by Ifreke Inyang

It was the Independence edition of Rubbin Minds last Sunday. The show started with the presenters, Shade Ladipo and Chude Jideonwo discussing about this year’s celebrations that was kind of muted. The annual parade at Eagles Square didn’t take place, instead there was a relatively low key event at the Presidential Villa in Aso Rock.

On the first segment of the show, we had Ifeanyi Dibia and Olusayo Asiwaju from the Dream Play House. The group is behind the play, ‘Prison Chronicles’ and they shed more light on the project. When asked why they have chosen stage play, Olusayo said: “We want to do plays, do plays and do plays. We are bringing back theatre.” Adding to that, Ifeanyi asserted that “Plays and stories have a powerful impression on the people they are told to.” Ifeanyi also revealed that Prison Chronicles is very similar to the story of Nigeria. It was very shocking when he also informed the viewers that they don’t get any form of sponsorship. “It’s all about the passion. If we continue with what we do, with time, doors will open,” he said.

The second segment was by far the most interesting. Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, dressed elegantly in her very own label, LDA, was the guest. She told a riveting story of how she came into Nigeria’s fashion industry in which she didn’t know anybody or have any connections. And how she has risen steadily over the years to become one of the major forces in the industry today. “The media played a great part in announcing me to the Nigerian audience,” she noted. The inevitable question about that fall was asked and she responded: “I went through the wrong exit and fell. But at the end of day, I got an overwhelming ovation.” She also had a timely advice for upcoming and other fashion designers. “You have to be your own model to make people believe in your style,” she said.

On the last segment, we had Dr. Adedayo Osholowu, who is into Sports Medicine. Dr. Osholowu shared his story – how he was able to break into a sector that is almost non-existent in Nigeria and get to the top. “We have a 150 million who might not like what you do. But there are a billion people in Africa. Think Africa!” For the young people who keep saying that there is a lack of opportunities, he said: “The problem is not a lack of opportunities. It is a lack of resolve.”

As he signed off, Chude Jideonwo informed viewers that if they want to know more Dr. Osholowu, they should book a copy of the next Y! which is the ‘Celebration Issue’. There are also tickets to be won to go and watch  Prison Chronicles. Check YNaija.com for more info.

Oluwapelumi