Arts & Culture

Book Review: Winning With Akin Oluwadare’s “Winning Strategies”

Published

4 years ago

June 17, 2021

NewTimes

Book Review: Winning With Akin Oluwadare's “Winning Strategies”

Title of Book: Winning Strategies: 50 Selected Thoughts for Leaders and Aspiring Leaders.
Author: Akin Oluwadare Jnr.
Number of Pages: 214
Publisher: CSS Bookshop
Publishing Date: 2020
Book Reviewer: Yinka Oyebode

Introduction

When the Author, Akin Oluwadare, whom I am comfortable calling Akin or Akinse told me I would be the reviewer of his second book, I readily accepted the challenge. As a matter of fact, I have accepted to be the reviewer of this book before I began to consider the date of the event and whether or not I would be so chanced. You won’t blame me. You can hardly say no to a charismatic and engaging personality like Akin. Needless to say that Akin and I are childhood friends, but more importantly he is a friend I so much admire and respect for his strength of conviction and generosity of spirit. And this is mutual.

Reading through the book, one cannot mistake the fact the author’s engaging personality reflects quite vividly in his work. Good writing, according to World Street Journal’s Bestselling Author, Ann Handley, “serves the reader, not the writer” and as opined by Donald Morison Murray, the renowned American Journalist and English Professor “The reader doesn’t turn the page because of a hunger to applaud. Rather, good writing anticipates what questions readers will have as they read a piece, and (before they ask them) it answers them.” Handley also posits that good writing is simple but not simplistic.

It would appear that both Handley and Murray had the book “Winning Ways” by Akin Oluwadare in mind while making these very profound statements that have helped many writers re-focus their creative energy.

The author makes no pretensions about his intention to make the book answer some life- transforming posers which leaders and those eager to make a success of their career or leadership roles are daily confronted with. Apparently, the author endorses Brian Sanders’ submission that “everything rises and falls on leadership”, hence the book focuses on equipping readers with many leadership tips.
Published in 2020, (the year that the world was brought under its kneel by a global pandemic known as Covid -19), the book which is divided into ten major chapters can aptly be described as a leadership manual. Each of the chapters contains a group of five essays dealing with the subject matter of the chapter. The book evaluates and examines different aspects of leadership, using day-to day ordinary situations to teach leadership lessons that are capable of provoking genuine change and equip the reader with the right attitude to become not just a changed person, but a change agent.

The foreword to the book, brilliantly written by Arc. Yinka Williams and the preface by the author, as well as the handful of endorsements on the opening pages have ably laid a good foundation for the content of the book and clearly provide the reader with adequate hints on what to expect in the book.

As pointed out earlier, each of the chapters has a message that is succinctly delivered through a collection of five essays each between 600 to 1000 words. The shortness of the essays is an incentive to the reader.

Chapter one: Proceed with Unfaltering Courage: This chapter, unarguably the foundation chapter, puts the reader through some rudiments of leadership training. The author stealthily seeded lessons via the five essays titled: Just Begin; Inaction is Dangerous; Knowing Where to Tap; Do It Afraid; and Choose Your Battle. Some of the key takeaways in the chapter include his admonition in the essay “Inaction is Dangerous”, where he writes: “Take a step from the norm. Jump however difficult it seems at first trial. Many things can happen when you jump; you may jump and fly and become a good example to others. You may jump and fall on something soft; there are lessons for you if you are discerning. You may jump and fall on something hard and the pains therefrom may teach you some quick lessons that may be your turning point. Anyhow you get back up and shift position forward, it is dangerous to remain on one spot for too long. Inaction is dangerous. (pg7)

In “Do it Afraid”, he writes: “Indecision is also a decision but it is the worst type of decision”. Further down he posits “If fear is capable of producing tears of joy, should we then be afraid of fear all the time?”

Chapter Two: “Strive for Excellence.” The author in this chapter, shares some hard facts that would drive the reader in the pursuit of excellence. Akin Oluwadare, himself a man of excellence points at some practical steps through the five essays vis: Good is Not enough; Being on Time is Late; The Man Jim Ovia; Change Before You Have To and Impact.

Specifically, the author who has over the years been a beneficiary of the institutional grooming at the Zenith Bank, where he is a Senior Manager, uses the bank’s founder, Jim Ovia’s rise to prominence and dominance in the banking sector, as well as a few other leaders, to drive home some leadership traits that would aid a steady rise on the leadership ladder. The Bible in Proverbs 1 vs 5 says “A wise man will hear and will increase in learning and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsel”. The author, uses the story of Jim Ovia’s book launch to drive home the point that every experience should necessarily produce some positive impact. For him the book launch remains one event that inspires him and deepens his thirst for excellence.

Aside from Ovia, which he showers with very generous accolades (for obvious reason), he also cites personalities like the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN and the doyen of accounting profession in Nigeria, Pa Akinola Williams as some leaders he draws inspiration from. “The simple message here is for you to reinvent and keep reinventing yourself”, he concludes.

Chapter 3: Battle of The Mind: The topics include Confidence; Poverty Mentality; face Your Fear; Blow Your Trumpet and Expressions. The author’s main concern here is how to deconstruct some old beliefs that tend to slow people down. “Your good works announce you but sometimes, you have to first announce yourself to own your good works before your good works begin to announce you”, he posits on page 53.

Chapter 4: Exercise Self- Control: The five topics here are Be Slow To Speak; Delay Gratification; Think Safely; Test The water; Just before You Condemn. The author devotes the chapter to some tips that are crucial to self-control. “Taste your words and look beyond the primary effect on related parties before you utter them. Relationships broken are hard to mend. Be slow to speak” (pg 65). Also on page 81 he writes: “Now I know that success is not only about the good, the better and the best. Success includes the ability to manage the good, the bad and the ugly and still stay true to yourself and your conscience not minding what the society thinks”.

Chapter 5: Hidden Values: The five topics here are Discover Your Secret Place; Employee, Know Thyself; The Catalyst; Beware of Negative Motivation; Trust But verify.

Again, the author in this chapter dwells on self-discovery as a key point in leadership. “The quality of your thoughts dictates the direction of your energy. You may not have control over how you spend your energy because it has a direct correlation with your thought process, but exercising control over your thought process will save you a lot of positive energy” , he states on page 85. He throws a poser to the reader on page 88: “Please describe yourself in one sentence, who are you? If it takes you more than 30 seconds to describe who you are, then I see a risk. If you are not seeing one, then it may be that you are so buried in your day job that you do not take time to know who you really are beyond what puts money in your pocket….” (page 92)

This is a challenge I would like to throw to everyone here as well…WHO ARE YOU?
Again on page 93 he shares yet another poser: “Your vision may be sizzling hot, but progress might be slow if you do not have anyone following up on you to measure the pace at which things are coming up.”

Chapter 6: Surpass Expectations: The chapter includes topics such as The Law of the Second Wind; The Art of Simplicity; Own Your Life; Creative Destruction; Nil Report is a Report. While the author dwells on the need to take full control and responsibility of our life, he is however quick to add: “Taking control of your life is not suggesting that you should undermine the place of benefactors, no man is an island, we all need each other to grow, but do not get to that place where men begin to say to you- If not for me in his life. We all need men to actualise our dreams, but let no one share the glory of God with Him in your life. Our God is a jealous God, no one shares His glory”.

It will appear here that the author’s biblical allusions are a product of the writer’s faith. But then isn’t the Bible replete with so many leadership tips and lessons?

Chapter 7: Delusions: the titles here are Perfection is a Myth; Failure is an Option; Progress is not Speed; Damn It. The author through some practical examples demystifies some self-imposed myths that are capable of limiting growth and fulfilment. “Hold the dream, think big, start small, start now, keep moving, do not stop. It is all in your hands. Perfection is just a myth” (pg 125) on page 135 he writes “Do not let your problem define you, damn it even if for once, to enable you see clearly”. He also warns against subjecting oneself to undue influence via the social media. “This is the new world we have created, where everything looks nice, even before it is made. The virtual world is full of fantasies, only the discerning will be able to focus on reality” (pg 137)

Chapter 8: Embracing the New Normal: The topics here include Mental Health; Health is Wealth; We Need One Another; Choose Your Style; Do Not waste The Crisis.

In this chapter, focus is on the current reality as provided by the Covid-19 global pandemic as well as the importance of staying safe and healthy. Furthermore, the chapter focuses on how to make the best use of the crisis situation. Or what many will call turning adversity to prosperity. “Should we be concerned? Yes, should we be worried? No. why? Worry focuses on the problem, but concern, though acknowledges the problem, focuses on the solution. If the only thing you learn from this crisis is to sit down and think through your relevance post –covid-19, you would have achieved something big.” (pg 158).

Chapter 9: Leadership. Topics include The Lid Factor In Leadership; Leadership Without Stings: hanging the Nigerian Narrative; Active listening; Observing Without Judging, Teaming Redefines. “It is not a must for any leader to know all the ‘hows’ to get things done, but a leader that will take us beyond our present level and transform our national life in the affirmative must be able to think ahead of the rest of us. He must not be the brightest among us, but he must be sound in judgement. It will be good for our leaders to delegate responsibilities when the task to be achieved is clearly spelt out, but delegating thinking to those numerous special advisers may no longer serve our national interest, because some of those appointments have been proven to primarily fulfil federal character principle than advising on good governance” the author points out on page 165.

Chapter 10: Harness Your Society: Invest in Your Social Capital; How Are You; If You Are Against, what Are You For?; A Problem Shared is Still Your Problem: Between Propaganda and Fake News. The importance of social capital investment forms dominant theme of this last chapter of the book.

“A fat account delights any man but avoid the danger of depleting your social capital without replenishment. How many times do we sacrifice relationships on the altar of ego or financial benefit? Money can do all things but relationships that are well nourished can do all things. Invest and keep investing in your social capital” (page 184)

He also adds: “While you should not live your life on hearsay, you may be depleting your social capital when you live your life entirely independent of public opinion. Perception matters, particularly when you do not take any step to correct it. Sometimes, people in addition to you, have a say about who you become.”

‘Perspectives’ is a stand-alone chapter of the book, even though it was not designated as a chapter. It may be safe to describe it as an epilogue. It is a unique offering by the author, as he devotes the portion of the book to taking feedback from members of his immediate family- His wife and four children- on what they consider the key points in leadership. This section, a departure from the 10 chapters where the voice of the author was dominant, focuses on the wife and the children making profound statements on what they perceive as leadership. This section makes an interesting read, especially with the wife and each of the children sharing their own concept of leadership.

The conclusion by the author focuses on parenting in the 21st century, where he posits that the pressure on modern day children is no less than the pressure on modern-day parents.

“Parenting should be a deliberate task. It should not be executed by proxy, and it is a lifelong assignment, even when the children become grown-ups, because the counsel of a parent remains an indispensable asset. That said, if you are a successful parent today, it is by grace, so tarry a little before you label the parent next door a failure.” (pg 205)

In concluding this review, it is important to state that the author practically demonstrates some of the lessons contained in the book. For instance, he writes about the need to make an excellent presentation of one’s ideas and projects. The cover of the book attests to this excellent packaging and presentation, which according to him will compel people to show more than passing interest. The cover is excellently packaged and attracts readers who would, by virtue of that, be curious to read the book.

Again, “Winning Strategies”, as a book attests to the versatility of the writer as the book dwells on so many topics and aspects of life. The book can be said to have something for everybody. The religious minded, professional, youth and student, the highly placed and the lowly placed surely have something to relate with and something to learn from the book.

Benjamin Franklin advises : “If you would not want to be forgotten as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading or do things worth writing.” Quite unarguably, my friend , the author has chosen both.

The author’s reference to the Meristem television commercial anchored by Nike Davies Okundaye, founder of Nike Art Gallery shows a profound observation that cuts across fields.

Again, as he wrote on page 94, “You do not take credit for your talent, you only take credit for using it and if you don’t use it, you will lose it”. Akin Oluwadare can conveniently take credit for using his creative writing skills.

“Winning Strategies” despite all the accolades is not a perfect work. There is no perfect work of art anywhere in the world. The book sure has its fair share of errors that can be captured in the second or reprint editions. The essay on “The Man Jim Ovia” is replete with unnecessary repetition of the name of the Zenith bank Founder, Mr Jim Ovia countless times in the story that spreads into six pages. This can be better done by interchanging the name with pronoun or other adjectives. Repeating the name “Mr Jim Ovia” is tautological. It shows the author’s seeming overt admiration for his principal, but such can be spared in such a remarkably beautiful essay.

Also, on page 93, the there is a light distortion in the alignment of the printing at the last paragraph. It is curious that this missed the scrutiny of the publishers.

Above all, the book is a great work. The language is simple and lucid. The examples he cites in the book are such that the readers can relate with. The printing font used also makes the book appealing and the author shows a mastery of the art of storytelling, the flow of thought and occasional use of anecdotes as well as literary and biblical allusions makes the book a great a literary work worth sparing precious time to read and digest. It is indeed a must read for leaders in various spheres as well as aspiring leaders – that is the next generation of leaders. The message is sublime and profound, without taking unnecessary swipe at current leaders, which has become quite fashionable among writers. If we are going to fill the leadership gap in our society, there must be conscious efforts to provide leadership education at different levels. This book is a good manual for such trainings.

I congratulate the author, my friend who is also the husband of my friend, Akin Oluwadare Jnr for this second effort, which, no doubt has defined him as a master story teller, life coach and author of very impactful books. May your “Winning Strategies” bring you more wins as it does to the readers!

Congratulations!

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Arts & Culture

Speaking Truth To Power: A Review Of Gbemisola Adeoti’s Stoning The Wind

Published

1 month ago

January 31, 2025

NewTimes

Dele Jegede In Conversation With Prince Yemisi Shyllon

Prof. Toyin Falola

By Toyin Falola

The principle of equality is theoretically recognized as one of the fundamental foundations of democracy. Over the years, scholars have argued that equality prevents marginalization, and that the absence of marginalization signifies the existence of egalitarianism. It is in this context that Gbemisola Adeoti’s anthology, Stoning the Wind, flourishes and is to be appreciated.

The poems in this anthology explore the origins of Nigeria’s sociopolitical challenges by revealing the corruption in the system. One of the notable poems which vividly describes this is “The Chameleon and the Soldier Ant.” In this poem, the poet delineates the distinctive traits of the chameleon and the soldier ant, attributing the features of the former to the oppressors (politicians) and those of the latter to the oppressed (masses). The poem reveals and examines the nation’s recurrent challenges with authority, power, corruption, and violence.

Since the dawn of the Fourth Republic, Nigeria’s elections have consistently been plagued by anomalies, malpractices, and violence. This ugly reality has forced many Nigerians to question whether their votes truly matter. According to an article by Budgit.org, the 1993 general elections remain the fairest and freest election the country has ever had. However, its annulment by then-Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, serves as a stark reminder of Nigeria’s history of dictatorship and abuse of power. The annulment of the election symbolizes corruption and misuse of authority. While in democratic theories, power belongs to the people, in practice however, it is concentrated among a select few, that is, the oppressors who wield power at the expense of the masses.

The depiction of the Chameleon “saluting the ground beneath the belly” and the “fallen leaves that keep a date with destiny” implies a veneration for the status quo and the government’s consistent nonchalance to the plight of the populace. On the contrary, the soldier ant, symbolizing the downtrodden section of Nigerian society, is equipped with a “flimsy trunk, a fat head, and two cruel teeth as tools of terror.” Despite the soldier ant’s ferocious nature, its power stems from “solidarity and the martial oneness of a centurion,” which underscores the significance of solidarity among the subjugated in the presence of formidable oppression. Perhaps a revolution is Nigeria’s only path to redemption—or perhaps not.
Gbemisola Adeoti suggests that true emancipation from internal colonialism (that is, from the ruling oppressors) lies in unity despite diversity rather than outright rebellion.

In 2019, Omoyele Sowore, a Nigerian activist and journalist, initiated the #RevolutionNow movement, pushing for nationwide rallies to confront the sociopolitical crises affecting Nigeria. It is noteworthy that such uprisings are not unprecedented in Africa; we can consider the Arab Spring upheaval in Egypt as presenting a compelling parallel. Following nearly three decades of President Mubarak’s unjust and autocratic rule, the youth and other concerned factions of the country mobilized en masse, compelling Mubarak to resign on 25th January 2011. Tunisia under Ben Ali is another significant example of an autocratic government. Ali ruled for over two decades without any evidence of economic growth and with widespread violations of fundamental human rights. This incited a revolution in the nation, compelling the dictatorial president to flee in 2011. Recently, protests in Kenya were instigated by contentious proposed tax increases, and the movement has transformed into a fierce campaign for more governmental accountability.

In the poem “Ballot Box,” Adeoti further critiques the widespread electoral manipulation that afflicts Nigerian democracy. The opening line of the poem, “The ballot box is a resonant box that hums himself of hope and gloom,” signifies that the voting box embodies both hope and despair in Nigerian electoral traditions. This is apparent in the nation’s electoral history, characterized by frequent controversy, violence, and claims of rigging. The analogy of the ballot box as a “harlot’s trunk box” illustrates how corruption has wrecked our electoral processes through greed and deception. This is one of the images which carefully depicts Nigeria’s corrupt electoral system. The 2007 general elections are a testament to this claim, as there were numerous negative reports regarding the electioneering. According to the Department for International Development, the April 2007 general elections were said to be the most unjust in post-independence Nigeria. Thus, there is additional proof that elections in Nigeria only benefit the privileged.

According to The Republic’s article “The Many Sins of INEC,” the author conveyed disappointment with INEC’s logistical difficulties in several regions of the country during the last elections. Moreover, multifarious reports of violence and voter suppression were made in major cities of the country, such as Lagos and Rivers. This further corroborates the claim that the innovations of INEC, that is, the introduction of the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) and Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), have only brought retrogressive developments to the nation, as the body still struggles to conduct credible elections. The lines “Voters don’t count much as the counters of votes in power” mirror the tainted 2023 presidential election, which was marred by reports of irregularities from journalists and election observers, both local and international observers.

In a 2019 article by Yiagi Africa, it was reported that the 2019 general elections experienced one of the poorest turnouts in the country’s history, with only 32% of the registered voters participating in electioneering. Among the factors that were considered to decline mass participation in elections include inefficient security, violence, and unfulfilled electoral promises. This challenges the legitimacy of authority when the populace abruptly becomes apolitical. Currently, voter suppression serves as a mechanism for manipulating electoral outcomes by dissuading and obstructing individuals from casting their votes. Yiaga Africa stated that the 2019 gubernatorial elections did not occur in about 26% of polling units in Bayelsa. This action resulted in thousands of voters being unable to cast their ballots or make electoral choices—a well-calculated action that ultimately served the interests of a particular group or political party.

Moreover, the depiction of the ballot box as a “presiding priest at the festival of hoax” implies that the electoral process is often a mere facade or mere formalities, with results “preordained” by those in power. The poet alludes to the “chameleon” nature of the voting box, which “swiftly” changes “coats and color” and obstructs the genuine wishes of the electorate.

In “Pandemic,” Gbemisola Adeoti not only criticizes the government but also expresses his worries as a social scientist, recognizing that individuals are influenced by governmental policies, biases, as well as social and environmental factors. The COVID-19 pandemic and its global repercussions are indelible, as the poet asserts that the virus resulted from the global community’s inadequate response to previous pandemics, such as Ebola. The poem continues by examining the unequal effects on the most vulnerable societal members and, at the same time, asserting that the pandemic served as a great equalizer, revealing the frailty of even the most powerful and affluent individuals.

The poem also evokes a sense of responsibility that fosters unity among nations. During this period of devastation, a strong sense of global solidarity emerged. The lines in the poem serve as a poignant critique of the pandemic’s effects on the global economy and geography. The phrase “Many play the flies that follow the corpse to the coffin” implies that many Nigerians have been compelled to adapt to the new reality of the pandemic, while many others grapple to endure in an economy grossly affected by the virus. The line “dying other people’s death in homeland and exile” is a tribute to those who have been compelled to abandon their homes and communities in pursuit of safety, only to encounter the unprecedented challenges of surviving in an unfamiliar and hostile setting.

The poet responded to the Covid-19 pandemic and other evils that have afflicted humanity with his poem “The Next Evil.” “The Next Evil” is a poem that dwells on hope and resilience. The poem’s opening line is a rhetorical question that challenges the thought that hopelessness is the worst affliction we can endure as humans. The lines: “What is the next evil that can befall a man who wakes up from a sleepless night thinking he has lost all light to multiple layers of plight?” is an assertion that hope is the foundation of our beliefs and credence as humans, even in our most desolate moments. In a world that has experienced several physical wars, conflicts, pandemics, lockdowns, and violence, this is a reminder that optimism remains the sole remedy for an uncertain future.

I can’t think of a better way to end this review than by enclosing it with my own poem:

You are the one who speaks truth to power,

The one whose pen breathes for justice

In a land where truth is forbidden

You are the one who challenges the authority

Of the snakes who lure their people

into a den of torture

When the gates of fairness are locked

You command your pen to seek redress.

If not you, what then is the meaning of justice?

And when the voices of the oppressed are silenced,

you amplify their cries, a beacon in the night.

Your words are a ray of hope and a call to action to fight for what is right.

Arts & Culture

Ojude Oba Poised To Become A Global Event – Abiodun

Published

9 months ago

June 19, 2024

NewTimes

L-R: Former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; former Senator representing Ogun East, Senator Lekan Mustapha; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona at the 2024 Ojude Oba festival held, at the Ojude Oba Pavilion, Ijebu-Ode on Tuesday.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has said that his administration is poised at making the Ojude Oba festival a global event.

The governor who stated this on Tuesday at the 2024 Ojude Oba Festival held at the Ojude Oba Pavilion in Ijebu-Ode, said the annual event has grown from a mere gathering of Ijebu people to felicitate the Awujale to an event that attracts both national and global audience.

According to the governor, the festival, which has become a tourist attraction, symbolizes and reflects the collective unity of the people known for hard work, perseverance, and industry.

He said: “Ojude Oba festival is not only a cultural heritage for the indigenes of Ijebuland but has now become a significant event that attracts local and foreign tourists to Ogun State, showcasing our hospitality and enviable tradition of Ijebuland to the national and global audience.

“This festival serves as a symbol of our unity, tourism and a rallying point to all the Ijebu sons and daughters to celebrate the life and times of our tradition, culture, and revered monarch.

“It has become a catalyst for the development of Ijebuland, and this undoubtedly underscores the importance of preserving our traditions for future generations.

“By standing for unity and harmony, we elevate our community and set an example for others to follow. The essence of unity and harmony in Ijebuland can be seen willingly in cultural events like this festival.

“Our administration is deeply committed to supporting the initiative to make it a permanent event in the global tourism industry,” he said.

The event, Prince Abiodun observed, creates opportunities for an advancement which has brought about the socio-economic development not only to the axis but the state as a whole.

While thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing interest in expanding the festival, especially with plans to include it in the UNESCO’s world cultural heritage, the governor said his administration was committed to providing the conducive environment for business to thrive.

He said the festival provides an opportunity for the Ijebu people to take stock and project the future. He called for unity and harmony from people across the state, adding that it was time to work together to build a virile state.

“The state government will continue to create a conducive atmosphere for community development across the state and I solicit the support of the people, especially all the sons and daughters towards the 20th National Sports Festival, Gateway Games, 2024, part of which will be hosted right here in Ijebu-Ode,” the governor concluded.

Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Hannatu Musa-Musawa, who was represented by Rev. Ben Ugo, Director of Cultural Industry and Heritage, said her ministry was working towards promoting and preserving cultural heritage of President Tinubu’s administration with the creation of economic expansion to the tune of $100bn.

He acknowledged the cultural diversity of Nigerians, noting that the federal government is working towards making the country a cultural hub by the year 2030.

The Chairman of the 2024 Ojude Oba festival, Chief Olu Okuboyejo, appreciated the governor for his support for the festival and the people for turning up en masse to grace the occasion.

Arts & Culture

Meet Shaibu Husseini, The New Sheriff At NFVCB

Published

1 year ago

January 13, 2024

NewTimes

Dr Shaibu Husseini

By Esther Kainebi-Daniel

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday, January 12, approved the appointment of Dr. Shaibu Husseini as the new Director General of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), succeeding Adedayo Thomas.

Dr Shaibu, is a celebrated journalist, performing artist, cultural administrator, public relations and media expert, and film curator. He is an alumnus of Lagos State University (LASU) where he studied Mass Communication at the institution’s School of Communication and earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc First Class) in Mass Communication, the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where he earned Master of Science (M.Sc) wiith Distinction, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mass Communication . His PhD was on film studies as his thesis examined the ‘Structure of Film Production Companies in Nollywood’.

A trained and seasoned theatre, film, broadcast, public relations and culture expert, he is reputed as one of the most consistent documentarists of Nigeria’s vibrant film and movie industry Nollywood and he is an astute commentator on arts, theatre and film development in Nigeria and the continent of Africa.

In 2014, he was honoured for his contributions to the development of Nigerian film industry by Nollywood Film Festival in Germany.

He has been the chairman of the College of Screeners and a member of Jury Board of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) for many years.

An alumnus of the United States International Visitors Leadership Programme and the AIG-Public Leaders Programme of the Blavtanik School of Governance of the University of Oxford; Dr Shaibu was one time Secretary of the Governing Board of the National Theatre/National Troupe of Nigeria (from 2011 to 2015). He was appointed Director of Dance and Music and Head of the Strategic Communication Unit of the National Troupe of Nigeria.

Dr Shaibu has been the Chair, for 16 years running, of the Selection Committee of Africa’s premier film award – the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and a member of the prestigious AMAA jury.

He has attended several conferences, workshops and festivals and has sat and currently sits on a number of local and international Committees on film, theatre and allied matters including serving on the Board and on the jury of a number of Festivals, Awards and Committees including the Board of the Mainframe Film Institute run by the legendary Tunde Kelani, the board of In-short International Film Festival and on the Board of the Bank of Industry (BOI) Nollywood Fund.

Author of ‘Moviedom: The Nollywood Narratives’, Dr Shaibu is a Senior Teaching and Research Fellow at the Mass Communication Department of the University of Lagos and he was a former member of the Nigeria Official Selection Committee charged with the responsibility of deciding Nigeria’s entry for the Best International Film category of the Oscars.

He is currently a voting member of International Golden Globes Award and a consultant to the Berlin International Film Festival. He has served and still serves as a resource person, trainer in the field of theatre, culture and mass communication.

The new NFVCB DG was a pioneer artiste of the National Troupe of Nigeria; he has considerable theoretical, practical and field experience in the area of theatre, cultural administration as well as in public relations, advertising, journalism, broadcasting and film.

He considers himself an enthusiastic, dedicated, detailed and capable theory cum practically oriented professional who is able to improve the ability of an organisation to deliver outcomes that matter.