Skip to main content

"I never aspired to study Law. I never loved Law" - Arkore

NCB: It’s nice having you here. Who is Akarakiri Arkore?

FYB: Olúkóredé Raphael AKARAKÌRÌ, ARKORE, is a Christian, photographer, interested in leadership and he runs a multi-author blog. Oh yes! He’s also a student of English, at Obafemi Awolowo University.

Korede
NCB: leadership is a role that entails a lot. Can you tell us why you are interested in leadership?

FYB: I grew up seeing my parents lead at different phases of their lives, they still lead in one place or another till date. That influenced me and helped sustain my passion to lead. I saw how Leadership is about serving from them, and selfless service to others. Also, I think a times that “If I’m not leading-serving, what will I be doing here? Just a random person? No, that’s not me.” So, I can say it’s just a part of ARKORE.

NCB: You must have led a lot in so many places and areas, can you state a few of them and the positions?

FYB: Class rep, SS3 and labour prefect in my secondary school, class representatives of English major (Class of Transcendence), OAU, Assistant General Secretary, NAOSS (ONDO), OAU. (2019-2021), President, NAOSS (ONDO), OAU. (2021-2022), Assistant Editor-in-Chief, ECSF, General Secretary, ECSF, Editor-in-chief, ARKORE ART, Official photographer, Great Ife SU, 2022. That’s all I can remember at the moment.

NCB: We understand that you were the class representative for the current part 4 students, but you resigned at some point for reasons that are not entirely clear. Could you please explain to us what led to your resignation?

FYB: Hot seat. Many people have their own stories about my resignation. I met a top Professor at the department who told me what he heard and I was laughing. So, CoT is home for me, I mean that’s the bedrock of my leadership in OAU and it’s been a great journey. And, I served very well in all my capacities. I got to a point where I really needed a break from leadership and focus on my personal affairs (academics and business) before stepping out of OAU. And, I’m glad I have the best assistant who took over and performed excellently despite my not being actively leading following my resignation and signing back in.

I’d love to use this opportunity to thank Taofeek Olalekan Ogunperi and Temitope Ojo (Noble) for their brotherly roles in bringing me back.

NCB: In your opinion, what are the most essential skills that a leader should possess? And who are your mentors in the political setting?

FYB: Selflessness, Accountability, empathy, Integrity, humility, honesty and the fear of God. I’m not there fully yet, but I keep on working towards them.
In politics, Adeoye Akarakiri (my father), Yemi Osibanjo is key, ML King Jr, Taofeek Olalekan Ogunperi…

NCB: Let’s talk about academics. We heard that you were a wounded lawyer. How true is that?
FYB: I never aspired to study Law. I never loved Law. It never fascinated me. I sat for jamb and post utme twice, same English, same OAU, twice. So, that’s a big joke.

NCB: English was your first choice? With the journey so far, what can you say about your decision to study English at Oba Awon University?

FYB: Well, I would have studied mass communication instead, but I didn’t have economics in my SSCE, which is a major requirement for mass comm in any institution. And English looked like a better option in the faculty of Arts.

So far, I never regretted my decision because I picked it myself, even though the results are not always in tandem with the efforts. I’m learning real life through the process and studying English has drilled me in all ways. Positively, I’m definitely not the Korede who came in in 2019. I think that’s enough succour.

NCB: Your efforts are not in tandem with your results, who would you hold responsible: the department or yourself?

FYB: I’m speechless. I’d love to hold myself responsible, regardless. Because on the days I win, I take the crown, same as the sour days. There is no perfect system, at least in Nigeria, but we always have people winning… Dear Reader, strive to win regardless of the system.

NCB: Alright. When people hear the name Kore, what do you think first comes to their mind about you?

FYB: The Photographer.

NCB: What inspired you to learn it?

FYB: I love arts and God sponsored it – unlike many photographers like me, I had a camera as a gift before learning photography. So, I have enough inspiration to explore it from 2019 till date.

NCB: And Tailoring?

FYB: Hahaha… You got me. I’m fascinated by the ability to create something distinct. I learnt tailoring before ever learning photography and it’s the same inspiration – love for arts.

NCB: But you chose photography over tailoring, was that because it is more lucrative?

FYB: Ah no o. Both are very lucrative. Tailoring just takes more time to create pieces than photography. And, OAU English should end first, watch out.

NCB: Hm! How would you describe yourself when it comes to romantic relationships, are you a lover boy or the focus bachelor?

FYB: An unmarried man; a proud one at that. Lágbára Ọlọ́run.

NCB: How would you rate Nasels Excos from 1-10?

FYB: 8/10.

NCB: And your advice for youngsters?

FYB: Múra s’íṣé rẹ, ọ̀rẹ́ mi [Work hard and work smart, my friend]
Iṣẹ́ la fiń dẹni gíga [Hard and smart work brings success
Bí a kò bá réni fe hìn tì [When there is no one to rely on]
Bí ọ̀le làá rí [Its like we are lazy]
Bí a kò bá rẹ́ni gbẹ́ke lé, [When there is no one to trust]
A te ra mọ́ isé ni. [We focus more on our work]

NCB: Your shoutout?

FYB: To all FYBs… Ko easy, my people.

NCB: Thank you for answering our call.

FYB: Thank you for having me.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

GOD IS A POET: JOEL OYELEKE EXPLORES RELIGION THROUGH POETRY

On Sunday, 15th December 2024, Joel Oyeleke, a Part 3 student of the Department of English, launched his debut poetry collection, ‘God is a Poet’. The book launch event commenced with an opening prayer led by Isaiah Adepoju. Thereafter, the chief compere introduced some of the special guests, including Kehinde Agunbiade and Adio Favour Oladimeji, the President of NASELS, OAU Chapter. The event featured captivating performances, starting with a spoken word poetry presentation by Marcel, inspired by Hebrews 11:1. This was followed by a beautiful song rendition and a guitar instrumental. Paul Abidoye, a pencil artist, showcased three of his art. He explained that his paintings were inspired by the Bible. He also explained that some of his ideas came during church services. During a panel session moderated by Kehinde Agunbiade, the poet Joel reflected on his literary journey. He reminisced that he was drawn to reading novels and literature in his early years. He also revealed that switchin...
Post a Comment
Read more

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH HOLDS COLLOQUIUM FOR ITS FRESH STUDENTS

Still in the spirit of felicitation, as the matriculation ceremony took place on the 11th of January 2024, the Department of English held a colloquium for its fresh students on the 12th of January 2024 at AUD II. The anchor, Dr Olusegun Joseph commenced officially by 10:38 am. He recognised the presence of notable members of staff and ushered a number of them to the high table including Prof E.T.O Babalola, the current HOD of the Department of English Prof Akande, Prof Rotimi Taiwo, Dr Faleye, Dr Bamigbade, Dr Adejumo, Dr (Mrs) Hunsu, Dr Ogundipe, Dr Ademilokun, Acting Chief Security Officer of the university, Mr Adegboyega and some other members of staff of the department. The HOD addressed the new students, offering his congratulations and acknowledging the hard work and dedication it took to get to this point. He also provided some introductory information about the department and the importance of being in the department. Also, the HOD spoke about the role of staff advisers, emphas...
Post a Comment
Read more

IF OTHER DEPARTMENTS CAN PRODUCE TOP STUDENTS, WHY NOT ENGLISH?- ZAINAB ATOYEBI, FIRST CLASS GRADUATE OF DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH, OAU

 *Can we meet you?* •I am Adéwùmí Zainab Atóyèbí. I recently graduated from the Department of English with a First Class degree (Honours)and the privilege of being the best graduating student of the department. *How do you feel bagging first-class degree in the Department of English since the last time it was recorded?* • I feel very joyful and grateful to God who enabled me and gave me the privilege to have achieved such a feat. While I was diligent with my studies, it is entirely by the grace and favour of God that I graduated well, and I am sincerely grateful for it. *What challenges did you encounter?* • The Department of English is undeniably challenging on its own, especially considering its past records. Personally, I faced health, accomodation and financial challenges, as well as the disappointment of having grades below my expectations. Every of such situations, especially when I first had C's in 300 level, was so discouraging and demoralising, but upon all that, I still g...
Post a Comment
Read more