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Category: IGennews

  • Young Nigerians in politics (2)

    Young Nigerians in politics (2)

    While some young Nigerians are finding their greener pasture in other parts of the world, some young Nigerians are making an impact on the greenlands of Nigeria. These young Nigerians who are between 20 and 40 years old have excelled in politics, entertainment, sports and more. In this list, which is aimed to be a series, i-GEN NEWS team lead, GBENGA BADA, and Correspondent, TONY AKOWE highlight some of the new kids on the Nigerian political scene.

    Michael Abimboye

    36-year-old Michael Abimboye is a Nigerian political communication consultant and journalist, who has been around politicians from North to West, South and East of Nigeria. He has been a member of Aminu Tambuwal’s strategy team and has pitched his allegiance to the incumbent Osun state Governor Ademola Adeleke. Abimboye is currently contesting for the seat of Aiyedade Local Government chairman in Osun state.

    Imumolen Irene Christopher

    At just 38, Imumolen Irene Christopher contested for the seat of the Nigerian president in 2023. He contested under the Accord party. Now 40, it is unsure what position Imumolen will be vying for in the next general election.

    Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya

    36-year-old Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya is a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, representing the people of Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. He is currently the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Education and Services and has sponsored over 15 bills and co-sponsored several others, focusing on education, healthcare, and economic development.

    Gabriel Saleh Zock

    Gabriel Saleh Zock was first elected a member of the House of Representatives on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019. The 40-year-old was one of the youngest members  of the 9th Assembly representing Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency. Even though he initially lost his re-election bid to David Umar Gurara of the PDP, he regained his seat through a bye election following the nullification of the election of Gurara.

    Ahijo Karlahi Ibrahim

    At 38, Ahijo Karlahi Ibrahim has established himself as a politician with not only a following but a bright future. The young politician from Adamawa made his mark when he contested for a seat at the Senate to represent Adamawa Central Federal Constituency under the Social Democratic Party, SDP, at the age of 36 in 2023.

    Read Also: First Lady urges youths to embrace hard work, reject traffickers

    Mohammed Bello El-Rufai

    Mohammed Bello El-Rufai is one of the sons of the ex-Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. The 37-year-old currently represents Kaduna North Federal  Constituency in the House of Representatives under the All Progressives  Congress. Before his election, Bello served as a senior legislative aide to the Governor Uba Sani while the latter was in the Senate between 2019 and 2023. Although he heads the House Committee on Banking Regulation, Bello’s motion gave rise to the investigation of the contract for the reconstruction of the Abuja/Kaduna/Kano highway by the House. He is also a member of the House Committee of Youths in Parliament.

    Inyang Peace Martins

    Akwa Ibom young politician, Inyang Peace Martins has been a grassroot politician for a while. At the age of 38, Inyang has made a name for himself in the political terrain in Akwa Ibom. In 2023 at the age of 36, Inyang contested for a seat at the senate to represent Akwa Ibom North West Federal Constituency under the Accord Party.

    Okoye Igwebuike Julius

    Okoye Igwebuike Julius is currently 40-years-old but his activities in the world of politics in Nigeria isn’t totally young. Under the Young Progressives Party, YPP, Okoye challenged the status quo to contest for a seat at the Nigerian senate to represent Anambra North Federal Constituency in 2023 at the age of 38.

    Ulu Joseph

    Ulu Joseph is a young Nigerian politician, who has been making waves in Abia state since he was much younger. At 36, Joseph ran for a seat at the Senate to represent Abia South federal Constituency under the National Rescue Movement, NRM. At 38, Joseph is still actively involved in politics.

    Mustapha Usman Turaki

    At 36, Mustapha Usman Turaki contested for the position of the Vice President of Nigeria under the Boot Party. Now 38, it is unsure if Turaki will recontest for another position or will still remain in the political party ahead of the 2027 election when he will be 40.

    Saidu Ahmed

    38-year-old Saidu Ahmed is a politician, who ran for a position in the senate at the age of 36. Ahmed ran for the position to represent Abia Abia North Federal Constituency under the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP.

    Philip Agbese

    Philip  Agbese holds the traditional title of Okanga Y’Agila in Agilaland, Benue state. A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he is serving as a member of the House of Representatives, representing the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State. The first time lawmaker who is 38 years old is currently the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, a position that confers on him the responsibility  of Deputy spokesman of the House.

    Matthew Donatus Kuzalio

    37-year-old Matthew Donatus Kuzalio is widely referred to as the Okada man, who won election into the House of Representatives after defeating one of the most experienced legislators from Kaduna state to represent Kaura federal Constituency of Kaduna state on the platform of the Labour Party. Before joining politics, Kuzalio operated briefly as a commercial motorcycle rider before being appointed as a Supervisory Councillor. He has since defected from the Labour Party to the All Progressives Congress citing political crisis in the party.

    Mansur Manu Soro

    Mansur Manu Soro is a second time member of the House of Representatives, having been elected for the first time in 2019 to represent the Darazo/Ganital/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State. The lawmaker is a 38-year-old politician in Bauchi state. Before his election into the National Assembly in 2029, Hon. Soro served as a Personal Assistant to the Governor of Bauchi State and was elected under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, where he currently heads the House Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises.

    Nuhu Misbahu

    39-year-old Nuhu Misbau is another young Nigerian that has been in the corridors of politics for over a decade and half. The Bauchi indigene, at the age of 37, contested for a seat at the Senate to represent Bauchi Central under the African Action Congress, AAC.

    Fuludu Ebikpolade

    At 38, Fuludu Ebikpolade contested for a seat to represent Bayelsa East at the senate under African Democratic Congress, ADC. Now 40, Ebikpolade doesn’t seem done with politics despite not winning in the last general elections.

    Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan

    40-year-old Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan represents Badagry Federal Constituency of Lagos state and currently serves as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (upstream). He has sponsored 15 bills and moved several motions at the National Assembly. His career in politics began many years back and has a massive followership in his constituency.

  • Gender disparity in the digital age spurs conversation on social media

    Gender disparity in the digital age spurs conversation on social media

    The world of social media has been abuzz with heated debate on gender disparity, a conversation that has become a never-ending topic.Half the time, it escalates into a full-blown argument, with both sides presenting their perspectives on various issues.

    Recently, the debate sparked a flurry of responses from both young men and young women, each trying to make their voices heard.

    In this article, iGEN NEWS delves into the complexities of the gender debate on social media, exploring the key issues, societal expectations, and the implications for our understanding of gender.

    At the heart of the debate lies the age-old question of double standards. Why is it that men are often praised for traits and behaviours that women are criticised for? Why are women also allowed to get away with certain things that men can’t?

    One of the most striking examples of this double standard is the way society views men’s and women’s sexuality. Men are often praised for their sexual conquests, while women are shamed for theirs. Men are allowed to express their desire and pursue relationships without being judged, while women are expected to be modest and reserved.

    Another example is the way society views men’s and women’s ambition. Men are often praised for their drive and determination, while women are seen as aggressive or pushy for exhibiting the same qualities. Men are allowed to be assertive and confident, while women are expected to be humble and submissive.

    The debate also highlighted the issue of emotional expression. Men are often encouraged to suppress their emotions, while women are expected to be emotional and nurturing. Men are allowed to get angry and aggressive, while women are expected to remain calm and composed.

    Furthermore, the debate touched on the topic of parenting. Men are often praised for being involved fathers, while women are expected to be primary caregivers. Men are allowed to take breaks and pursue their own interests, while women are expected to put their families first.

    In other phases of life, women may be more likely to share their vulnerabilities, fears, and weaknesses without being seen as weak or less capable, while men may be expected to maintain a tough exterior.

    Women are often allowed to express emotions like sadness, fear, and vulnerability without being judged, while men are expected to be strong and stoic.

    Women may be more likely to seek help for mental health issues or other personal struggles without being stigmatised or seen as weak but in many circumstances, it isn’t so for men.

    The social media debate on gender has highlighted the deep-seated differences between men and women. While some users have engaged in respectful and constructive dialogue, others have resorted to personal attacks and hate speech.

    Read Also: Nigeria must build a resilient economy to overcome poverty — Makinde

    The debate also raises important questions about the role of social media in shaping our attitudes and beliefs about gender. Social media platforms like X provide a unique space for people to share their thoughts and opinions, but it also amplifies existing biases and stereotypes.

    Speaking on different topics, an X user, Shola, wrote: “When a woman makes you feel like she’s doing you a favor by dating you just because you’re pre-rich, remind yourself that she can’t get the top celebrities she idolises and worship, she can’t get the famous, rich guys to commit to her, and if she had a better option, she wouldn’t look at you twice.

    “You were her best option even if she had 12 men wanting her at the same time. She didn’t do you any favor, she’s hypergamy in nature, and you’ve always been above her even when you were broke, and that’s the only reason she accepted to date you. To date you is a privilege on her side.”

    Some other X users agreed with Shola’s assessment, arguing that some women do prioritise wealth and status when choosing a partner. They pointed out that this phenomenon is not unique to women, as men also often prioritise physical attractiveness and youth when selecting a partner.

    Others, however, took offence with Shola’s submission, arguing that it was overly cynical and reductionist. They pointed out that relationships are complex and multifaceted, and that reducing a person’s decision to date someone to a single factor like hypergamy oversimplifies the issue.

    Some X users also accused Shola of promoting a misogynistic and sexist worldview, arguing that the statement reinforced negative stereotypes about women and their motivations.

    One of those against Shola’s views wrote: “A 24-year-old boy is meant to be a provider, while it’s unrealistic for a 24-year-old girl to be financially stable.

    “For every ridiculous standard a woman sets for you, in most cases, she can’t live by it. Don’t let anybody pressure you.

    “Check what she posts; if all her posts about are about how to live off a man’s pocket, “I like me a man that provides everything for me” everyday of the week, posting gifts from random couples online at all times even after y’all together and you playing your own part at your own pace, that’s a sign.

    “Observe how she appreciates little and big things, and also when it is not money related; today, you sent 1M, she’s all happy, tomorrow you sent 5k, she responded. Energy don’t lie, I won’t say more than this.”

    In a separate tweet, an  X user, Muna, wrote: “But y’all gate-keep women so much. Women are not the only ones to be morally upright, some men out there need to do better to be honest. While you’re trying to do this as a woman, pray the man you’re into should not bring shame and disgrace to you and your family. All of us need to examine ourselves from time to time and make amendments where necessary, it shouldn’t be gender specific.”

    One Blaq_Mannequin wrote: “Woman to woman, you don’t have to settle. There’s always a better life out there, there’s always better opportunities, better relationships, better friends and better jobs. You don’t have to settle!”

    The social media debate on gender has brought to the forefront the persistent double standards and stereotypes that perpetuate inequality between men and women.

    Despite progress made in recent years, women and men continue to face unequal treatment and opportunities in various aspects of life. The debate highlights the need for a societal shift towards greater inclusivity and equality.

    Experts and advocates argue that challenging these double standards and stereotypes is crucial to achieving true equality.

    The online discussion has sparked a renewed call to action, with many urging individuals to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue to promote greater understanding and empathy.

    As the conversation continues, one thing is clear: achieving true equality between men and women will require a collective effort to break down the barriers that stand in the way.

  • Your digital footprints matter as the internet never forgets

    Your digital footprints matter as the internet never forgets

    As humans, we all have a digital footprint. Every comment made on social media, every news article shared, and every purchase made online contributes to one’s person’s data trail. Your data trail reveals a detailed picture of who you are and what you like.

    All internet users, starting from the digital natives (the iGeneration) to the digital pioneers (Millennials or Generation Y) to the digital migrants (Generation X), should bear in mind that the internet never forgets.

    The internet keeps track; it follows you and introduces you to your interviewers, prospective employers, suitors and contract-awarding authorities. It acts like a spell that parses the lives of unsuspecting fellows. Don’t post anything that you don’t want to come back and haunt you in the future. Also, keeping your data trail clean isn’t only about your reputation – the junk you allow your devices to collect puts your internet privacy and security at risk.

    During your name search, you may have come across old social media accounts, posts with insensitive, outdated jokes, or embarrassing blog posts in which you overshared too much of your personal life. Dig up everything you’ve ever posted and evaluate it with fresh eyes.

    Read Also: First Lady urges youths to embrace hard work, reject traffickers

    In today’s ever-changing world, managing one’s digital footprint has become more important than ever. This reality informs why we need to be careful in our indulgence with the Internet. Every action has its consequences. These footprints can be either active (intentional actions) or passive (unintentional data collection), shaping a detailed profile of one’s online presence and behaviour.

    Your digital footprint is your online reputation. It can be helpful or harmful. What you say online can impact your everyday life. And managing your data trail isn’t only about privacy and data security. Employers, schools, and law enforcement could use your online activity on social media to make character assessments.

    So, it’s important to keep your online identity positive. Imagine what someone might think about you based on your actions online. Additionally, you may not always be aware of the digital footprint you’re creating. Examples of hidden data collection include websites that install cookies without telling you, mobile apps and sites that use geo-location to determine your location, and social media ads or news sites that profile you based on your likes, shares, and comments to serve you advertisements that relate to your interests.

    It is high time you started imagining those posts and comments resurfacing on the internet two or three years after, would you be happy you shared them online? Would you be comfortable with them?  Secondly, do a Google search of your name and see what it brings out about you. Or perhaps go through all your social media activities in the past years.

    Most companies, even startups and graduate schools, now conduct some online checks on their potential employees and students to know what they have been up to, what they spend their time doing or sharing online and, most especially, what people are saying about them. As much as it is becoming increasingly hard for them to contact people who know you offline and ask them some personal questions about you, the internet has made it less hard or easy for them to do that through your digital footprint.

    Finally, let your online activities, as much as you can, communicate what you do, your values, and your experiences. This is not for everyone. Some people are not comfortable sharing what they do online or talk about their values and experiences. Discretion is key. You must know what works for you.

    Before you share something online, your picture, videos, comments or tweets, always think it through! The internet never forgives, it never forgets.

  • Edo poll dispute: Why tribunal dismissed SDP’s petition against Okpebholo

    Edo poll dispute: Why tribunal dismissed SDP’s petition against Okpebholo

    The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja dismissed the petition by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) seeking to void Governor Monday Okpebholo’s election owing to the party’s decision to abandon its case.

    At Tuesday’s proceedings, SDP’s lawyer, Jackson Ehiavhie informed the tribunal that his client was no longer interested in pursuing the case.

    Ehiavhie added that he was instructed by the National Secretariat of the SDP to withdraw the case.

    Lawyers to the respondents – the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress, (APC) – did not object to the position taken by the petitioner.

    In a subsequent ruling, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, who is the Chairman of the three-member tribunal, pronounced the dismissal the petition in view of the petitioner’s decision to discontinue further prosecution of its case.

    Read Also: Okpebholo gives ultimatum to contractors

    The SDP was among six political parties that approached the tribunal to invalidate void INEC’s declaration of Okpebholo and his party, the APC as winners of the governorship election held on September 21, 2024.

    INEC had declared the APC candidate winner of the election with 291,667 votes to defeat 17 other candidates, including his closet rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who scored 247,274 votes.

    Aside from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, other parties that are challenging the election are the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Accord Party (AP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement, (APM).

  • Nigerian youths and the get-rich-quick syndrome

    Nigerian youths and the get-rich-quick syndrome

    In what appears to be a heart-rending episode, 24-year-old Salome Adaidu’s journey to a gruesome end began when she was brutally murdered by 32-year-old Timileyin Ajayi, a resident of Papalada in Nasarawa State.

    Ajayi claimed that he and Adaidu were in a romantic relationship for a year but Esther Adaidu, the deceased’s older sister, found it unbelievable because the family had never heard of him until the corps member’s murder.

    This unfortunate incident is one out of many. Adaidu’s killing joins a disturbing list of women who have been violently murdered by men with ‘ritual’ motives in a bid to get rich and famous.

    Also recently, two suspects: 27-year-old Smart Agbojule and 30-year-old Michael Keleke arrested in connection with the kidnapping of Mrs. Odumosu, the wife of a former Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, in the Arepo area of Ogun State, confessed received a ransom of N20m to kidnap the former.

    One of the suspects noted that they had received N20m ransom from the N40m they demanded from the family. He added that each member of the syndicate got the sum of N4,250,000 from the ransom proceeds.

    The rate at which young Nigerians are getting into criminalities with brazen audacity to make money has been a societal concern that is yet to be nipped in the bud. Exotic cars are flaunted, designer wears rocked, glittering accessories are customary looks across social media pages of so-called ‘big boys’.

    Things have indeed gone wrong. Who is to blame, parents, peer groups, or the society in general? Our society that ought to query the source of their wealth ends up celebrating them.

    In August 2024, when Christiana Idowu, a 300-level student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, left home, she had no inkling that she would not return home.

    Christiana, who was kidnapped along the Ikorodu-Yaba road, met her untimely death in the hands of her abductors. The alleged killer: 23-year-old Ayomide Adeleye had confessed that he killed Christiana because he needed money. He had demanded a ransom of N3 million but her parents negotiated to pay N350,000. She was however killed in captivity despite her parents paying the sum.

    Still fresh in the mind of many, is the death of Iniobong Umoren, 26, a graduate of the University of Uyo, who left her home for a job interview at a location in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

    Umoren had graduated from the University of Uyo’s Department of Philosophy. She was waiting for her deployment for the mandatory National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) programme. Umoren was an orphan and was trying to earn a living before her NYSC year when she was killed.

    The interview later turned out to be a hoax, as Umoren would become a rape and murder victim in the hands of Uduak Akpan, the supposed interviewer, at his residence.

    Lately, there has been a spike in the kidnapping, resulting in renewed security shocks. Reports emerge daily around the country outlining how assailants keep attacking and kidnapping citizens either for ransom, or ritual purposes and many of the arrested suspects are youths in their prime.

    All of these sad episodes are, sadly, true reflection of man’s inhumanity to man.

    According to the holy book, the love of money is the root of all evils, and it is what drives devilish acts. The get rich-quick-syndrome among the young ones is eating deep into the fabric of the society hence making many youths do the unimaginable.

    Read Also: Tinubu working hard to reposition Nigeria – Sen Nwoko

    Over time, the wide gap between the rich and the poor, compounded with greed and irrational ambition on the part of idle youths, has prompted many desperate youths to amass quick wealth.

    Whose fault?

    In a society where respect is accorded to the size of one’s pocket, it will surely have a tremendous effect on upcoming generations who are thirsty and hungry for wealth.

    This syndrome is described as the culture of quick fixes or shortcuts by desperate youths.  This could be attributed to the collapse of values in the Nigerian society, and generally, to the effect of poverty and how that pushes the people to desperate ends. Many young people see fraud as the only way to make money.

    So many other young people are engaged in all manners of criminalities, ranging from all manner of sexual misdemeanor to full cyber-crime, Ponzi schemes, online scams, yahoo-plus, rituals, trading and injection of high substances while their female counterparts get involved in prostitution all in a bid to get rich quick.

    On one hand, the pursuit of financial success and prosperity is an intrinsic part of human nature, and Nigerian youths are no exception. The allure of rapid wealth has driven many to explore entrepreneurship, investment, and various income-generating opportunities. Some have successfully navigated this path, becoming entrepreneurs, traders, or investors, contributing to economic growth and job creation in the process.

    Way forward…

    “There is no hurry in life”, yet desperate youths want it ‘sharp-sharp’, quick-quick.’ Why feel impatient? People have been growing more irritable, more frustrated, and more impatient with each passing year and searching for overnight success.

    When and how did youths of the country descend to this level of inhumane activities, all in pursuance of money? The mindless attacks have taken unimaginable proportions and dimensions.

    There is a problem at hand and all must be fully involved. Many unemployed youths are largely deceived into taking the risky path of ill-gotten wealth, by those who have ‘arrived’ – a new terminology for judging the nouveau riche.

    This narrative must be countered. This is a collective responsibility especially for traditional and religious institutions. There must be a conscientious effort to reorient youths and to also revisit family values. Youths must understand that the legal means of wealth acquisition is through hard work, determination and dedication.

    Policymakers and business leaders should create an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation while providing support and mentorship to young entrepreneurs. This can channel the energy and ambition of Nigerian youths toward legitimate avenues for wealth creation.

    Youths are the greatest asset of any society. They serve as two edge-swords: a recipe for disaster or potential for development, therefore, youth in Nigeria should put great energy and self-will to reverse the ugly trend which day-by-day is destroying the country’s image.

  • KIE KIE: Impacting youths around me is humbling

    KIE KIE: Impacting youths around me is humbling

    Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori is not a name you will remember easily but at the mention of Kie Kie, everyone will remember the unusual young character that is synonymous with mischief and imbued with humour. At 35, this award winning actress, content creator, brand influencer, event and TV host is not only a social media sensation but one of the successful digital content creators in Africa. In this interview with i-GEN NEWS team lead, GBENGA BADA, she opens up on a varied issues including her parents’ support and more.

    At what age did you become famous?                  

    I became famous at the age of 30 in the year 2020.                      

    Being a youth, how impactful have you been to youths around you?              

       Before we start to look at youths around me, I look at those within my sector, the young and under 30 that work with me directly in my crew should be about 20. From my KieKie TV productions crew to those in content and my admin staff, my glam squad. It’s really mentally liberating for me to see how much these guys are able to do for themselves just by working with me. Let’s not forget those that tap inspirations and directions from me, those who chose my kind of life as content creator and brand influencer that I have given hope that they can do the same and do it better. So, I think the impact is both inspiring and humbling for me.

    What do you think every Nigerian youth needs to get by in the current realities of life?

    I think right now, every Nigerian youth should fully understand the concept of beyond your certificate and what this simply means is that oh you have gone to the university to study medicine, law, accounting or even mass communication, sociology or engineering but what can you do out of these skills? I know and have friends, who are professionals and still take on other hustles that in some situations begin to pay them more. One of the biggest makeup artists in Nigeria at the moment is my friend but is a trained engineer, who began her career as an engineer but picked up makeup as a side hustle and right now in 2025, makeup is her main business. So, Nigerian youths need to come to the actualisation that it might not be the way you want it to go but who says the way it is meant to be is not bigger than the way you want it to be?

    There are many vices in the world as they say, how have you been able to keep your head up and high?

    Vices! I have never been one with vices either smoking, drinking or partying excessively. I think I am too much of a bubble myself that I have a lot of fun within my own bubble, sometimes I am just chilling and spending hours on social media, watching my own content and laughing and just having a great time. It’s not what I have been able to pick up and I will give credit to God and my parents because they actually gave us that beautiful and decent upbringing. My background is solid, hence, I think these are some of the things that helped me in not indulging or having any vice and of course, I have just wanted what is best for myself and God has given me a discerning spirit to tell what is wrong from what is right and that helped me in keeping my head up high.

    Without being too modest, how wealthy are you in terms of finances?

    Well, I am a modest person and I think modesty and the KieKie brand are synonymous with one another. Well, I will tell you for free that I am wealthy enough not to trek on the road, I am wealthy enough not to beg for food, I am wealthy enough to wear exactly what I want to wear whenever I want to wear it.

    Tell me about your talents

    I have a deep passion for music—be it singing, dancing, or rapping; and I believe everyone deserves a chance to shine. I am a well rounded entertainer and I have worked with different brands showcasing my different talents. I can’t wait to see individuals showcase their abilities. I still have many talents people don’t know about, and as time goes on, it will unfold. I am like an onion; as you slice it, you see a new layer.

    Read Also: Remain hopeful, nation’s turnaround is near, Bishop Adelakun urges Nigerians

    How supportive were your parents when you kicked off entertainment?

    I started playing drums when I was nine years old. I remember when I was in JSS 2, I fell ill in school and my father came to pick me up. The whole school was crying and they were escorting the car. My father asked why, and I said it was because we had praise night and nobody would beat the drum. My father asked, ‘You drum?’ I replied in the affirmative. I kept telling him that I had to get back to school as early as possible and he said, ‘But you’re not feeling fine’. I said, ‘Daddy, I must enter that school before Friday.’ When they took me back to school on Friday, the moment they sighted my father’s car, somebody started shouting ‘Adeaga is back’.

    I didn’t know, but my father waited back in school for the praise night and watched me drum. He cried. I was just 10 at the time.

    That’s one thing about my parents, they enabled my talent from the start. I danced so much in my school that I represented the whole of Oyo State in Nigeria.

    You launched a reality show, ‘Kiekie Unscripted,’ some years back and even relaunched in 2024, how long did it take you to conceptualise the concept?

    Three years. Initially, we were supposed to kick off in 2022, but we had to pause because I was pregnant. But when we decided to kick off again in 2023, I wasn’t feeling all the excitement that we had created. By 2024, everything we wanted to create in 2022 was already sounding outdated, so I had to create a brand-new show.

    I have a full creative team and a writer’s team. We came together and had three brainstorming sessions, and I still didn’t feel it. My husband told me that he knew that one day I would just sit down and write the whole show. One day, I started around 11 p.m, and I finished around 6 a.m when I went to bed. I called him during the day and said, “Papa, my show is ready.” And then I sent him the entire synopsis of all 12 segments of the show. I would say that the journey took about three years of thinking and brainstorming to myself, as I was working, driving, and playing with my daughter; it was all in my head.

    What is the driving force behind this show?

    I’m a person of talent, and as a host, concert and live host as well, I have been to a lot of shows, and anybody who knows me can attest to it that any show I go to, I always have a talent moment on the stage. If I host a show, I don’t do it in vain, talents always win money. I do it all the time. There was a time when one of the brands that I hosted their events asked me ‘how much did we even pay you?’ I think I gave about a million Naira out on the stage that day. When I do these things, it’s never from the brand’s pocket.

    Maybe because I’m a person of talent, and as a Christian as well, giving is a part of me. You know that story about God giving three different servants a certain amount of talent? Talent is gold. When you are a person of talent, your talent is supposed to make way for you. Your talent is your means of livelihood. I don’t want people to die in this life, and their talent will not come forth.

    But I understand that taking the journey alone can take a long time, N2 million can start. As bad as Nigeria is, there are businesses you can start with N2 million. Imagine somebody winning N2 million on the show, or winning N5 million on the show, and they start a business that changes their life.

    Or people come on the show and become famous enough that they become people of talent themselves and brands are happy to work with them. This is one of the reasons we also have several different brands on the show, those brands are also watching. MTN, Mikano, First Bank, all the brands are watching and they may see someone with a great voice and say, come and sing our next theme song and that person will have a royalty of N10 million, N15 million, N100 million, even though they won maybe only N2.5 million on the show. That’s what I’m trying to achieve.

    Where did the unscripted name come from?

    ‘Kiekie Unscripted’ started in 2020 after I got married and I had a lot of experiences. I started sharing my experience about my wedding ceremony and I realised that millions of people could resonate with that. That show got millions of views on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

    It was also in 2020 that I realised that people enjoy listening to me speak, so I started sharing different experiences from secondary school, and university. Later, my friends started telling me of their similar experiences, so in season two of Kiekie Unscripted, I invited my celebrity friends to share their own experiences. I saw again that more people, regular everyday people, were resonating and connecting to their stories. That was when I realised that it’s not only me and my celebrity friends that have experiences.

    The unscripted element is what is genuine to each person. And that’s why the show has different segments. If you can’t sing, you can’t dance, you can’t cook, you can’t act. Just come and play games. The unscripted is what is genuine to you.

    Talking, for me, comes naturally and is unscripted. It’s genuine for me and I have mastered it so much that I make sense of it. If cooking is your own talent, come there and cook, Golden Penny is bringing products, so come and cook whatever you can cook.