Imagine Say…: What If God Was Really Counting On You? – A book by Joseph Thompson in memory of Adiza Otegbeye killed in Dana Airlines 992 crash of June 3, 2012

I met her 2 weeks prior at Lekki , Lagos that faithful Sunday in the company of her sister Margaret and my dear friend Usman Thompson.

Precisely 2 weeks afterwards, on a Sunday, I started to receive BlackBerry alerts of the Dana airlines crash. Then I scrolled through a list of victims and I couldn’t identify anyone I might have known. The mind played a trick on me or was it in the hope that I wasn’t going to know a victim I would be indirectly connected to. But I was wrong. I knew a person.

Adiza Otegbeye’s name was on the manifest. “Oh God!”

Adiza Otegbeye

“OH MY GOD” I exclaimed loudly after my wife had brought informed me. “Oh my God”, I held my head. If I felt this way, how was Usman to feel? How about Adiza’s husband Adeleke, his daughter Tomi and son Olorunleke?

In the aftermath of the Dana Airlines 992 crash of June 3, 2012, in Lagos, Nigeria – in which my younger sister was killed – I wrestled with what my role would be to help instigate change to a corrupt aviation system that had caused the needless deaths of over 160 people. In addition, I wanted to do something to create a lasting legacy for my sister and all the unfortunate victims of that ill-fated flight.

Because I’ve always found writing cathartic, I began to journal and express the gamut of emotions I was feeling. Before long, I began to receive calls and emails from people, telling me how much my writing was helping them through their own healing process. That singular fact birthed the idea for this book, which has since taken on a life of it’s own as I’ve expressed my thoughts succinctly but strongly, in an attempt to be a voice for change.

This book is the result of my life transforming journey that began on June 3, 2012, and while it specifically addresses the Nigerian context, it’s applicable anywhere in the world where people are desperate for positive change.

You had just read an over view of the book I am about to introduce you to. It has been beautifully written by Adiza’s brother Pastor Joseph Thompson in memory of Adiza, who was killed in Dana Airlines 992 crash of June 3, 2012. The book is titled ‘Imagine Say…: What If God Was Really Counting On You? 

I had the privilege of an online interview with Pastor Joseph, the author of  ‘Imagine Say…: What If God Was Really Counting On You?  I asked him a series of questions that led him to write this book, his emotions, the state of Nigeria amongst others…..read the interview in full below.

Pastor Joseph Thompson (PJ)

JSD: Let me first say a massive THANK YOU sir for this opportunity to engage you.

JT: I appreciate the opportunity to share my story with your readers.

JSD: I must commend you on your inner strength for dropping your thoughts down in words – what particularly inspired you?

JT: I’m not sure how to answer the question “what particularly inspired you?” since; clearly, the very subject of the book is my sister, Adiza’s untimely and avoidable death in the Dana Air plane crash of June 3, 2012. However, thanks for recognizing that it took a lot of “inner strength” to be able to collate my thoughts and put them down in writing.

JSD: Sir, you wouldn’t mind if I get a tiny bit familiar by addressing you as ‘JT’…how long have you been living out of Nigeria? And how often do you visit?

JT: If you’re attempting to create a more relaxed/familiar atmosphere, then I’d much prefer if you’d address me as “PJ” (Pastor Joseph) since, only a handful of really close friends and family refer to me as “JT”

JSD: Compared to those many years back, what is your assessment of the country you left for better pastures?

PJ: I could give you a long, drawn out answer, but that would be redundant since I address this issue in the book. Suffice it to say that the Nigeria I grew up in looks nothing like the Nigeria of today, and the changes have not been for the better, by any stretch of the imagination. When I left over twenty four years ago, it was not with the thought in mind that I was seeking “better pastures.” I simply went to Seminary, and I had every intention of going back, however, circumstances dictated that my destiny lay outside of Nigeria.

JSD: The book – “Imagine Say…: What If God Was Really Counting On You?” is a tribute to your younger sister Adiza Otegbeye who died in the ill fated Dana Airline crash. Tell us about Adiza, your younger sister. What was she like?

PJ: When I left Nigeria, Adiza was a nineteen year old, so much of my more intimate interaction happened only sporadically in the years following. As a teenager though, Adiza and I were incredibly close, and I was sort of her ‘social mentor,’ teaching her the nuances of dealing with guys and handling relationships. In her married years, Adiza was committed to her family, loving, caring, and always willing to serve other people’s needs. She’d give the shirt off her back if she felt that someone needed it more than she did.

JSD: Your opening chapter ‘Any Given Sunday’ in the book is chilling. It sent fear down my spine….how were you able to jot down your thoughts? How long did it take you to write your story? How did your siblings take to pouring your heart out in words that will permanently be engraved for eternity in Google’s engine?

PJ: I wrote “Any Given Sunday” within days of Adiza’s death, and so it’s filled with the raw emotions of pain and anger, as well as the gamut of other emotions I experienced in the days following her demise. It began more as a journal – writing has always been cathartic for me – and evolved as I began to receive more and more encouragement from others who were reading my posts, to turn it into a book that would serve a much wider audience than just my Facebook friends.

In its entirety, the manuscript took me almost a month and a half to write, but much of it was written within the first four weeks following the plane crash. As to how my siblings felt, the truth is I never asked them. This was always my story and my journey, because it was my own way of dealing with and processing through my pain, and I didn’t feel like it really mattered what or how anyone else felt about it. Having said that, for those of my siblings that have read the manuscript and given me feedback, they appreciate the fact that I was able to do this for posterity.

Adiza’s last photograph taken with daughter Tomi at the airport in Abuja….

JSD: For you, what is the book about? If any reader were to be inspired, what would you like it to be?

PJ: Great question. For me the book isn’t just about Adiza’s death since there were another 162 people who also perished as a result of the crash. Their lives were equally as valuable even though I didn’t know them personally. So while it’s true that it’s a tribute to my precious sister, who, at least symbolically represents all the victims, it’s also about a failed system. It’s about endemic corruption that has colored the perspective of the Nigerian so that life seems to have little or no value. It’s about a Church value system that, in many ways has failed the people, yet it pats itself on the back for how good a job it’s supposedly doing among the Nigerian populace. For me, Imagine Say… is about a nation in the throes of the eleventh hour of its existence unless some things are drastically changed.

JSD: How do you feel towards Nigeria?

PJ: It would be unfair of me to attempt to answer that question in such a limited forum because I couldn’t do the question justice, and it would leave people with somewhat of an unclear sense of what I really feel. I attempt to answer this troublesome question in the book, but even then I’m not sure I fully do it justice. Let’s just say I’d rather the reader read the book with the context and understanding that my feelings continue to evolve. Nigeria is a nation that takes so much from its citizenry but gives back precious little.

JSD: What was your immediate reaction when you heard the ill fated Dana Airline’s suspended aviation license had been restored? What anger if any did you feel towards Dana and Nigeria?

PJ: I wasn’t at all surprised that they’d gotten their license back so quickly, after all, it is Nigeria, and decisions are seldom made based on what is equitable and right, but more on what serves the interest of the elite and the power brokers.

JSD: What is Nigeria, as a country to you?

PJ: Again, I’ll refer you to my answer two questions ago. In the book, I unequivocally state, and illustrate the fact that Nigeria is a failed State.

JSD: PJ, aside the obvious brain drain from Nigeria, how do you think Nigeria as a nation would survive?

PJ: So as not to be redundant, and to ensure that people have something to look forward to, let me refer you to the final chapter in the book, titled, “Still Standing,” where I proffer some solutions as to how I think we can change the direction of Nigeria for the greater good of all. While I recognize that better minds than mine are attempting to wrap their minds around the issues that plague Nigeria, I’m convinced that if we don’t implement some of these basic changes, there’s little hope for the survival of Nigeria as a nation over the long haul.

JSD: If you were to offer a solution to the perpetual issues that have held Nigeria in bondage of corruption, what would they be?

PJ: See my response to the previous question.

JSD: Would you ever recommend flying local airlines in Nigeria?

PJ: That’s a difficult question to answer since I don’t have to live and work there. For people who do, it is still the most reliable and fastest means of transacting business across the country since the road infrastructure is in even worse shape, and the railway system is about as archaic as it was forty years ago. However, given the choice, I would avoid flying in Nigeria if I could.

JSD: Going personal. How, as a pastor have you been able to reconcile the death of Adiza with your faith in Christ?

PJ: There’s nothing to reconcile. Jesus didn’t kill my sister, an incompetent and corrupt aviation system did! I’ve long stated that Christians aren’t exempt from pain and suffering, Jesus Himself said, “In this world you will have trouble.” He didn’t say “might,” or “may,” He said “Will.” I don’t think it’s up to us to dictate what the manner of that “trouble” will be. I just don’t subscribe to the ‘gospel’ that suggests that Christians are exempt from hardship and pain, and so when hardship or pain strikes, they face a crisis of faith. My faith is intact and well, and I thank God daily for the way He’s shaping me even through the tragedy and pain.

Ma Otegbeye, Adeleke (Adiza’s husband), Olorunleke and Tomi at a memorial service for Mrs Adiza Otegbeye (nee Thompson) a victim of the Dana Air crash at the Capstone Church

JSD: How do you grieve Adiza’s untimely death? What do you remember her by?

PJ: My writing has played a major role in helping me through my grieving process, and my fondest memories are of the time we spent together in Lagos a mere two weeks prior to the day she was killed. As I stated in “Any Given Sunday,” we shared an amazingly wonderful and healing time together, and that’s what I remember my sister by. Connecting regularly with my brother, Usman, has also been a significant part of my healing.

JSD: Finally before I go, I couldn’t help asking you about your views on some Nigerians who claimed the Dana air crash victims were not ‘born again’ or ‘the accident might have been an act of punishment from God’ or ‘they didn’t hear God’ on that day….what are your thoughts?

PJ: I address this subject extensively in the book. I feel a measure of sadness for people who process life through that prism, because it means they live their lives in fear, and shame. There’s no doubt in my mind that everyone struggles with something, and since, from their world view  Christians are ‘perfect,’ they clearly live duplicitous lives, showing one face to the world and living another in secret with no recourse for finding help since they won’t even admit to their weaknesses and shortcomings.

A person who believes that Christians cannot experience pain, loss, or death, is sadly deficient in their knowledge as to what Christianity as a faith actually is. Such people have no place in their theology for Paul – who wrote two thirds of the New Testament – who suffered tremendous pain, punishment, hardship, and all manner of suffering. I guess to them he wouldn’t be a Christian, or he was being ‘punished’ by God? These people still worship the God they read about in the Old Testament, without realizing that He’s created a new covenant just for them, and that covenant is one of grace.

JSD: You wouldn’t mind my saying, you are a fabulous writer….you have a style that engages the reader. Thank you so much for the opportunity to share your thoughts with readers of Jide Salu Diary.

PJ: Thank you.

Below is the introduction to the book….

It’s now available at Barnes & Noble …..I recommend.

CLICK NOW TO BUY  - “Imagine Say…: What If God Was Really Counting On You?“

Occupy Nigeria: Interview with Bakare as he says there is no transformation without sacrifice.

Occupy Nigeria: Interview with Bakare as he says there is no transformation without sacrifice.

Convener of Save Nigeria Group (SNG) and vice presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Pastor Tunde Bakare, has expressed confidence that the mass protest against the removal of fuel subsidy will continue until the President Goodluck Jonathan government reverts N65 as price of a litre of petrol.

His confidence is anchored on the enthusiasm of Nigerians and their response to the call to resist the removal of fuel subsidy. Bakare told Saturday Sun that the protest has taken a life of its own and therefore, would not fizzle out like other protests before it. He pointed out that the people attending the mass rally on daily basis, since last Monday, are not being paid to do so. Also, he said, musicians are not paid to perform at the rallies, adding that the SNG is not spending much to organize the rally holding daily at Ojota, Lagos.
He warned that angry Nigerians may move to the next stage of the protest, which he described as occupying Nigeria, if the government does not recant, although he did not elaborate on what this would entail.
The pastor lambasted the Jonathan administration and called for a revolution.

Read excerpts of the interview conducted by DURO ADESEKO as published in Saturday’s SUN NEWSONLINE titled We won’t stop until we occupy Nigeria

Pastor Bakare

Sun: From what we see, it appears that you have resurrected the Save Nigeria Group (SNG) to fight the removal of oil subsidy?

Pastor Bakare: Well, Save Nigeria Group was never in a coma. It did not die at any time. It is an umbrella organisation with so many interest groups. There are many groups involved, such as civil society groups. But when politics began and we knew it was time for people to canvass for votes and join political parties, we did not want to create tension within the SNG family. We allowed every person to join political parties of their choice and vote for the candidates of their choice. We told those who wanted to be voted for to go for it, but not to use the platform of SNG to do that because it is not a political party.
Between the time of politics and after, we have met several times to look at various things and how to contribute under the SNG, because Nigeria is yet to be saved. So, it has never been in coma and we did not resuscitate just for fuel subsidy removal. The subsidy removal was a tipping point of the decay that has happened because of inept and corrupt leadership, in Nigeria.

Sun: What’s the position of your party, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), on the fuel subsidy removal?
Pastor Bakare: As a party, the CPC has spoken. The leadership has spoken and the spokesman for the party has spoken. The CPC as a party is against subsidy removal because, in real sense, subsidy is not for the purpose of subsidising cost of production but alternative cost of importation. The licences were granted for the purposes of political patronages and they know how they are sharing the money. Now that they have looted the national treasury, without paying the money into the Federation Account, they have siphoned N1. 3 billion from the proceeds of oil and shared it among the fat cats in the petroleum industry and their cronies in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Now, they want Nigerians to pay the tax back to them, so that they can have something to run the government that is broke.

Sun: President Jonathan and his ministers are saying that removal of fuel subsidy is for the good of the country…
Pastor Bakare: Yoruba people say “ Aki fi ori bibe se oogun efori (You don’t cut off your head because you have headache). It is wrong to say because you want to cure headache, you have to behead the people. This, to say the least, shows that indeed and in truth fat bellies don’t remember that such a thing, as hunger, exists. If he (Jonathan) remembers where he was coming from, he will not do this to the masses of our people. However good in the long run it may be, certain things have to precede it. In the first place, Jonathan touts transformation. There is no transformation without sacrifice. Romans chapter 12 says: “I beseech you by the Mercy of God that you present your bodies and you live in sacrifice.” It defines the living sacrifice as: “Good, acceptable, perfect will of God. That you be renewed in your mind, be transformed in your mind so that transformation can really take place.”
So, there is no sacrifice on the part of the leadership; there is no self-denial of any kind and in like manner, there is no change in mindset and you are talking of transformation. This is not transformation, but electrocution of the masses of our people. Look at the fat government they have. They have 50 ministries. They have several agencies of government, apart from ministries and several political special assistants. Look at the budget itself and look at what they are spending on food. This is a prodigal and wasteful government. Let them cut down their own excesses before they ask Nigerians to come and augment what they need or what must be provided by Nigerians.
Look at the looting of the treasury. Look at the group which had been in local governments and state governments. What they have stolen, if recovered is more than what they need to augment their budget. They should leave innocent Nigerians alone and not punish them any further.

 

Sun: Many criticise the opposition political parties for not coming up with viable alternative programme to deregulation. What do you think?
Pastor Bakare: It is not true. General Muhammadu Buhari, on the floor of the Supreme Court, after the verdict on the election was given in the CPC versus PDP case, showed a blue print on the way forward. We are not only criticising them, we are also giving them a blue print. But, are they willing to borrow ideas? The one they want to quickly fix, through 25 per cent cut in their basic salary, was one of the ideas suggested by General Buhari, who has been oil minister, governor of six states put together, known as North Eastern State. He has been head of state of this country and how many former heads of states had counselled this young man called Jonathan?

Sun: How long can the revolt or protests of labour and other interest groups last, as experience has shown that after four or five days protests fizzle out in Nigeria?
Pastor Bakare: Well, you can see that the protest is having a life of its own. We don’t call it revolt but a revolution. To revolt might look like revolution because the words are not different, but when it is a revolution, some people are saying that we have had enough of this. You can just revolt and go back, but we want a holistic approach to how government is run. We want good governance in our country. We want responsible and responsive leadership. We want transparency and accountability in governance. We want to hold them by the jugular vein and ask how much do we make from oil and how much does it cost to produce refined product in our country? Why are refineries producing under capacity or below capacity? They are producing just 21 per cent of the capacity. Where is the money you spend on turnaround maintenance all this while? Why are we a nation that is producing oil when our people are being punished? Why is Venezuela not exporting one drop of oil, except refined products? We cannot do it in our nation. What are the issues? That is number one.
The people are buying into it because they know it is not just fuel subsidy; it is a whole complex issues, including lack of competence on the side of leadership, capability or capacity and the issue of ravaging corruption in our land. It is a revolution and it has just begun. It will not fizzle out. You know why? Nobody is being given a penny to come. People are bringing their water from home, their lunch from home and they are waiting there, six or seven hours every day. We are waiting for them to drag it too far, and then we would occupy the nation.

Sun: How, Sir?
Pastor Bakare: You will find out. We would keep that to ourselves. We would occupy the entire nation. We will.

Sun: Do we expect, as you did the other time, that protests will take place in Lagos, Kano, and Abuja?
Pastor Bakare: We have deregulated the counter move. That is why you see some in Falomo today, some in Kaduna and some in Kano. It is now deregulated. If it happens that we can move faster, you will see that you will begin to see a new face of counter-move against an oppressive government all across our land. Since we have deregulated it; it is a lot easier for it to happen simultaneously in different places all at the same time.

Sun: It’s rumoured that the government may revert to N65 per litre. If this happened, what would be your next line of action?
Pastor Bakare: If it turns out to be true that he would reverse the decision, it is just one out of several items. We are going to continue and we are going to channel our energy in different directions to make demands that are legitimate, that will create accountability in governance. Government must be responsive to the people, so that they do not talk to us like bullies with power.

Sun: What is the cost of the protests so far?
Pastor Bakare: It is very minimal. There are security personnel that we hired and bottles of water for those who are on stage. No musician has been paid a penny; no TV station has taken a penny from us. We just paid for the equipment and the sound system.

Sun: What of the toll on the economy and the loss of lives?
Pastor Bakare: We have not reacted to the killings because we want it to be peaceful. No revenge, no resentment, no rage and no reprisal. So, you will not see anybody from our group killing anybody. People that were shot were shot by the police and thank God for the Lagos State commissioner of police; the policeman who shot the person was quickly disarmed and locked up and would face prosecution. In all, I think in different places, about 10 or more lives were lost. It is regrettable. But a government that cannot protect its citizens is not fit to be in power. President Jonathan has said that Boko Haram has ravaged his government. Nobody should trust him with the security of this country.

Sun: Are you in touch with other groups, like NLC and human rights groups?
Pastor Bakare: We are in touch with them. We are talking back and forth. They are doing the sit-tight in the house and we are doing the field operation. The SNG is working in collaboration with labour and we are in touch with their leadership constantly.

Sun: Is the presidency in touch with you?
Pastor Bakare: The presidency doesn’t need to be in touch with me; they just have to do what is right.

Sun: What do you expect from government right now?

Pastor Bakare: Minimally, I expect reversal to N65. If there is no public debate, no public policy can have legitimacy. The people of this country are entitled to know why they should have over 100 percent increase in pump price in the name of deregulation. Aviation fuel has not been regulated for a very long time. Diesel has been deregulated for the past seven years. Has the price dropped? So, it is a lie. The government is telling the people of this country a lie. We will confront them with facts and figures in the days to come.

Sun: Hoodlums, in some cases, are hijacking peaceful protests in many parts of the country…
Pastor Bakare: Not in our case. Not in Ojota. It is unfortunate that it is happening elsewhere. Hoodlums are not hijacking what we are doing at all. In fact, some of the people you call area boys volunteered to serve. They know this battle is being fought in their own interest. If they say they are hoodlums, are they from Jupiter or from Mass? Are they not Nigerians citizens deprived of educational skill development? What job have you created for them that you are calling them hoodlums? I will not curse them, but I pray that what they have done to the children of other people in this nation does not happen to their children in their own life time. The money they have stolen to build the houses they are building, these hoodlums may attack them. It is better now to engage them and give them a future than calling them hoodlums. No Nigerian citizen has any better right than other Nigerian citizen. Mr. President has only one head and one vote and we know where he came from when he was without shoes. He should not make the entire nation to be without legs.

Sun: Is that why you talked of revolution?
Pastor Bakare: It is revolution of values. We are not asking for a bloody revolution to kill anybody. It is a revolution of values that ensures that government exists for the welfare and benefit of the people.

Sun: How true is the position that some muslim organisations have also joined the protest?
Pastor Bakare: They have been there all along; they spoke today (Wednesday). It is not just muslim organisations; you’ve just seen bikers, professional bikers who said they want to give their resources and their time and their know how to back what they are doing.

Sun: What values are they going to add to the protest?
Pastor Bakare: Well, it is not just glamour; some of them are professionals and consultants. The SNG is a knowledge industry and we are going to gather their thought so that we can further help our nation. Nobody has monopoly of wisdom. Besides, we need a lot of resources to do a lot of what we are doing. No politician or any political party in Nigeria is sponsoring us.

 

 

 

PHOTOS EXCLUSIVE: As OJB produces 2011 “The Ovation Red Carol Tune”

CLICK TO LISTEN 2011 “THE OVATION RED CAROL” TUNE

THE INTERVIEW

I had asked Dele Momodu the publisher of Ovation Magazine who was behind this year’s “The Ovation Red Carol” Tune. His immediate reply was OJB. You must crave my indulgence and ignorance here, that is because I had only heard of OJB in passing and I am suppose to be in the entertainment Industry I chuckled. I requested to make contact, and Momodu granted. I got in touch with OJB, who apparently produced the Ovation Red Carol tune whilst suffering from a life threatening ailment. Thank God, he is well and the tune is sure to become a hit.

Below are questions put to the ace producer, he is sure one talented Nigerian whom we should all treasure and be proud of. Thanks to Bashorun Dele Momodu for giving me the opportunity to get to know one of Nigeria’s most talented producer, the man behind 2 Face’s first two albums. Wiz Kid before he came to prominence was under the guidance of OJB. Enjoy the Q and A with OJB.

………………………………………………………………………………..

OJB

JSD: Thanks for giving me the opportunity to get to know you better.

OJB: The pleasure is all mine bro, thank u.

Jay Won, Chidinma and OJB

JSD: The publisher of Ovation, Bashorun Dele Momodu told me you produced this year’s “The Ovation Red Carol” tune from your sick bed for life threatening ailment. My reply was “Wow!” My questions to you OJB will be how were you able to do this? And how are you doing now, health wise?

 OJB:Well I was in the hospital according to my family members battling with coma! from heart,kidney and lever failure! and when i came out of it the tune was the first thing to come!

OBJ and Wiz Kid

JSD:So, OJB…for my readers out there, who may not know who OJB is, can you kindly introduce yourself to Jide Salu Diary readers. For starters, the initials OJB stand for…..?

 OJB: Okungbowa Jezreel Babatunde >OBJ initials for my name, music producer artiste and executive producer with 25yrs to my cap.

 

Keffee and OJB

JSD: When  Dele Momodu sent out a Blackberry message with this year’s Ovation Red carol Theme song, I was excited to have a listen…..and I must say that it is a very catchy tune, and should be a hit. I know you produced, who is behind the lyrics and who are the artists featured? What was the inspiration behind the tune?

 OJB:The artists have been all so wonderful! couldnt have done it without them wiz kid, karat kid, yq ,dipp, ice prince, waje eva, yemi alade, shayne, segun obe, keffee, malaika, j won,ibk, super ugly, chidinma and the legendary Sir Shina Peters!

JSD: For many people out there, OJB was the producer behind Africa’s mega star Tu Face’s first two Albums and the up and coming singer WizKid also has many reasons to thank OJB, for you had something to do with WizKid’s commercial success. Tell us more about these two artists….and OJB, I will expect you to name drop here (laughing)

OJB:Well a lot has happened in 25yrs, but simply put we helped father the new age music with acts like Dbanj, 2 face, Faze, Ksb, Goldie, Jazzman Olofin, Paul Ik Dairo, Ruggedman, Wiz Kid, Tony Tetuila, Olu Maintain, Daddy Showkey, Ayuba, Malaika, Kwam 1, Obesere, Baba Dee, Sound Oultan, omotola, to mention a few cus we still have Lara George… 2face was spectacular cus that was a time we wanted to have a sound that could cross boundaries, and he had it unique voice and marketable looks to go with it. Still the best album of all time for the new age at 10m copies in Nigeria and an unbeatable 12m internationally! That’s why i dont make hits i make history! Wiz kid was with me< what i can say is remarkable is that we went to the mum to beg for her permission to allow him do music and today I feel proud like a father! Banky well done.

JSD: When Dele Momodu called you up to be part of this year’s Ovation Red Carol, what was your initial reaction? What brief did you get? Also, who was responsible for assembling the array of stars?

OJB: Well I actually created that part of the carol to have a tradition of theme songs, and 3yrs a go with Wande Coal and Omawunmi was hot, and the need to beat that was there! and that was made possible by the fire the acts brought to it! and the assembling  was by the ovation red carol committee headed by tobi sanni and wale oluwaleyinmu.

JSD: With the stars such as Sir Shina Peters, Waje, Ice Prince and WizKid, etc….was it difficult to work with this group of commercially successful artists, especially as you were ill at the time? How were you able to cope with egos? How long did it take to record?

OJB:Some had their normal star moments but of course face to face with an equally challenging ego! was suffice.

Suoer Ugly and Wiz Kid

JSD:  Let me put you on the spot here…..which artist do you think is making it for you and why? Also, which artist(s) do you think we should be on the lookout for?

 OJB:For the carol I think Ice Prince set the tempo!

JSD: Personally speaking, I am getting sick, tired and bored with seeing the same artists featured at shows. Do you?

OJB:Yeah but our sponsors are not that many and the money in circulation to make more stars is limited

JSD: Where do you see the Entertainment Industry in Nigeria, say …5 years time?

 OJB:We r there in terms of recognition, but structure is what we have to work on.

JSD: What has been the toughest setback in your musical career you over came and how?

 OJB: Generation change but some how ive stayed relevant.

JSD: How did you get your break?

OJB:From a gospel group called tx 16yrs ago their songs brought attention to my work.

JSD: Nigeria is blessed with an abundance of gifted artists, what tips would you offer for them to get that break?

 OJB:Stay focused and humble.

JSD: I know what Dele Momodu is to me, a very dear brother, an encourager and a Pioneer. What is he to you?

 OJB:One of my mentors him and Ben Bruce.

JSD: Finally OJB, what has been your proudest moment in your musical career?

 OJB:the ovation red carol 2011, cus it shows me all the amazing talents and how special it is for me after 25yrs to be part of that.