Gbolahan Adetayo is a multi-award-winning journalist, movie producer, actor, celebrity publicist, and farmer. His contributions to Nigeria’s media and entertainment industry, alongside his dedication to agriculture, set him apart as a visionary entrepreneur.
He is a shining example of hard work, determination, and integrity. His ability to excel in journalism, public relations, and farming proves that success comes from commitment and perseverance. His message to Nigerian youths is clear—embrace agriculture, work hard, and create your opportunities.
In this exclusive interview with Event Diary Lifestyle, he shares insights into his career, his passion for farming, and his thoughts on Nigeria’s youth and agriculture.
Tell Us About Yourself
I was born and raised in Ipara Remo, Ogun State, in the 1980s. I come from the family of Pa Edward Adetayo Adekoya, but I was primarily raised by my mother, Chief Mrs. Adetayo. I am the youngest child in my family.
Currently, I serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Olakiitan Adetutu Communications Limited, a registered PR firm based in Lagos. I am also the publisher of Naija Society News and Yoruba Movie Gist.
My educational journey started at Ipara Local Government School, followed by Saapade Grammar School. In 2002, I transferred to Ipara Community High School, where I completed my WAEC exams. I later studied Mass Communication at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, before transferring to Wolex Polytechnic, Lagos, in 2006, where I obtained my National Diploma. In 2010, I pursued my Higher National Diploma at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.
My journalism career began in 2007 at Radio Lagos/Eko FM, and by 2008, I transitioned into print journalism with Ikeja/Agege Area News Magazine. Over the years, I have worked with leading soft-sell magazines such as City People, Royal Classic Magazine, City Pride, Top Celebrities, Enquirer, and News of The People.
Aside from journalism, I have built three thriving online platforms—YorubaMovieGist.com, NaijaSocietyNews.com, and GbolahanAdetayo’s Blog—which have significantly impacted the industry.
As a Journalist and Farmer, How Do You Balance Both Careers?
Combining journalism and farming is easier than it seems because I have employees assisting me in both fields. I only visit the farm during critical operations like bush burning and crop planting.
I may not clear the land myself, but I actively participate in bush burning. When it’s time for planting, I join my younger brothers in the process while my workers handle daily monitoring. I visit periodically to supervise progress.
Multitasking is essential for me. You might find me in Ogun State in the morning and Lagos at night as I shuttle between both locations. It’s not always easy, but I am grateful to God for the strength to manage both careers successfully.
What Inspired You to Venture Into Farming, and What Crops Do You Specialize In?
Nigeria faces a major hunger crisis, yet many young people shy away from agriculture, preferring white-collar jobs. Instead of embracing farming, some resort to cyber fraud, blackmail, or scams to make money. The discovery of crude oil has made us neglect our primary industry—agriculture.
To combat food insecurity, I decided to invest in farming and encourage young people, especially job seekers, to take it up. If the government isn’t providing jobs, we must create opportunities for ourselves.
My farm specialization includes growing cassava, cocoyam, and tomatoes. This year, I am expanding into plantain, cocoa, and yam cultivation.
How Do You Stay Relevant in the Media While Managing Your Farm?
God is my source of strength. I don’t even know where I get the energy from, but I always strive to give my best. I am working hard to reach the top, and I believe God will make it happen. That’s why I take every job seriously.
If you want to be as successful as Aliko Dangote, you must think and work like him—or even harder. I don’t spend all my nights sleeping. Instead, I dedicate time to writing news reports and movie scripts. Success doesn’t come by chance; it takes hard work and dedication.
With Nigeria’s Economy, Do You See Youths Embracing Agriculture?
I wish Nigerian youths would embrace agriculture, but sadly, many avoid hard work. Everyone wants to live in luxury without putting in the effort.
I remember a bush-burning experience where the sun was unbearable. I ran to my car, turned on the air conditioner, and almost abandoned the task. But then, I reminded myself that our forefathers had no AC, yet they built fortunes from agriculture. That realization pushed me back into the field.
There were times I got injured with a cutlass, but I kept going. I could have chosen an easy way out through fraud, but I wouldn’t have the peace and happiness I enjoy today. As a law-abiding Nigerian youth, I live without fear. A police officer cannot harass me for my phone or accuse me of cyber fraud because my earnings are legitimate.
Unfortunately, peer pressure discourages many youths from agriculture. In universities, you see young boys driving exotic cars, and no one questions their source of wealth. Instead, society glorifies them with names like "K-Money" and "G-Money". How do you convince such a person to embrace farming?
Today, society celebrates fraudsters while making hardworking individuals look foolish. It’s time for a change.