I don't normally write about people but I need to write about a brother who is an exemplary mentor, motivator, facilitator, visionary and a leader who has contributed immensely in paddling some notable people in the country today. These people stories are incomplete without referencing to the roles he played on their way to stardom. On getting to know him, I was marveled with his humble nature. I thought he's one of those who raise their shoulders whenever anyone come to them for help. His humility reminds me of the popular Yoruba adage that says; agba to ni omi ninu ki pariwo. In English, it means, a barrel full of water doesn't make noise, empty barrel does.
My first encounter with him was on his birthday. We had a few discussion without knowing he's one of the renown silent youths in the country, contributing to the growth of Oyo state and Yoruba culture until I searched for him on Instagram. It was then I knew Mr. Afolabi Yusuff is the publisher of a reputable media company Jet Royal Media, which over the years humbly contributing to the growth and developmental progress of the youths across the country, working tirelessly in boosting and promoting their positive visions.
One day, I approached him if he can grant an interview that I'm gathering contents for my proposed online TV? He said why not? I will surely grant it. Just tell me the date and venue. I promise I will be there. I was saying in my mind that just like that? I was expecting him to say he's a busy person, he can't have time to come.
On the day of the interview, he was there ahead of time. We were behind schedule and he had to cancel an appointment for us. He was even advising and encouraging me on what to do.
During the interview, he spoke about how he was promoting Wasiu Alabi Pasuma popularly know as Oganla Fuji without collecting a dime.
He further talked about his struggle down to South Africa. How he became popular when he met Pasuma at a show he came to perform. Pasuma is one of the renown stars when it comes to fuji music. He's so humble and fun to be with. Oganla has also contributed to the lives of many upcoming fuji musicians. I see Pasuma as Ronaldo. He has featured with artists like Olamide, Phyno, QDot, Tiwa Savage, Lil Kesh and lots more.
He also talked about how he was promoting Taye Currency as well.
You can't talk about fuji music in Ibadan without Taye currency as he's the one making waves right now. He even said small doctor is not exempted.
I asked him why was he promoting these people without charging them? He said he believes that when he help others in achieving their dreams, he's actually helping himself. I guess his philosophy has brought him this far in life. This brings me to one of my favorite late Nelson Mandela quotes which says "there is no greater gift than that of giving one's time and energy in helping others without expecting anything in return". But the question is this, do people like him really exist nowadays?
Another unique thing is his love for Yoruba culture. There is virtually no cultural festival that he doesn't attend. He was at the last Aje festival in Ile Ife at Oni's palace His Imperial Majesty, The Great Ooni of Ife, Olofin Adimula, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II.
At times you may get confused if Afolabi Yusuff is from Osun state or Oyo state. However, he's from Oyo state. He's close with the present Ooni of Ife because the royal king is a force to reckon with not because of his title but because of his humility, respect, love and care for his people. He's not just a king, he is a father, a husband, a successful businessman, a positive influencer, a mentor and a leader. So, he sees him as someone he needs to learn from. A king who has been promoting Yoruba culture since he attain the throne of his forefathers. Not just that, foster unity among other kings because we achieve more when we are one. We can see the role he played in the creation of Amotekun with the corporation of southwest governors. One thing I appreciate we Yorubas for is, irrespective of our political differences and religion, we still unite when situation warrants most especially when it has to do with protecting our domain. He has been touching lives of youths in Osun state positively. No wonder they say "birds of the same feathers, flock together". That reminds me of the saying "show me your friend and I will tell you who you are". Now, seeing him with His Imperial Majesty is not a mistake as his characters are reflections of the kind of people he moves with.
There is an adage that says Ile lati ko eso ro de. Despite the fact that his presence is always felt across cultures in southwest, he started it from his source which is Ibadan ilu ogunmola.
He is one of the youths the Olubadan of Ibadan His Royal Majesty Oba Saliu Adetunji loves so much.
The reason is because he's one of those making Ibadan proud across Nigeria. Virtually no event the king his attending that you won't see him around the king. He always pay visit to the king to seek fatherly advise because Oba Saliu Adetunji (long live the king) is not just a king, but a survivor who strive to attain success while he was growing up and one of those who promoted Dauda Epo-Akara, and King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal an icon in the fuji music industry. There is an adage which says omode to ba mo owo we a ba agba jeun radiates in the behavioral pattern of Afolabi Yusuff. He will soon be fully installed as Mogaji of Aremo Alaadorin, Ibadan in few weeks time.
Ibadan still remains the home of politics and culture in Nigeria which is why Oyo state is the pacesetter for other states. There is no way you want to talk about politics and culture in Nigeria without talking about Oyo state because culture is the brain box to successful politics.
I was fortunate to be at a wedding some years back where architect Muyiwa Ige was the chairman at the wedding reception. I remember the MC said if you know you benefited from late uncle Bola Ige's free education, kindly stand up in honor of his son for one minute. Virtually everybody in the hall stood up. These were people who are now successful in their chosen professions all because of what one man did when he was alive. Our present governor has began his quest in reviving Oyo state education sector because the best way to liberate a nation from poverty is through education.
This he can't achieve alone without the great support his getting from the people that surrounds him. We can see for ourselves the changes in the state. He's the only hope for PDP not just in Oyo state but southwest in general. Which is why the stakeholders, political members alongside with other arms that constitute the Oyo state government must be unflinching in the discharge of their pledged services.
Presently, Mr. Afolabi Yusuff is one of those promoting the good works of Governor Seyi Makinde (GSM) administration.
He gave his full loyalty to the present governor along with his brother Hon. Kunle Yusuff MON, Senior Special Assistant to Oyo State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during the last Oyo state governorship election.
At times, a leader has great influence over his followers either positively or negatively which we can say the category our present governor falls.
No government can succeed without having the right set of people in his cabinets. If a leader doesn't have calibers of like minds, his visions become his worst frustrations. The present situation speaks volume about what's happening in Oyo state and our beloved country.
There are lots of silent youths and elders in the country who are epitome of invaluable leaders like Afolabi Yusuff. Which is why words are not enough to describe him. He was one of those who made sure the launching of Adenrele Lekan Salami Foundation experienced a remarkable success over the weekend.
The Olubadan of Ibadan land His Royal Majesty Oba Saliu Adetunji with his wife was there. Oloye Lekan Alabi (The Agba Akin of Ibadan Land) which I had the privilege to interview some years back where he gave me the book he launched then some years ago.
Other prominent dignitaries added to the glamour of the launching at Golden Tulip, Ibadan.
You can follow him on Instagram @jetroyal_media to get news update on the go. All I know is that the world would have been a better place if we have leaders who are selfless when discharging their civic duties.
Note: This post is not meant to stir any form of political smoke. It's written to appraise those who are doing great in the society. If you've benefited from Afolabi Yusuff, you can share it with others in the comment section below.
Thanks.
Thanks for reading: Afolabi Yusuff A Rare Gem And A Dream Booster Of Our Present Generation, Sorry, my English is bad:)