household name that every celebrity wants to be talked about or featured in. Identifying with this brand, brought me out and has made me who I am today in this refined sector. Meeting men and women of high caliber were some of the highlights the profession has given me. I salute your diligence, your hardwork and most especially I admire the way you write those your beautiful prose. Many years before I joined the organisation, I look forward to read you every week in your magazine and I can say, your singular dedication to this work has not withered but drew many accolades to you for your relentless effort in taking citypeople to where it is today.
Sharing birthday month with you shows great minds are born this month. I pray this 55 years of yours is the beginning of your many achievements. God will satisfy you in all fronts and bless you amazingly.
Cheers to another 55 years. #seyekehindeat55
Happy Birthday to the boss of all bosses
Happy Birthday Oga!!!!!!
–TAYO FAJORIN OYEDIJI (SOCIETY EDITOR)
READ ALSO: 50 REASONS YOUR PRAYERS WON’T BE ANSWERED – MFM PASTOR, DR OLUKOYA REVEALS
Send Us News, Gist, more... to citypeopleng@gmail.com | Twitter: @CitypeopleMagz
