A GLOWING TRIBUTE TO JAPHETH J. OMOJUWA BY OLASUPO Abideen Opeyemi

  I believe there are two categories of people in this world: those who have the drive and those that are meant to be driven. Japhet Omojuwa belongs to the former. He has been impacting young people of his generation (including the author of this piece) with his God-given talent and potential.  People like Omojuwa are a beacon of hope and source of encouragement to the youth. Omojuwa’s feats and giant strides over the years have further established the fact that young people have significant roles to play in the development of their countries.  Omojuwa, you are no doubt worthy of emulation. You are more than a trailblazer.

No word or phrase is sufficient enough to describe the depth of my admiration for you brother.

Though you might be in your early thirties, but your  achievements are ten times bigger than your age and person. Where do I start from in terms of highlighting your numerous achievements?  For the benefit of those who are unaware of the exploits of Mr. Omojuwa, the following paragraphs are for you.  Japheth Omojuwa was born on the 3rd of October, 1984. He is a Nigerian blogger, international public speaker, socio-economic and political commentator and social media expert.

He is a Columnist with The Leadership newspaper, The Punch newspaper and Naij.Com.  Of course, you might say the above feats constitute common practice for anyone who choses to delve into writing or journalism. But then, I dare say that there is a big difference between an ordinary writer and the extraordinary writer.

Mr. Omojuwa is no doubt a great writer and communicator. In fact, his works are a piece of heaven on earth. The following highlights will convince you more.  His articles have been published on CNN, BBC, The Financial Times, Sahara Reporters, ThisDay, Naij and other fora and media outfits around the world. It is on record that his works have been regularly translated into several languages including various platforms for German, French, Portuguese and Greek audiences.  His oratory prowess and out-of-the-box ideas have endeared him in the hearts of renowned economists and policy makers across the globe. He has been engaged intellectually on economic platforms in Washington, London, New York, Cologne, Berlin, Rio de Janeiro, Cape Town, Accra, Lagos, Abuja, Addis Ababa, Dakar, and other cities around the world.

Mr. Omojuwa is also one of the most sought after young scholars in the academia both nationally and internationally. He has spoken in universities such as New York University, United States; Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, Germany; Catholic University of East Africa, Nairobi; Technical University, Dortmund – the list is endless.  In 2012, YNaija named him as one of the most influential Young Nigerians under 35 in Business, Media, Entertainment, Fashion, Technology and Politics. In view of his prolific writing skill and resourcefulness, he was described by a famous writer, Ifreke Inyang, as “King of the Click.” His daily tweet generates not less than 20 million clicks – can you imagine that? For this reason, he emerged the Best Twitter Personality of the Year, an award conferred on him by the Annual African Bloggers Award in 2015.

He was also listed as one of the 50 Movers and Shakers of Africa in 2015 by Credit Swisse. He has completed the International Visitors Leadership Programme in the United States of America.  Now you know why such a remarkable person like Mr. Japhet Omojuwa should be celebrated. In fact, he deserves a national award for his trailblazing records. I chose to be a youth with a difference.

Mr.Omojuwa has greatly inspired me to be difference maker. Through his mentorship, I have been inspired to live up to my potential.  No other day is most befitting than today to pour encomium on you my mentor, inspirer and teacher

Today is your 32nd birthday and I would like to wish you a happy birthday, long life and prosperity. You are truly the Sirius in the night sky – the brightest among the constellation of stars. Your light has touched me positively. I would like to seize this opportunity to express my profound gratitude for your guidance, support, encouraging words and discipline. Once again, happy birthday my role-model, my Sirius.

Olasupo Abideen Opeyemi is the National Coordinator Brain Builders International(www.brainbuilders.com.ng). +2347068775529 abideenolasupo@gmail.com.