Today, the 23rd day of October. 2024 ushers in an auspicious moment in the life of Ayodele Oshikokhai as it signifies the beginning of series of great day, great week, great month and indeed great year and wonderful life ahead. The birthday man told Independent News Express in this interview how God has been so wonderful in his life, his career in journalism and other issues.
How do you feel clocking 66 years today?
In fact, it is often taken for granted, but celebrating 66 years on earth is a big deal. When one considers the rate at which people dies daily. I must be frank with you that I am lucky to witness my 66th birthday as I have not taken it for granted. When my friends and well-wishers stormed my Amose Estate home at Meiran area of Lagos State today to celebrate my birthday with me and my children, I was elated and full of joy. I gave thanks and glory to the Almighty God for the gift of life as I pray to God for more favour and blessings.
WATCH AS CELEBRANT CUT HIS BIRTHDAY CAKE
What kind of family are you from and what experiences later shaped your life?
My daddy and mummy were both farmers. I grew up under the disciplinary orbits of my parents and my uncle. Engr J.B. Unuayankhai who was a great disciplinarian during the formative years of my growing up with him in Abraka Delta state. He made great impacts in my life and without him I would not have become what I am today in the society.
In fact, my uncle to this day is a great orator with a great persuasive ability and a pacesetter of no small measure. He is as peaceful as a dove, but could swing and sting like a bee if he runs out of patience. One thing that could not be taken away from him at 79 is his intellectual resource fullness and high Intelligence Quotient (IQ). He is not only kind and humble, but is a down to earth human being. After God, he is next.
Let’s talk about life as a journalist and what inspires you into the profession
Life as a journalist is very much interesting and it’s not a child play because it is a whole lots of work especially in a country like ours. It is a serious business. You need to keep your mouth shot almost all the time. You talk less and see things far from ordinary people’s eyes. You write, check your facts and recheck them again before going to the press. Right from my youthful days. I have always been interested in writing. I must confess, writing is just in me naturally and it is something I am always happy to do at every point in time.
Are any of your children into journalism?
Yes. My only daughter who is now happily married is a journalist. She is a broadcaster, she is very sound and down to earth. Whenever she is on air, she always charms her way into the hearts of her listeners and admirers with her golden voice and delivers her message with a bang.
Let’s have an insight into the most memorable moments in your journalism career?
I have so many memories. Whenever I look back at the time I was with OpenLife magazine in Lagos reporting religion, those flashbacks make me smile. I can say at this juncture that I thank the publisher of OpenLife magazine and our able editor Jibril Musa for impacting positively into my journalism career. Today, whenever and wherever I go, people recognize me with joy in their faces and for having me around them. In summary, my journalistic odyssey could be compared to planting a seed, nurturing it and seeing it growing without being able to explain how it grows and what makes it grow is quite inspiring to me.
What do you personally spend most of your time on?
Naturally. I am always occupied. I am a busy man. But I don’t joke with my nuclear family. My family is my priority. As a family man, I take my family seriously at every point in time. Today. If I am not with OpenLife magazine and Cultural Social Responsibility Reporters (C. S. R) Reporters news room I would be at the comfort zone at my Amose Estate home in Alagbado Lagos.
Who is the greatest influencer in your life?
God is my number one influencer because the teaching of the Holy Bible cuts across all shades of life, and I follow it ritually. Besides this. the publisher of OpenLife magazine and my editor Jibril Musa have greatly influenced my journalism career.
WATCH WHEN A COLLEAGUE AND FRIEND WAS AROUND TO CELEBRATE WITH AYODELE OSHIKOKHAI
