By Princess Adeola Shittu
One piece of news that truly excites me today is that my boss—the man who embodies the true essence of journalism and media—is turning 60. Aare Dr. Seye Olugbemiga Kehinde is not just a name in the industry, he is a movement.
As I reflect on my 15-year journey in media, I can't help but remember how it all began—and how he played a pivotal role in shaping that path. From my secondary school days, I had always been drawn to the media, especially television. Print journalism was unfamiliar territory to me then, and to be honest, my late father never wanted me to venture into the media world. But somehow, fate—and passion—led me here.
After some years in television, the opportunity came for me to work in print. It was with City People magazine. I didn’t apply or submit a CV, yet I got the job. Out of ten applicants, I was the only woman—and the one chosen. How did it happen?
I had been regularly visiting the City People office to see a senior manager when Mariam, a former domestic staff member there, told me about an upcoming interview. She encouraged me to give it a shot. After thinking it through, I decided to try. The role was for a correspondent in Ekiti State—a position I technically wasn't qualified for, but I had the passion.
The interview was conducted by Dr. Seye Kehinde himself, alongside Mr. Francis, Mr. Wole Alakija, and Mr. Wahab. We were asked to submit two publishable stories for the next edition. I traveled to Ekiti, interviewed the late Chief Jimoh Aliu and then Ekiti FIBAN State Chairman, Muyiwa Akinrelere. Chief Jimoh also hinted at the 40th birthday party of Dr. Yemkem Ayeni's wife happening that weekend in Lagos.
When I returned and submitted the stories, Dr. Seye wasn’t too impressed (laughs) he felt the Jimoh Aliu story was already too common. But when I mentioned Yemkem’s wife's upcoming party, he smiled and said, “Adeola, everyone is booked this weekend. You’ll be the one to cover it.” That was my first real assignment, and I was ecstatic. I told myself, “You are officially a journalist and staff of Citypeople Magazine.”
The following week, he sent me to Ondo State to cover a burial in Ile-Oluji for a client, Mrs. Tope Isang-Ige. And just like that, I found myself covering both Ekiti and Ondo States. The rest, as they say, is history.
I am proud to have passed through Aare Dr. Seye Kehinde. His humility is unmatched, and his passion to keep City People as Nigeria’s No. 1 soft-sell magazine was always inspiring. If he wanted you to work harder, he'd say things like, “Haha Adeola, this story isn’t strong enough to sell in your zone,” or “Bigbabe, send us three publishable stories from your zone.” Those words lit a fire under me. They meant the editorial and sales team needed more from me—and I always rose to the occasion.
He never hesitated to hype me up, suggest story ideas, or push me to do better. He taught me the importance of celebrating people, not promoting propaganda. He taught me the true heart of journalism.
Before I joined City People, I could speak and write, but joining them made me a better writer. My confidence was built, and I learned how to approach people with grace and professionalism—all thanks to my publisher, Dr. Seye Kehinde, who used his humility and calm demeanor to lead and achieve his vision.
Despite our differences over the years, he never stopped encouraging me—especially when I launched Event Diary Lifestyle five years ago. His words, “Adeola, I’m proud of you. I read all your stories,” have kept me going. He even introduced me to the world of event planning and project management.
Today, I join the world in celebrating an iconic man of hhonour integrity, resilience, and leadership. On behalf of Event Diary Lifestyle, I, Princess Adeola Shittu a.k.a. Ekiti Bumper, and Adeola CityPeople, wish you a glorious jubilee celebration.
Thank you for believing in me, for teaching me, and for allowing me to grow under your wings.
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