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"AFTER CHASING LAW FOR 4 YEARS, I SETTLED FOR ENGLISH"_Coach Kennie

 


NCB: Good evening Coach Kennie! How are you doing today? My name is Eniola. I'll be anchoring this interview session.

FYB: Alright. Nice Meeting you Eniola!

NCB: Please, I'll like you to introduce yourself. Who is coach Kennie?

FYB: By name, I am Arowosafe Favour (Favour is my first name). Of course, I'm a twin.

NCB: Okay. Can you give us more information about you? Perhaps, where you're from, where you live, your interests and some other basic things you'd like others to know about you.

FYB: Alright, I am a native of Kogi State and I also live there. I am the last child and the only make child of my parents. On campus, I am the Director of Sports of the Faculty of Arts Students Association and also a proud Naselsite.

NCB: Wow! I never could have guess that you're from Kogi state, your surname sounds Yoruba-ish.

FYB: Yes. I'm a Yoruba boy.

NCB: oh! I thought Kogi state was not a Yoruba state.

FYB: There are Yorubas in Kogi State

NCB: I didn’t know. How was growing up like in Kogi State and how was growing up as the only male child?

FYB: I am from a Christian background, so growing up was quite boring but I never regretted it. As the only male child, I always disturbed my mum for a younger brother but she never gave any. Thank God, I have a twin who made it quite easier.

 NCB: You said growing up was boring for you as a result of being from a Christian background, Can you please shed light on that, it's actually interests me.

FYB: Growing up with such a background is never interesting to be sincere. This is because you are denied a lot of things. Yes, it's good but when you compare yourself to your peers, you'd see that “that good life” is not interesting.

NCB: Hm! I think I understand what you're saying. Why did you pick OAU, all the way from Kogi?

FYB: First is the name of the university, and second is the standard. (Education here in the South West is better than what we have there.)

NCB: Oh really! So far, this interview has been quite enlightening to me. What about your course of study. Why did you decide to study English?

FYB: After chasing Law for 4 years, I settled for English (which was the course I earlier wanted).

NCB: 4 years! Wait, you actually wanted English but decided to chase Law for that long. Why?

FYB: Dad, Peer Pressure, The Name…

NCB: Really...wow. I think I can conclude you have a thing for names. Just kidding though. You said English was what you actually wanted. Why?

FYB: That's because I love to write and I love to read. Therefore, I'd want something that will help me to be better in both aspects.

NCB: Amazing! Seeing that you're the current Director of sports of FASA. How did you get there? I mean can you give us the backstory.

FYB: As a lover of Sports who also served as Director of Sports for NASELS, I wanted something bigger. I wanted to help on a bigger stage. Although, I had to go against the wishes of those who I thought should have supported me, but God took me there. I had to go through two different elections to get there. It was a dream come through.

NCB: Hm. By going against the wishes of those who could have supported you, what do you mean? What are the wishes and who are the people?

FYB: You wouldn't expect me to mention names but there are people who are more experienced than me in Politics. These experienced ones know how it is done and think that is the only way it should be done. To be precise, they are people in my department. Looking at different factors, perhaps they didn't see my ambition, they couldn't buy into my vision or they didn't just trust me. I don't know. But if I was to follow their interests, I might not be where I am today.

NCB: Oh, definitely not. Anyway, we thank God for where you are today. How have you been able to balance politics with academics?

FYB: I don't think I have been able to balance it. But God is taking control.

 NCB: Hm, school on its own can be a whole lot. Not to mention the responsibility that comes with position. You must be a strong man. How has the English department been for you?

FYB: Let me say, 'Fine'. I came, I'm learning and I will soon leave. I have been Imparted and Impacted. So the Department has been good so far. BUT, there are negatives and things that could be done better.

NCB: What are those things you think could be done better?

FYB: The way students are being treated, the time frame at which results are being released (how can results be released a week to exams? It makes no sense), and many others.

NCB: Oh! The second point actually is very much relatable to me. Coach Kennie, how has your experience been in OAU?

FYB: Hm! There were sweet moments; there were bitter moments, but I have learnt a lot from all.

NCB: Can you share one of those bitter moments?

FYB: That was SAPA periods in my part 1 when I had to trek to Campus gate or beg for a lift sometimes. Being a shy person, doing that was terrible but I had to survive it.

NCB: Wow! Those things are what add up to the story we'll all get to tell someday. In less than two months, you'll be done with this 4-year course turned 6. What are your plans after university?

FYB: To develop and make money in the right way.

NCB: Cool! Any advice for your juniors in the department?

FYB: "Adapt and don't necessarily follow the negative things you hear about the department. Do your best"

NCB: Great! Any shoutout?

FYB: Just to God Almighty, my loved ones and to all of you in NCB. You are doing great.

NCB: Awn! NCB got a shout out. Thank you

NCB: So, we've come to the end of this interview session. Thank you for making out time to talk to us. We really appreciate it and we at NCB wish you success as you move on in life

FYB: Thank you very much.

NCB: Thank you

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