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INTERVIEW WITH TOHEEB DELE-BALOGUN; A CREATIVE ADVERTISING EXPERT AS HE TELLS HIS STORY ABOUT HIS RECENT BOOK PROJECT ~BY CHINEDU NSOFOR

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6 months ago

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INTERVIEW WITH TOHEEB DELE-BALOGUN; A CREATIVE ADVERTISING EXPERT AS HE TELLS HIS STORY ABOUT HIS RECENT BOOK PROJECT
~BY CHINEDU NSOFOR

 

Please can you start by sharing a bit about yourself and your background? What led you to pursue your current field?*

My name is Toheeb Dele-Balogun, and I’m a Nigerian based in Lagos and in the UK. I work in the creative side of advertising, where I tell stories for brands. Currently, I am Partner at The hook Creative Agency. My role involves creating impactful brand ideas and communication strategies for private and public institutions. I have always believed in the power of storytelling to shape individuals and society at large.

So how have you been telling these stories over the years?*

I was copywriter for along time. I did campaigns for most of the top brands in Nigeria and won lots of industry awards. I still tell brand stories now but my role has evolved. I consult for brands as a Partner at The hook. And I am currently exploring other forms of storytelling, particularly, fiction. I have a book coming out later in October 2024. It’s called Don’t Tell these stories. In fact we just did a pre-launch show at Creative Bloc Carnival.Interesting. What were the highlights at the Pre-launch show?*

Creative Bloc Carnival is an annual event. I used the carnival to preview my book. The reaction to the book project was massive. “Don’t Tell These Stories” is a thought-provoking collection featuring about 70 short stories. These include stories on child marriage, moral decline, patriotism, politics among others. Each story addresses a different human issue, and the book is an artwork in its execution. It is unique and rare in its format.

See, I wanted to rekindle the passion for reading by presenting the book in ways that attract the modern reader. You will pick it up if you see it, it’s irresistible. The cover will immediately attract you. Once you start a story, you will finish it because it’s short. We’ll produce copies in different forms; for instance, one version will be entirely black with white text, limited to only 10 copies. Then, there will be burnt copy. These ones will have visible burnt scars on them and impactful visuals inside, it will be available at the exhibition later this month and will be sold in Art galleries across country. Lastly, we will have the basic copy, it’s text only. It will be available in bookstores across Nigeria and, globally, on Amazon.com and their kindle platform.

What inspired you to write this story?*

About ten years ago, I stumbled on this six-word story written by Ernest Heminway, For sale: baby’s shoes. Never used. Tt’s about a pregnant woman who bought shoes for her future child, but tragically, the child never got to wear them. The story is really brief and profound. So I gave myself a challenge to write something similar. This project started as that, six-word story. With time I discovered that some stories couldn’t retain their profoundness within the limit of six-words. I became more flexible with the number of words I used but I as still committed to using the least number of words possible for as long as the story is profound. In Don’t Tell These Stories you will find stories that are just six words and other that are more, in fact most of the stories can be described as very short stories, not six-word stories. I didn’t want to box myself with number of words. I followed my muse.

*Q: Why very short stories?*

Times have changed. We live in the most distracted era ever so literature as we know it needs to evolve as well to keep performing its function in shaping the consciousness of society as large. I am writing for the distracted generation. Thomas Hardy wrote Tess of the d’Urbervilles for people without Television, radio or digital entertainment. He wrote for people that will queue to read the news bulletin. His writings were accessed by most people that could read then. Literature and fiction, as a genre, were the mainstream entertainment. So people that could read had their consciousness and morality shaped by the works of these great authors. Overtime, literature has been struggling to have that kind of influence because of the influx of other active entertainment platforms. Most people that could read now don’t see literature as the go-to entertainment. The percentage of literary audience among the large literate population is decreasing every year. We need to do something about it.

I’m writing for a people with fleeting attention span. I want to do fiction that will actually be read by most people that can read and I hope to have profound effect on their consciousness using the least number of words possible. All the feedback I have had on this project have been exciting. “I will totally read this”, I have heard that from countless number of people during preview sessions.

How do stories shape the society?*

We are shaped by things we experience. If people are exposed to low-thought materials on social media it will influence the how they think and perceive the world around them. There’s no vacuum in nature. Literature and its long form structure have struggled to keep up with the evolving reading audience. That needs to be fixed. Literary works are not just stories, they are philosophical gems delivered in stories. I aim to improve the quality of thought and conversation with my work. The stories in my book might be short but a lot thought went into writing every single line.

Can you give a general view of what the book is book?*

The themes I explored are today’s: the external pressures on relationships, the daily conflict with conscience, japa, race, morality, traditional values that we need to regain and those we need to lose among others. There’s a story that I really like, it’s titled Viral Hugs:
John’s depression tweet got 30,000 likes, 10,000 shares. And zero phone call.

The story is really short but it’s gained traction among younger audience that are living in the dual reality of digital vs physical worlds.

Looking ahead, what upcoming events are you most excited about?*

I am most excited about my upcoming exhibition on the 27th of October, which will take place in Lagos, Nigeria. It’s an exclusive event to launch my project. The exhibition is set to fully explore the multi-modal nature of the book, Don’t Tell These Stories. We’re creating a space for people to not just read, but experience these stories and make memories off it.

What is your long-term vision for these project? How do you hope they will evolve in the future?*

My long-term vision is to take my exhibitions beyond Lagos. I plan to host book shows and exhibitions events in various cities across world. After I’m done with Lagos, London is next.
There’s a universal aspect to my stories and I think the world should experience it.

What challenges did you encounter while writing this book, and how did you overcome them?*

Honestly, I didn’t face many external challenges, but I did struggle personally. There were moments I had doubts on proceeding on a story because of its sensitive nature but I remind myself that that’s the whole essence of the book, Stories that shouldn’t be told.

The stories are thought-provoking and addresses themes that some might find uncomfortable. I have pushed through that internal struggle and defied self-doubts to finish the project. I was able to pushcthrough because of the support of family, my partners at The hook and my creative sparring partner, Ayo Ishola. They have all made these project a reality.

What impact do you want your project to have on the world?*

To make the world a better place: from the level of the individual to the world at large

Thank you for making out time to have this conversation*

Thank you for having me.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Dr Nicky Okoye drives the adoption of Digital Asset MARKETS for Nigeria’s Digital economic revolution

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19 hours ago

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April 12, 2025

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Dr Nicky Okoye drives the adoption of Digital Asset MARKETS for Nigeria’s Digital economic revolution.

 

Nigeria’s financial and capital markets took a significant leap into the future of digital finance at a landmark strategy session and masterclass hosted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Lagos, in partnership with the Global Investment Advisory (GIA) community.

The highlight of the event was a keynote address by Dr. Nicky Okoye, founder and Chairman of GIA and a renowned global investment advisor, who provided a comprehensive outlook on Nigeria’s emerging digital asset markets. The session drew an overflowing audience of key stakeholders, including financial institutions, capital market professionals, technology experts, and investors.

Dr. Okoye underscored the transformative potential of the new Investment and Securities Act 2025 (ISA 2025), recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The act provides a regulatory framework for digital assets, authorizes the use of cryptocurrencies, and establishes a legal foundation for token issuance in Nigeria.

“The digital asset markets in Nigeria, and our ability to position for their full adoption across Africa, will redefine the continent’s economic future,” Dr. Okoye stated. “These markets will reflect a true measure of Nigeria’s wealth, and will be built on blockchain infrastructure tied to physical assets—making them less volatile and truly revolutionary.”

The event also featured strategic contributions from several high-profile figures:

Joseph Tegbe, Director General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership, provided insights into China’s global investment efforts and opportunities for Nigeria to tap into Chinese institutional capital through digital assets.

Bola Ajomale, representing SEC’s Director General Dr. Timi Agama, assured attendees that SEC had laid the groundwork for a transparent, investor-friendly digital asset ecosystem.

Senator Osita Izunaso, Chairman of the Nigerian Senate Committee on Capital Markets, pledged continued legislative collaboration to deepen Nigeria’s digital and capital markets.

Mr. Yomi Oluyomi, Lagos State Commissioner of Finance, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reaffirmed Lagos State’s readiness to lead the charge in adopting digital asset frameworks, noting the state’s history of innovation in structured government-backed bonds.

Notable members of the Global Investment Advisory community present included MERISTEM Group, CardinalStone, Constant Capital, Anabel Capital, and VFD Group.

To cap off the event, the Global Investment Advisory community announced plans for an international digital asset markets roadshow, where select members will explore best practices from global cryptocurrency exchanges. In partnership with the African Enterprise Institute, GIA also launched executive education programs in Digital Asset Markets Strategy. These programs aim to equip financial executives with tools, roadmaps, and strategies for profitably navigating the digital asset space.

The executive certifications will also offer pathways for the establishment of Digital Asset Professional Services, corporate digital asset desks, and tokenization models for wealth creation—targeted at institutional investors, asset managers, and subnational entities.

The session marks a bold step toward aligning Nigeria with global trends in digital finance, with stakeholders expressing optimism about the country’s potential to become a continental hub for digital asset innovation.

Dr Nicky Okoye drives the adoption of Digital Asset MARKETS for Nigeria's Digital economic revolution.

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Aare George Bamidele Olufemi Ogunjimi to Receive Prestigious “Aare Atunluse Omoluabi Oodua Agbaye”

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23 hours ago

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April 12, 2025

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Aare George Bamidele Olufemi Ogunjimi to Receive Prestigious “Aare Atunluse Omoluabi Oodua Agbaye”

In a landmark recognition of his extraordinary leadership, unrelenting commitment to Yoruba cultural renaissance, and contributions to socio-economic development, Aare George Ogunjimi has been nominated to receive the highly prestigious Omoluabi Royal Icon (ORI) Award and will be conferred with the revered title of “Aare Atunluse Omoluabi Oodua Agbaye” at the 26th Anniversary of the Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW) and the 7th Annual Omoluabi Festival.

The grand cultural celebration, tagged “ISOKAN OMOLUABI 2025”, is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Main Auditorium, June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State, by 11:00AM prompt. Themed “Review of the 1999 Constitution: A Focus on Regionalism,” the festival promises to be a melting pot of ideas, heritage, and celebration of Yoruba identity.

The Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW), also known as Igbimo Apapo Yoruba Lagbaye, serves as the apex body representing all Yoruba indigenous people across the globe. The council honors individuals who have distinguished themselves in the service of the Yoruba nation and beyond, celebrating their dedication to upholding the values of Omoluabi—integrity, honor, courage, and communal service.

In a formal letter of nomination extended to Aare Ogunjimi, YCW lauded his unwavering efforts in nation-building, cultural promotion, and fostering unity across Yorubaland and the Nigerian federation at large. The conferral of Aare Atunluse Omoluabi Oodua Agbaye—translated as “Global Yoruba Pathfinder and Cultural Reformer”—underscores his remarkable legacy as a transformative leader and an advocate for the advancement of Yoruba heritage on the global stage.

This year’s celebration will witness the presence of the crème de la crème of Yoruba royalty and cultural custodians. His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi CFR, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife, and Iku Baba Yeye, Alayeluwa Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, Alaafin of Oyo, will jointly lead the royal convergence of Yoruba traditional rulers and stakeholders in what is described as the “Biggest Festival in Yorubaland.”

The festival will feature a rich showcase of cultural heritage including:

The Omoluabi Royal Icon (ORI) Awards

Festival of Arts and Dance Drama

Ewa Omidan and Ogbeni Omoluabi Beauty Pageant & Fashion Show

Stakeholder forums on governance, heritage, and development

The ORI Awards spotlight individuals who are not only successful in their careers but who embody the Yoruba values of humility, dignity, and service to humanity.

The organizers have called for partnership and sponsorship support to further enrich the grandeur of this epochal event, as it represents a convergence of tradition, unity, and innovation, heralding a new cultural renaissance.

As preparations intensify, the Yoruba Council Worldwide and its partners invite the general public, cultural enthusiasts, and stakeholders across Nigeria and the diaspora to join in honoring Aare George Ogunjimi and celebrating Yoruba excellence.

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Land grabbers invade Ketu-Epe, unleash terror on residents

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2 days ago

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April 11, 2025

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Land grabbers invade Ketu-Epe, unleash terror on residents

 

Hoodlums suspected to be land grabbers on Thursday night invaded Ketu-Epe town in Lagos State and unleashed terror on residents of the town.

The land grabbers, according to a statement signed by the Media Assistant to Babjide Adekoya Adewofora, the Oba-elect of Ketu-Epe, Simon Adesina, copies made available to journalists in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Friday, stormed the sleepy town with dangerous weapons, inflicting injuries on the residents.

He added that the hoodlums who invaded the town from Rallas Street along Palace Road, also carted away belongings of the residents.

Adesina explained that the attack on Thursday night climaxed the three weeks of terrorizing the community and spreading fear among the residents by the hoodlums, who were allegedly brought into Ketu-Epe by a contestant vying for the stool Alaketu-Epe.

While saying that the incident has made several residents flee the town due to the offensive by the notorious land grabbers, he disclosed that the hoodlums were brought to the Ketu-Epe from neighbouring communities such as Ejirin, Ayalu and Isekupa.

Adesina in the statement, however, appealed to the police and other relevant security agencies to come to the aid of the town, stressing that “residents can no longer sleep with their two eyes closed due to the constant attacks by the hoodlums”.

“Those who sustained critical injuries were moved to hospital for immediate medical attention, while the matter has also been reported to the police”.

“It will be recalled that the Alaketu-designate, Prince Babjide Adekoya Adewofora, had earlier alerted the police on the constant threats posed by land grabbers to his community

“We, thereby, appeal to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the Inspector General of Police to come to rescue the people of Ketu-Epe from notorious land grabbers who have made life difficult for the residents”, the statement stated.

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