One piece of news that truly excites me is that my boss, the man who embodies the true essence of journalism and media, turns 60 today, April 24.
Looking back on my 15-year journey with Aare Dr. Seye Olugbemiga Kehinde, I feel immense gratitude. My love for media started back in secondary school—particularly television, since I knew very little about print. My late father wasn’t keen on me pursuing a media career, but I found myself drawn into this beautiful profession regardless. After working with TV for a few years, I transitioned into print—and guess what? My first print experience was with City People.
I didn’t apply or submit a formal letter. I got the job unexpectedly out of ten applicants—and I was the only lady among them. I used to frequently visit the City People office to see one of the senior managers. One day, their former domestic staff, Mariam, informed me about an upcoming interview and encouraged me to attend. I was hesitant, but I eventually showed up.
Funny enough, the vacancy was for a correspondent in Ekiti State. I wasn’t qualified for the role by typical standards, but I was passionate—and that’s what counted. The interview was coordinated by Dr. Seye Kehinde himself, alongside Mr. Francis, Mr. Wole Alakija, and Mr. Wahab. We were asked to submit two publishable stories for the next edition.
That assignment took me to Ekiti State, where I met the late Chief Jimoh Aliu and then-Ekiti FIBAN Chairman, Muyiwa Akinrelere. I interviewed them both. Chief Jimoh also informed me about Dr. Yemkem Ayeni’s wife’s 40th birthday party happening in Lagos that weekend.
When I returned, Dr. Kehinde wasn’t exactly impressed with the stories—he felt Jimoh Aliu’s story was already too common. But to encourage me, he let me cover the Yemkem party. “Everyone’s on assignment this weekend, so you’ll handle it,” he said. I was thrilled. That was the moment I truly felt I’d become a journalist.
The following week, he assigned me to Ondo State to cover a burial ceremony for a client, Mrs. Tope Isang-Ige. That marked the beginning of my time covering both Ekiti and Ondo states for City People.
I’m proud to have passed through Aare Dr. Seye Olugbemiga Kehinde’s mentorship. I learned so much from him—his humility is unmatched, and his drive to maintain City People’s position as Nigeria’s No. 1 soft-sell magazine was admirable. When SK wanted you to work harder, he’d say things like, “Haha Adeola, this story isn’t strong enough to sell papers in your zone,” or “Big Babe, send us three publishable stories.” You’d instantly know the editorial and sales teams were not satisfied. But he would also hype me up, suggest story ideas, and offer his support in ways that pushed me to succeed.
He taught me to celebrate people rather than promote propaganda. He taught me the true heart of journalism.
Before I joined City People, I could speak and write, but joining them made me a better writer. My confidence was built, and I learned how to approach people with grace and professionalism—all thanks to my publisher, Dr. Seye Kehinde, who used his humility and calm demeanor to lead and achieve his vision.
Despite our differences over the years, he never stopped encouraging me—especially when I launched Event Diary Lifestyle five years ago. His words, “Adeola, I’m proud of you. I read all your stories,” have kept me going. He even introduced me to the world of event planning and project management.
Today, I join the world in celebrating an iconic man of honour, integrity, and resilience.
On behalf of the publisher of Event Diary Lifestyle, Princess Adeola Shittu (a.k.a. Ekiti Bumper), and Adeola CityPeople, we wish you a joyful Jubilee celebration.
Happy 60th Birthday, Aare Dr. Seye Kehinde!
