It is sorrier to say that Nigeria is still an underdeveloped country after independence in 1960. It is time for us, the youth of Nigeria to show a sign of positive responsibility to make Nigeria great. Agreed that we have not failed Nigeria as our elders have in handling this country, but we are not yet exceptional in morality, readiness for power, shunning corruption, upholding unity, shunning ethnicity and upholding other positive brands for a better Nigeria. Although we have also been victims of bad governance by being unemployed, helpless, lack of motivation, frustrated and we seem to lack ideas and creativity owing to lack of support and encouragement, yet we should not be promoter of excuse.
Youth arise! We can succeed – There are great and creative youth on the streets and every nook and cranny of this country. We can prove to our failed leaders that we can do it better politically, economically, socially, and morally. That if giving political appointment, we can stand out; in any arm of government, we can do it right. Our time has come and we must be responsible; have right perception and altitude towards Nigeria. Change begins with us too as youth and we must change whatever deprives us from achieving our purpose and potentials as Nigerian citizens. It is a collective responsibility and we, the youth should be ready. No manna from Heaven in Nigeria, your destiny is in your hands – occupy your presence in order to take over your future!”
Challenging words from Olumide Akindiya, a Nigerian Lawyer and a youth in Nigeria.
Who is this Olumide Akindiya – for his audacity or confidence to challenge or advice the Nigerian youth?
ABOUT OLUMIDE AKINDIYA:
Olumide Akindiya born on August 17, 1980 hails from a royal family in Iloka Oke-Oniyo Quarters in Ikole, Ikole Ekiti North LGA, Ekiti State entitled to the throne of Elekole of Ikole, Paramount Ruler of Egbe-Oba Kingdom/land. Being one of the princes, they are called “Omo Owa”. However, Olumide grew up in Orile-Oshodi, Lagos State. While his father grew up in Lagos too owing to his grandfather’s demise after his father’s birth. Olumide is the last born and the only son of Chief J. A. Akindiya HOA (Odofin Ilayan of Ikole Ekiti) and Pst. (Mrs.) C. A. Akindiya. While growing up as a kid, he was fortunate to exhibit some talents such as drawing, composing poems, writing short stories and mental argument.
Education:
He had his early education at Afariogun Primary School, Bolade Grammar School but finished his secondary school at Latoro High School, Abeokuta in Ogun State in 1998. He earned his Bachelor of Law (LL.B Hons) from Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State in 2008. Before his admission to LASU his father died in 2002 leaving him with his old mum and elder sisters still he hustled to cope with his education from his father’s estate with financial support from outsiders. He attended Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2009.
NYSC/Radio programme:
He was posted to Ministry of Justice, Dutse in Jigawa State before reposted to Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Dutse, two months later by the ministry to assist in rendering legal aid to poor indigents in the State. He also co-anchored a radio programme called ‘You & the Law” in Freedom Radio 99.5FM at Dutse during his service year organised by Corps Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS).
Olumide as a practising Lawyer & Law office:
After his NYSC in 2010, he worked in a law firm, Ademola Ijaoba & Co. Legal Practitioners at Ikeja in Lagos for a year before establishing his own law firm, ‘Olumide Akindiya and Co. Legal Practitioners in 2012 offering general legal services till date. The law firm started with zero naira from part of professional fees used to incorporate Olumide Akindiya & Co. and meeting places then for clients are his house used as office, courts, eateries, etc before sharing law office with a senior at Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja same year. At present, the law firm shares office with another law firm at Ajao Estate off Murtala Muhammed Int’l Airport Road, Lagos. Apart from having some judgments to his credit in Magistrate Courts, High Courts & Federal High Court for his law firm, he has handled more than forty cases from 2012 till date for his law firm personally besides some cases with senior learned colleagues. This is excluding to cases he handled under Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (Dutse branch); Corps Legal Aid Scheme (NYSC) as corp member & under the Law Firm of Ademola Ijaoba & Co. as a legal practitioner under pupilage in 2011. Some of those cases were pro bono (no professional fees charged) based on economic inequality. He offers free legal advice to all through different mass and social media. Free legal services to poorer Nigerians and certain upcoming entertainers and celebrities. Few of them are Joe EL Amadi of Kennis Music, K-Solo, Tiwa Banks, Tito Da Fire, Mariam Bakare aka Aponbepore, Femi Oyewale of Sahara Weekly Magazine, etc.
His columnist’s years:
In maximising his potentials besides law practice, law office management, composing poems and writing, he accepted to be a law Columnist with Hallmark Newspaper in a weekly column titled ‘ASK THE LAWYER’ every Tuesday where he discussed different legal topics & law-related issues from June 10, 2014 to September 2015. The column comprised 34 articles/topics and 42 publications. The column stopped owing to change of name to Business Hallmark Newspaper and some topics in the newspaper. At present, he intends to be a Columnist with Sahara Weekly Magazine with the column tagged “Law Voice & Views.” Apart from articles on these columns, he has written several articles on local newspapers, magazines and law blog sites.
Olumide as a Poet:
Being a poet from his childhood, he has composed and published a lot of poems inside The Nation Newspaper and websites. During his first exclusive interview with The Nation Newspaper in 2008 on his poetry works, he handed over 40 poems for publication. Still has a lot of unpublished poems for public benefits. Some of his poems include: Night of Gunfire, Legal Wahala, Dear Mama, Substantial Justice, If Only, World of Ignoramus I & II, Play House (in honour of his late father), Heroic Musician Burial (in honour of legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti), Foreign Beauty and so on.
Consultancy services:
He is a general counsel and legal adviser to individuals, companies, magazines & co-operative society.
Public speaking:
As accidental public speaker, he has given public (law) lectures at public and awards events in Lagos, Kaduna and Abuja.
Interviews:
He equally accepts interviews on his personal capacity on any media be it on TV, radio or on newspaper on legal issues, state of the nation, matters arising, etc.
Olumide as a Writer:
Before being a law columnist then, he had writing law books from 2014. In fact, his first novel which he could not conclude was written with a pen in 2001 in 60 leaves and 40 leaves note books. That was his first mistake as a writer who wanted to write a unique novel. At present, his unpublished books include:
1. Suspect and Defendant in Nigeria: Criminal Culpability, Plight, Constitutional Rights & Enforcement;
2. Fundamental Rights & Other Legal Writings (Compilation of many of his articles with additional information and authorities)
3. Legal Wahala & Other Poems. (Comprising 60 poems)
Research work:
His current, legal research work is:
Guide on Lagos State Tenancy Law 2015.
Awards:
His awards include: Service to Oshodi Community (Oshodi CDA Award & Scholarship 2015, Lagos). Amazing Inspiration to African Youth through Education and Tenacity based on his column (MyMagMySwag Award 2015, Lagos). Legal Personality of the Year for adding values to humanity (Peace Achievers Award 2015, Abuja). Best Entertainment Supporting Lawyer (Kaduna Entertainment Award 2015, Kaduna) Enterprising Legal Icon of the Year (ECA Award 2015, Abuja). All of them from June, 2015 to December, 2015. On behalf of the law firm: Best Entertainment Supporting Legal Firm in 2016 (Kaduna Entertainment Award 2016, Kaduna). He had the priviledge to receive these awards with Amb John Fashanu, Gov. Nasir El-Rufai, Alh. Ibrahim Coomassie (Former AIG), Access Bank, Hon. Dakuku Peterside, Leo-Stan Ekeh, Femi Aderibigbe aka Kwame, AY, Don Jazzy, Davido, Kiss Daniel, Godwin Enakhena, Toyin Ibitoye, Yemi Alade, Oritse Femi, Ayo Adesanya, Koffi & other personalities.
Professional affiliation:
A member of Nigerian Bar Association, lkeja branch.
Marital life:
Olumide got married to his love, Esther in 2016 legally and the marriage is blessed with a son, Prince Adewale.
Hobbies:
His hobbies include: writing, mental argument, poems, legal research, table tennis and snooker.
While chatting with him, he hope youth should participate effectively in this coming election in 2019.