I like Mr. Kunle Bakare – and I have no apologies for that. Today, as he clocks 60, and also steps joyfully into the sexagenarian club, I want to share “60” reasons for my unquenchable likeness for him. Mr. KB, like he’s affectionately addressed, for those who may not know, is the chief executive officer of Encomiums Ventures Limited, publishers of Encomium Weekly, E-Lifestyle and Encomium Special.
Currently into fashion, and quietly growing his Omoluabi brand, I worked for him for 17 years, and in those years, he was extraordinarily good and gracious to me. And still is.
Married to Desola and blessed with two children, Gbeke and Mofe, the Mass Communication graduate of the University of Lagos who hails from Odogbolu, in Ogun State, actually deserves more than 60 hearty cheers for everything he did for me (and is still doing). For now, however, I crave your indulgence to leave it at just 60…
1. After God, it’s my parents and after my parents, it’s Messrs Kunle Bakare and his former partner, Femi Akintunde-Johnson. Both men gave me the wings to fly and soar.
2. He offered me my first job at FAME Weekly – after my internship.
3. He made me the editor of Encomium Weekly for eight uninterrupted years.
4. He bankrolled nearly everything about my wedding on August 6, 2005.
5. He advised/convinced me to build my first house. The money I started the house with was actually meant to buy another car until he halted that.
6. While building the house, I ran out of funds at some point and he paid for what was remaining – which were tiles needed for the entire house.
7. The first time I got a visa to travel to the United Kingdom, he structured his trip to be in London at the time so as to show me around.
8. As an intern and also a young reporter, he took me around and taught me some of the secrets of the business, which are guiding me till today.
9. He used to “dash” me clothes and shoes, including a complete Agbada and Fila on one occasion to accompany him to a highbrow event.
10. As his staff, he bought me things anytime he travelled abroad.
11. He’s forever been there for me – starting from my traditional marriage in Nnewi, Anambra State, white wedding in Lagos, all our Anniversary Lectures at YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine and even my books’ presentations.
12. He tutored me on how to write, edit and conduct interviews.
13. The only time we ever disagreed greatly was when I resigned – but even at that, we have since put it behind us and rekindled our father-son relationship.
14. He taught me the importance of being extremely neat, dressing well, working hard and smart, not living above my means, being meticulous, simple, easygoing and always minding my business.
15. He got me my first accommodation ever as a young man – a one-room apartment on College Road, Ogba, Lagos.
16. He came to my aid on one occasion when some of my senior colleagues felt my rise was becoming too meteoric. His comforting words dissuaded me from quitting the profession then.
17. I still run to him for pieces of advice and guidance and he’s never turned his back on me.
18. Even now, he still calls me to order whenever he feels I’m going astray.
19. He gave me the nickname, Seal.
20. Well, I will share the remaining ones on his 70th birthday.
On behalf of Nkolika, Nmesomachukwu, Nekenechukwu and Naetochukwu, accept our hearty congratulations on this huge milestone of your 60th birthday. We wish you many happy returns, good health and sound mind. May your years ahead be more remarkable than those you have spent.
Happy birthday and best wishes, Sir!
– Azuh Arinze, publisher/ editor-in-chief of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine and author of bestselling books like The CEO’s Bible 1&2, Success Is Not Served A La Carte, A Taste Of Success, Anything and Everything Journalism, etc served as the editor of Encomium Weekly between 2003 and 2011