Young and In Charge: Sophie Alozie

Sharing the stories of young people doing what they love has to be one of the greatest things I have done and with time I have grown to love it more and more. Today we bring you the story of a young lady who over time, has evolved from a tomboy that would not be caught dead in a dress into a beautiful young lady that now makes a living out of making these same dresses. Did I add that she is also an engineer and a 3D designer.

Tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Sophie Alozie, I am from Imo state, love being busy but also can’t do without my lay-in weekends. Ex-cheerleader (Go Kingston Knights) and a sports lover (love to play not always to watch), I am a Civil Engineer, 3D designer, Fashion Designer and Dress Maker. 

What was growing up like?

I must say growing up was fun; my early childhood was in Jos before we moved to Abuja. I had the most awesome parents and even with their busy schedule they always had family time in their schedule. My mum had exceptional culinary skills so my siblings and I were always in the kitchen trying to re-create her masterpieces (unsuccessfully I must say). My elder siblings were always in boarding school so I spent most of my growing up time with my immediate senior brother, everyone called us twins because we were like two peas in a pod, we did everything together from playing basket ball to power rangers (I was the pink ranger I guess that was a sign). I was a tom-boy growing up (hard to believe when you see me now) so I never wore the dresses and skirts my mum bought for me, I thought to myself how could I possibly play football in a dress??? With all that said I loved my childhood I did and had it all.

Tell us a little about your educational background?

My early years are a long list of schools which I wouldn’t bore you with but my junior secondary started in Model Secondary School, Abuja and transferred to Nigerian Turkish International College Abuja where I started and ended my senior secondary school education. I earned my degree in Civil Engineering at Kingston University, London.

You are a civil engineer, 3D designer and a fashion designer. Can u tell us about these?

·        Well Civil Engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with buildings and roads like I always put it ‘a civil engineer makes the dreams of an architect and his client come true’ (well if it is possible).

·       A 3d designer turns 2d drawings into 3d drawings which are more realistic and help clients to visualize aesthetically what their building will look like when it is finished by the use of software’s such as Revit Architecture, 3D Max e.t.c.

·       Fashion designer creates and sets trends in the clothing industry through ideas, inspiration or sheer talent on paper mostly and a Dress maker brings all these ideas to life through tailoring materials that fit.

You studied Civil engineering; 3D designing is sort of related to this. So how did your fashion-designer part come about?

Well when you think about it fashion and engineering are also fairly related because in fashion you have to deal with your imagination, proportions, shapes and sizes while in dress making you have a great deal to do with calculations, so technically I think they are all not so far apart. Fashion and

 dress making I would say came about by chance. I always came up with the weirdest fashion & hairstyles in college but never have thought of pursuing it as a career not to talk of dress making. As i grew older my fashion ideas evolved with me and when I got back to Nigeria in 2009 I wanted to make my own designs in African print because I love them and I am big on bold colours. It was a bit disappointing I must say because I could not find a reasonably priced or reliable tailor/dress maker that could replicate my thoughts or drawings with materials and then frustration set in (LOL). That was when I said to my mom I want to learn how to make my own clothes and designs myself and my mum, (Bless her) had the same thoughts and ideas as I did. The rest was history J

What is your typical day like?

Every day brings its own ups and downs so no day is typical. Am up early usually and since I have always been my mum’s personal stylist I have to get her ready for work and out the door before am settled to do anything else (unless am on a serious deadline then she shows me her outfit and I say yes or no way). I start out with drawings so you can say that takes priority over my fashion and dress making at the moment. Cutting and sewing usually starts later in the day when I am satisfied with my progress on the drawing. You find me on the floor in my room or on the dining table calculating and cutting. I have a crazy habit of wanting to finish whatever I start no matter how long it takes, food is at very low priority and I know that is bad but I tend to forget when I am so engrossed in my work, but when I get down to eating I EAT.  Some days I do not sleep at all and that would be because I am trying to meet a deadline and I had several hiccups along the way which is normal (software and machinery have minds of their own and decide to malfunction sometimes) and some days after my morning ritual I sleep till noon (HAHA). I have a lot to juggle, so discipline is a must (which I am still mastering) and I believe working for yourself can be the best gift you can give yourself in this life if you can.

In these three spheres, what are  your best works ever?

This is a trick question right? (LOL).

·       In civil engineering I would say it’s the first building I designed with my colleagues at university of a sports centre, I worked my butt off but in the end I was over the moon with the final product.

·       In 3d design it was the first project I was given to work on my own I struggled a little with it had to consult a couple of other professionals (no one is an island) but in the end my client was so happy and satisfied with my work and to me there is no greater feeling.

In Fashion well it was my first designs I made of the top of my head I wasn’t an artist so I never drew them on paper but thanks to personal continual development I learnt how to draw out my designs (Thank God). In dress making it was the first 6-piece skirt i made it wasn’t perfect but just the fact that i made something i could wear out and didn’t have thread sticking out everywhere or a messed up zipper was liberating.

What are the difficulties involved in these three fields?

In civil engineering, the lack of available internships and training for recent graduates, it is very difficult to acquire and it is terribly needed so our graduates both home and away can grow professionally.

Again training in 3d design is in short supply but there aren’t a lot of difficulties just keep up with the evolving softwares, never stop learning you can never know it all. You stop learning you fall off the wagon, you do not always need to wait for someone to teach you, go online and google a tutorial or two on the software you need instead of facebook or twitter (HEHE don’t mind me am a culprit).

Lastly, in fashion and dress making there are so many difficulties that can cripple your dream; it is a business that needs a tough skin. Going out to source materials, working over-time to meet deadlines, finding reliable help/man power, your machine acting up on that very day you need to be done with a customer’s outfit, customers not giving you the reaction you need to say to yourself ‘yes she/he loves it, I can breathe now’. I can write a  ten page list. It can get a little frustrating and mind draining but if you love what you do, then all those difficulties become challenges that you overcome to improve yourself in the end.

How do you juggle being an engineer, a 3D designer and a fashion designer?

You make it sound like so much; ok maybe it is and believe it or not that is not the end of the list (LOL). I give time to all my dreams maybe not equally but as needed. They are my dreams if I don’t make them happen who is going to do it for me? Yes I don’t do every little thing by myself and that is something you learn after killing yourself trying to do it all because you think no one else can do it the way you will, no one is an island and yes there are people out there just as good as you or even better you just had the idea or means first (CHEERS TO YOU, BUT HUNT THEM DOWN). At the end of the day it is the genuine joy and gratitude on the customer, family or friend's face because of my service that makes it all worth it.

Which of them do you find most challenging?

I would say fashion because it is constantly changing (trends and seasons); there are so many challenges and sometimes everything goes wrong at the same time. I am still an evolving designer/dress maker constantly making mistakes but learning from them, improving myself in anyway I can.

Which of the three is topmost on your list of priorities? Which do you love most?

It is hard to say they are all my topmost priorities just at different times. I have love for all of them, I know I sound weird but they all bring a different kind of joy to my life so it’s hard to pick one.

Have you ever felt like giving up on any?

Yes and am sure it’s obvious which that is (Fashion), but I love it so much. For me it is like that one guy you will miss forever if you do not take that giant leap.

Who or what inspires you?

My lovely parents who have proven to me that with hard work and knowing your onions (emphasis on the onions) the sky is just the beginning. The happiness and smiles on my clients face is also a big inspiration to me, makes me want to do more and be better at what I do.

Asides work, what do you do for fun?

Playing video games with my brothers whenever I have the chance has to be number one on the list, hanging out with friends, watching random movies at the cinema e.t.c.

Youths out there would be curious to know your age. Would you tell?
LOL well I am not one to hide my age or weight so here it is I am.................25yrs old (wow I am old).

Advice to youths that wish to follow in your footsteps.

I can give you a whole speech about me but I think you already have enough of that. I am still figuring alot of things as I go along, I have made so many mistakes that I can write a best-seller on them but they all turned out to be huge blessings in disguise. So no don’t follow in my footsteps set your own trend just be inspired to do something new and different. By all means work hard, be lazy when you have achieved your goal but that is where the real work starts. I am not sure you’ll have time to be lazy, live your dreams but also be smart and realistic with your dreams. Don’t say I want to own a farm and say ‘no I can’t get the machines so that dream is not feasible yet’ DUDE START WITH A HOE. Start dreaming early, don’t wait till you think you are ready or you’ll never be ready and you will never get yesterday again. Stop second guessing yourself there is only one you and no one can do you better than you, like I said if you know your onions you cannot go wrong so please take that giant leap and PRAY LIKE HELL THAT THERE IS A SPRING BED WAITING FOR YOU. Be good (no scratch that), be brilliant in whatever field you choose to go into make a believer out of everyone, be humble and not arrogant no one likes a wise ass. God is always there for you, all you have to do is ask, without him I would not be here today, I give thanks to whom its due (THANK YOU LORD).

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

If only I could see the future hmmmm.....well I hope and pray that five years from now I’ll be ten times more brilliant at what I do than what I am today. I would love to have my own construction firm and a fashion line (GOD help me). I have so many more dreams but for now I’ll stick to these you can’t do it all and you can only spread yourself so far.

To the part you have all been waiting for, PICTURES!!!

Sophie can be reached on:

Twitter- https://twitter.com/Pinky_ray

Email- sophiealozie@yahoo.com

Facebook- Sophie Raymond

Just my 2kobo: Remembering Ugonna, Llyod, Tekenna and Chidi #ALUU4

By IPHIE MANUELZ
I have been asked countless times why I have the hash tag, #ALUU4 as my status on BBM.
For at least a month it was my way of remembering them, it was my way of paying homage, if I can put it that way, it was my way of saying 'I am sorry you guys had to suffer the way you did'. It was my way of saying  'we would get you justice'.

But truth be told after that first month, just like any Nigerian, I forgot about what happened to these young men, it was just another sad story, one amongst the numerous sad stories that come out of Nigeria. To be honest I had totally forgotten I had it up as my status, I forgot to take it down and I only remembered it only when it was mentioned. I also realised that I hadn't done anything substantial towards getting them Justice, and this was pointed out to me by Adesuwa when i sent her this article to read before I posted it.

But yesterday, I took a look at my phone and I saw the #ALUU4 hash tag by myself for the first time in a long while. And then it hit me, it's only human that we would forget, after all most of us didn't know anything about Aluu or those young men before October 5th. But I also realised that I had slowly began to work towards the change I wanted to see in Nigeria since I put up that hash tag as my BBM status. I had started working on myself, I started trying to reflect the changes that I wanted to see in Nigeria, in my life. The change I seek for Nigeria would come to pass, not by my words only, but the most successful way to bring about this change was to actually live it.

On the second month of your death, Chidi, Tekena, Llyod and Ugonna, I hope you guys are resting with God. I renew the promise I made two months ago, we would get you justice, no matter how long it takes. And no I am not gonna take the hash tag down, it is a constant reminder of the change Nigeria needs and a constant reminder of the work ahead of me. Thank you Tekena, Llyod, Chidi and Ugonna, even in death you guys inspire me to change my life before I can change Nigeria.
Keep resting with God, Ugonna, Llyod, Tekena and Chidi.

The criminal case against the killers of these four young men continues today in Port Harcourt. I might not be home but I would do my part in making sure the justice gets done. The little things we do can help get these young men justice, it could be reporting the progress of the court case, asking questions of the necessary authorities. It is the little thing we do that combine to have a great effect.

Young and In Charge: Joy Enechukwu

I have always known the name Osoke to mean 'shining star' or 'shining light. What this young lady does definitely turns her clients into stars. We bring you the story of Joy, whose love for what she does sees her braving the weather, the terrible load and all the troubles that come with travelling within Nigerian just to turn her clients into stars that shine so bright.
Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Joy Enechukwu. I am from Delta state, a Christian and the 1st of 5 children. I've been in the make-up industry as a self-taught make-up artist for several years, and as a professional for 3 years. I pride myself on my reputation for being a perfectionist.

What was growing up like?
Couldn't have asked for a better family. My dad taught us the culture of reading and my mum taught us good manners. I also remember her delectable fried yam in the shape of perfect white cubes, crunchy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. (Still can't wrap my head around how she cut them into perfect cubes). We had rewards for good report cards and Mr-Do-Good (cane) for when we misbehaved. Awesome parenting, healthy sibling rivalry (chuckling) and the best of schools.

Tell us a little about your educational background?
My primary education was at University of Lagos Staff Primary School, Idi Araba, Lagos. My secondary school was an interesting boarding experience at FGGC, Onitsha and then a Bsc Economics from UNN.

So what is Osoke all about? What does it mean and how did the name come about?
Osoke Make-up is all about making the best version of our clients possible with stunning results. Services include make-up for photo-shoots, weddings, engagements, fashion shows, carnivals & special occasions, make-up lessons, make-up kit revamps, headgear tying, airbrush tattoos and face painting. The name OSOKE refers to cinders that continue to glow, depicting in a way, the desired polished glow that my clients crave. The name choice arose from a mutual desire to immortalise my grandma's name.

How did you get into it?
I attended a somewhat happy-go-lucky wedding of a bride who was too gleeful to be bothered with make-up  She applied her casual everyday make-up  Dissatisfied, I made the best use of her crude make-up kit and gently transformed her into a princess. I spun her around to her mirror and she screamed in delight at her reflection. After that I was hooked. I went ahead to attend one of the most prestigious professional make-up schools in the country.

What is your typical day like?
On a typical day, I use my to-do list as a guide in prioritising my tasks. Then I pull out my list of dreams, freak out, and pray I achieve them all.

What do you love most about you what you do?
Customer satisfaction. I relish the look of awe on their faces when they can't stop looking at themselves in the mirror. Its delightfully gratifying.

What’s been your best work ever?
My best work ever would be the jobs I did at a make-up fair with my (then) instructor. I had lots of satisfied clients that day and learned to be efficient under pressure. It was a truly memorable experience.

What are the difficulties involved?
I've worked with a slew of (what I call) Diva clients but nothing beats a disgruntled bridezilla! Other difficulties are travelling in the scorching heat, in the rain, defying floods, through conflict-torn terror-stricken areas and difficult terrains with inaccessible roads to get to some pretty remote locations especially for engagements and traditional weddings.

If you weren't doing this, what would you have been doing?
I'm a die-hard culinary enthusiast, so if I wasn't doing this, I'd be a restaurateur  pleasing palates with delectable meals in my restaurant.

Have you ever felt like giving up on Osoke?
Never.

Who or what inspires you?
My parents are my inspiration; a firm foundation through all my storms in life, sturdy hands to hold in times of stress and strife, the strongest and wisest people I know. The incredible duo!

Considering the level of success you have attained, youths out there would be itching to know how old you are.
Late twenties.

Asides work, what do you do for fun?
Shop till I drop! Absolutely love to splurge on fashion pieces. Also a thrill seeker. (I'll be the screamer on the roller coasters. Lol!) And of course, exploring the city's gourmet restaurants with my fellow culinary enthusiasts.

Advice to youths that wish to follow in your footsteps.
First of all, you've got to love it. Use good products and treat your clients like you would like to be treated.

Where do you see yourself and Osoke five years from now?
In 5years, I see Osoke as a major contender in the beauty industry. (Fluttering my eyelashes!)

Happy Customers.

Contact Information:
BB - 2827DB9D
Email - dtraceye@yahoo.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jay.enechukwu
Phone no - 08033813779

Better Nigeria: Cropping the rise of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.

BY OLUWASEUN

Abj Loving, Abuja Living: When I got this article a few days back, I felt it was perfect for today, it's the world AIDS day. December 1st of every year has been set aside since 1988 as a day to raise awareness for the chaos AIDS has cursed. The fight to kick out HIV/AIDS starts with you protecting yourself.

In Nigeria, the HIV prevalence rate among adults ages 15–49 is 3.9 percent. Nigeria has the third-largest number of people living with HIV. The HIV epidemic in Nigeria is complex and varies widely by region. In some states, the epidemic is more concentrated and driven by high-risk behaviors, while other states have more generalized epidemics that are sustained primarily by multiple sexual partnerships in the general population. Youth and young adults in Nigeria are particularly vulnerable to HIV, with young women at higher risk than young men. There are many risk factors that contribute to the spread of HIV, including prostitution, high-risk practices among itinerant workers, high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI), clandestine high-risk heterosexual and homosexual practices, international trafficking of women, and irregular blood screening.

The size of the population and the nation pose logistical and political challenges particularly due to the political determination of the Nigerian Government to achieve health care equity across geopolitical zones. The necessity to coordinate programs simultaneously at the federal, state and local levels introduces complexity into planning. The large private sector is largely unregulated and, more importantly, has no formal connection to the public health system where most HIV interventions are delivered. Training and human resource development is severely limited in all sectors and will hamper program implementation at all levels. Care and support is limited because existing staff are overstretched and most have insufficient training in key technical areas to provide complete help.
injecting drug users (IDUs), transport workers, members of the Armed Forces and Police. It has been found that individuals that fall under these groups and their partners account for 40 percent of new HIV infections in Nigeria.

The total number of condoms provided by international donors has been relatively low. Between 2000 and 2005, the average number of condoms distributed in Nigeria by donors was 5.9 per man, per year.
Restrictions on condom promotion have hampered HIV prevention efforts. In 2001, a radio advertisement was suspended by the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) for promoting messages suggesting that it is acceptable to engage in premarital sex as long as a condom is used. In 2006 APCON also started to enforce stricter regulations on condom advertisements that might encourage ‘indecency’.
The number of female condoms sold in Nigeria has significantly increased from 25,000 in 2003 to 375,000 in 2006.

Support Durex on its Campaign against HIV/AIDS.

Donate a Click...Save a LIFE. Like this page http://qrs.ly/jo2drjb

Just my 2kobo: Call it what you want

BY EHINOME
So I took a bus today from Federal Housing kubwa, to Zuba. For those of us that move around in buses, you would agree with me that its not much of a distance, and its fare shouldn't cost more than the lowest denomination of Mtn's recharge card..and maybe because of the-for-no-real-reason fuel scarcity, it could be 50naira over.

With that in mind I settled in the bus and made a mental note about the scorching sun, before I got too comfortable I asked the bus conductor "how much?"
"200naira!" He spat... And he peered at me..you know when someone says something and looks at you to be sure you took it well...that was the look he gave me.

I look at him..long and hard. And I repeated "200naira?", he felt my piercing gaze and so focused on something else. I noticed other passengers had gotten interested, one even hissed. The conductor was out to cheat me, but if I wouldn't talk for myself, who are they to?

I was going to say a whole load of stuff, but when I looked at this conductor, all I saw was a Nigerian taking out his frustrations on others. Even if you want to cheat, '50naira!?' Okay, maybe if he collects that from 10 people or more for that day, he would have a sizeable sum to his name. Though I am sorry to say, that money may not do much for him. He may probably "shark up" his system with it at close of work.

Nigerians?! We just like to escalate issues. The funniest thing is, its those who do not earn "so much" that do this, to those they feel are well off...what sinking self esteems! With many people with such esteems parading all over the place, I should say, am very afraid. Why, because, I can buy a flashy-looking-maybe-fake "chanel" bag with myt last cash, and my saloonist would see and charge me 5000naira to wash and set my hair...ladies can relate to this.

A conductor's bus is his office, a tomato seller's shed is her lounge..and so on.  So if "things are hard" as we like to say it, and you go near some of these people they could rip you off.

I don't know if you who's reading or if even I who is writing this article  is ripping people off, all because we want to prey on the situation of our country, but it has dawned on me, we wouldn't go far by doing so.

Young and In Charge: Recap

Following the success of this section, a recap is in order, don't you all think. So here is list of the young people who have inspired young people out there for the past few Mondays. I just want to say a big thank to them for agreeing to share their stories.

Wonuola Sanni: Wonu was our very first young person of the week. She started out with a a borrowed camp gas doing what she loves and she has grown to feeding thousands. To read about Wonu go here

Wonu

You can reach Chef Wonu on 07067983223
Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/omowo
Find her on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wonu.sanni?fref=ts
Or drop her a mail: Email-Mailwonu@yahoo.com


Jones Odagwe: Jones love for the camera started at a very young age and this love was nurtured by his Dad who gave a camera when he was in Junior Secondary School. Read about Jones here

Jones

You can reach Jones by:
E-mail- jonessmart1@yahoo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonesodagwe?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jonessmart1
BB pin- 298FB083


Kabir Abubakar: Its always amazing to see young people doing amazing things, but what's even more amazing is seeing young people that are making a living from their God given talents that most of us just take for granted. Kabeer's skill in designing clothes is simply amazing. Read about Kabir here

Kabir

You can reach Kabir through any of these means.

EMAIL: kabirabubakar@hotmail.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/kabir.abubakarbabiotos?fref=ts

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Kb_Babiotos

WEBSITE:  http://babiotos-couture.tumblr.com/


Audu Wushishi and Vidi Idiyang: These young men decided that the alcohol industry had taken enough outta their pocket and decided it was time for it to give back. And La Vida Vodka was born! How amazing right? Read about Audu and Vidi here

Audu

Vidi

Twitter: https://twitter.com/La_Vida_Vodka

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/LaVidaVodka?v=feed&refid=17

Email: lavidavodka12@gmail.com

Mobile: 08107159906


Dr Nze Sylva Ifedigbo: A Dr that can write, tell me that is not every woman's dream. This young man took his love for writing seriously and never gave up on it and now he is a published author, I remember attempting to write, o boy, no comment, massive respect to anyone that gets to be published. Read about Nze here

Nze

You can visit his website www.nzesylva.com
Follow him on twitter https://twitter.com/nzesylva
And visit his blog www.nzesylva.wordpress.com


Ama Osaze Uzzi: I am very passionate about looking good but I am no success in the make up department and so I duff my hat to anyone that can make a successful career out of it. That is what this young lady is doing, instead of letting herself idle away before she was called up for youth service she decided to attend a make up school. Read about Ama here

Ama

Ama can be reached through the following means

BB: 25DDC591
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/ama.uzzi?fref=ts

Phone: 07036768588                       

Susan Kukah and Kunle Bello: 'In love and in business', I loved coming up with this line, it was my way of saying "oh please" to the person that came up with the line about "not mixing business with pleasure". This couple took their love for each other and their love for business to greater height. Read about them here

Susan and Kunle

Susan and Bello can be reached on:
BB pin: 2A48F725 (Susan)
BB pin: 2957A1B9 (Kunle)
Phone: 07065507326, 08062122150


Toju Onwubiko: Our most recent young person of the week. Our very own 'Jack of all trades, master of ALL', hehehe, I am becoming very good at debunking some of this ridiculous sayings right. This young man has his hand in almost every thing, he is an inspiration to most young people, I think his slogan should be 'As long as you love it, you can do it'. Read about Toju here

Toju

Toju can be reached on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tojubikz
Email: teejaysmail@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisistoju
Toju's blog: http://confessionsofanartaddict.wordpress.com/

Abj Loving, Abuja Living

BY IPHIE MANUELZ
So its our second month as a blog, yayyyyy. And all I can say is thank you to everyone of you that has contributed to the growth of the blog. I can't say thank you enough, for a dream that started out on my bed you guys have sure taken it far.

I can't say thanks enough for all the words of encouragement and all the support I have received so far. For my bb contacts I cant thank you guys enough, you guys know that I used to be a drama mama about BCs but in a dramatic twist of fate, I have become the BC queen, how ironic yeah. My bb contacts are the best in the world, they don't even complain, in fact I have been told by some of my contacts that they look forward to my BCs every Monday morning.

Big things are coming the way of the blog and I hope you all would continue to be a part of it. I am sorry I have neglected the other parts of the blog, I found out that school and blogging doesn't mix. I promise that things would pick up by next year. But I am very proud of the success the Young and In Charge section has become, its become a brand that young people want to be associated with. Guess what, YIC is going national, hopefully one day we would go global, I figured that Abj is not the only place where you can find inspiring young men and women, so why not take it national.

Most importantly, thanks to Adesuwa, she has helped to keep this dream alive.

Young and In Charge: Toritseju Onwubiko

When I first heard of Toju, the first thing that came to my mind was 'jack of all trades, master of none', I mean there was no way one person could have his hands in all these things and be a master of any of them. Now I cover my eyes in shame, how did I even think that. As I got to know him over the course of this interview, I got to see a young man passionate about what he does, not only passionate but also dedicated to what he does. All I can say to myself is, 'Iphie, how did you come up with that statement'. As you would get to see while reading his interview, Toju has perfected the act of balancing all these art and has become a master in the various field.

Tell us a little about yourself?

I  am Toritseju Onwubiko ‘Jnr (Toju for short). I  Come from a family of six, mum, dad and three gorgeous troublesome sisters. As a person, I’m a realist, very sarcastic and I love to mind my business.... that’s as “little” as it gets, and oh! I was born in J TOWN (Jos)!

Toju

Your name sounds very 'Nigerian', Toritseju Onwubiko, that's Igbo and Itsekiri right, we are curious to know the origin.
Let's just say I come from a very "mixed" family dating generations (we've always inter married). I've got fulani n yoruba blood too.... I guess they had so much game that ladies from other tribes couldn't resist... Its inherent in us! (Laughs)

What was growing up like?

In a word, strict! Popsy was the “Don corleon”, Barbara was the “evil younger sister always out to see me cry” mum was the “cushion”. But looking back, it was fun. Vacations (not to London o!), gifts, games, outdoor play time, friends, music and lots of drawing...

Tell us a little about your educational background?

I finished my from FGC Kwali Abuja (back in the day when the uniform was all white, boys were smart and the ladies were pretty as hell), then went on to study architecture in FUT Minna (both first and second degree). ....... and oh, I  didn't write NECO!!! (Laughing hard, every pun intended).

You are an architect, 3D/Graphic designer, a writer and a photographer. Can you tell us about these?

Phew!!  putting it like that makes it sound like a lot. I just like to think of myself as a very creative “fella” thus the various “diversifications”. I’m a lover of the art, so a lot of stuff comes naturally. As an architect, your sole aim is to sell your work to your client and doing a 3D is a form of presentation tool that clients can readily relate to (whether its interior or exterior) and appreciate it unlike 2D’s that is more technical. So I don’t see myself as a “3D designer” it comes with the job. As for the “others”, they all started as hobbies and stuff that I did just for fun and with time people started wanting my help, of course at first for free but in due time I realized I could charge people for these services and that was it. At the end of the day, if you look at what I do, it all takes its root from art.

You studied architecture, 3D designing is sort of related to this. So we are itching to know how photography, Graphic design and writing came into the mix?

Well, as a kid growing up I drew and painted a lot so; being a graphic designer was easy, designing logos, brochures, flyers and the rest was like chewing bubble gum. I could look at stuff and think of a million ways it could possibly turn out.

Photography started as a hobby too, I have the knack to see the moment and capturing it. It started with still photography and moved on. For instance, it’s just fulfilling for you to see maybe a warm embrace between friends or even a conductor hanging out of his bus and you capture it. It is timeless, its emotions and moments paused for ever.

Finally writing, my mum was into literature so, growing up I was surrounded with lots of literature books. My dad on the other hand, was more into “commercial books” and comic books (I still remember “Benbella” from back in the day), so I read alot. I guess being the only guy in the family also contributed ‘cause while the girls played and “cooked eba and egusi soup” with grass n sand, I would talk to myself and make up stories just to amuse myself and kill time.... and so my imagination grew. Today I manage a blog and also develop content for TV and radio shows.

What is your typical day like?

I don’t think I have a typical day, sometimes I wake up by 11am (bliss right?I can imagine the hissing and beefing going on now), sometimes I watch movies the whole day, yes, even on Mondays. But then, most times I’m awake by 4am (Aha, now you can’t talk again ba?) drawing, meeting deadlines, having presentations, having maybe a coke the whole day just because I’m too busy to eat or leave my system.....I guess its life.

In these four spheres, what are your best works ever?

(thinking)...... Seriously?  Omo! that question hard o!  let’s see..

Architecture: I guess it would be between designing Zamfara International Airport and the Cathedral Anglican Fellowship of Nigeria (CAFON) church. We were “crazy” with the design. I remember in the case of CAFON, the structural engineers said it was impossible for the structure to stand without throwing in columns everywhere but we proved them wrong and showed them how it would be possible.

Photography: I was one would be a picture taken in Bayelsa in a remote village, this dude was obviously fed up and was having a cigarette under a palm tree, I captured that. It was African, Nigerian and beautiful. I've done lot of works sha, even covering weddings.

Graphic Designing: I did this logo once for this client, she had met several people and still hadn’t gotten what she wanted and then she asked me to do something. In about an hour I gave her an option, she so loved it that I was embarrassed. I guess that’s why I’ll pick that.

Writing: Content wise; being part of the team that developed content for an upcoming reality show

As regards actual writing; I guess “Free falling” is one of my favourite pieces in recent times.

What are the difficulties involved in these fields?

Well, difficult clients, stingy clients that won’t pay (squeezes face),  yet they want the world, meeting deadlines, long nights up, of course sometimes even getting jobs to do sef....

How do you juggle being an architect, writer, graphic designer and a photographer?

It’s not easy at all o, but here’s the thing, you can’t do it all yourself. With time you learn to let go of some jobs or give out some. Good time management is also a plus and I guess being straight forward from the beginning also helps. Letting your client know that he wanting a job in 3 days would not be possible but you can do 5 or 6 days. That way, you’ll disappoint less and the client knows what’s up.  Happy clients always come back or at least refer others to you.

Which of them do you find most challenging?

They all have their challenges so I wouldn't pick any to be the most challenging.

Which of these is the Top most on your list of priorities? Which do you love the most?

I guess I’ll say architecture is taking priority, because I do the others as side hustle. My company ICRE8 (I create) is basically space management/architecture. We don’t only design your day to day buildings, we also design your interior space n show you what it should be like. So I guess priority lies with architecture. But as to which I love the most ... Come on! You don’t tell a father to choose between his kids. I love none more than the other.

Have you ever felt like giving up on any?

Not really. You get tired, you get frustrated, but once the job comes even if it takes forever, you do it.

Who or what inspires you?

Life generally.  My environment, my experiences.

Asides work, what do you do for fun?

I listen to music, I do movies, I hang up with friends (my favourite), I party with friends too.

Youths out there would be curious to know your age. Would you tell?

(Yimu)  I’m not yet 30, older than 25 but I look 20 or younger sef.. (Rick Ross grunt)

Advice to youths that wish to follow in your footsteps.

(Laughs hard) Follow in my footsteps? Don’t follow in my footsteps oh! I'm still learning the ropes and making my mistakes, getting stupid and lame advice  still being owed money, I don’t have a hummer, I still get broke like ba kudu, shishi, but I could teach you how to charm a lady though... (Anyone interested?).

The only thing I’ll say is no knowledge or skill is a waste it always could come in handy some time, perfect your hobbies, they could be your life saver with time, have at least a friend that would always tell you the truth cause trust me, you never see yourself falling, you just find yourself in the gutter. Also, as much as possible when dealing with clients always try and collect a “mobilization fee” before you start work o! (At least between 50 to 70%) otherwise, most of them will never pay up (even pastors too). And most importantly be careful who you give your heart to, it could mess you up.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I'm not falling for this again, the last time I did this, five years after i was not even close. So this is what I’ll say (drum rolling, orchestra playing, Wande coal screaming “Are you ready for this”, Chris brown dancing) *coughs* Well, in five years I would definitely not be where I am today, by Gods grace, I would be smiling to the bank with Ariana (that’s my daughter) *winks* (and let the people of God shout a big resounding AMEN!).......


You speak of Arianna, our female readers would like to know if you are still on the 'market'? 
Do we ever leave the market? Even if we ain't buying, we're "window shopping". Anyway.  I'm not married. Arianna's the name of my unborn child (grins... I've got all their names figured out already).

As usual, pictures speak a thousand words

PHOTOGRAPHY

3D DESIGN

Toju

Toju can be reached on:
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