This young man was my Classmate. We were in the same class at the Pan African University in 2018 for the Masterclass in Oil and Gas Reporting.
Akintunde, as he prefers to be called, rather than ‘Akin’, as we are quick to take to, was a great guy to get along with. He has a way of effortlessly combining fun with smart that you can’t but want him around.
I would connect with him, but would only get to know him better and relate more with his story, thanks to this platform.
Akintunde’s story, one he decidedly and faithfully shares with us here to spur us to greatness, is all-round inspiring. He is as generous with the successes as he is with the failures, letting us see how integral grit, sacrifice, perseverance are in the journey to success.
For the youth and the young at heart, this is one man who has proven time and again that all it takes to draw water out of stone is the audacity to dream, the tenacity to work hard at it, irrespective of the circumstances.
For us with one or both legs in the media, Akintunde is a huge inspiration on how to rediscover oneself in the profession, explore new directions or reinvent old directions.
It is incredible to see what this gentleman has achieved in the last few years. I had to double-check to accept that it was only 5 years ago that we were in class, for at that time, he was only just getting started.
In the last few years, Akintunde has gone on to win the Chevening Scholarship, which saw him through a Masters degree in the UK. He would follow up soon after with the Mandela Washington Fellowship to the US.
Akintunde is, no doubt, a definition of redefinition. His transition from life as Mathematics Teacher to a Journalist is worth some study. His Bachelor’s degree is in Educational Management/Mathematics. Today, his feet are firm on the floor in Journalism that he leads Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development as Director, Programmes.
As teaching is in his blood, he is to be found all around the world organising, coordinating and/or facilitating training programmes. It’s so difficult these days keeping track where this man might be.
Happy Birthday, Akintunde. So so proud of you. To think that this is only just the beginning for you and you have gone so far. I pray that more and more of your dreams come true.
I couldn’t find that selfie from the Airport. Do resend I had meant to use it here, for famzing 😊
Keep making us proud. Remember your words to us:
#Youwillnotfail