Temitayo Akinyemi studied law, but he’s not a lawyer; he tells us why in today’s life

Hey Temitayo, how are you?

Hey, good to be right here. Like most Nigerians, I’m struggling to outlive the Tinubu period.

All of us are. Inform me about your background and what elements of your childhood influenced who you’re at this time

I learn a variety of outdated newspapers. I did not develop up within the 80s (I am glad I solely needed to face Buhari as soon as), however my father saved a variety of newspapers and magazines from that interval and I learn them attentively. Studying these newspapers, I fell in love with Nigeria’s historical past and the position journalists play in documenting it.

You graduate as a legislation pupil however determine to not apply legislation. What prompted this determination?

I knew from an early age that I wished to work in journalism. I really like these outdated newspapers, studying on-line information, and present occasions. As I grew up I began to have journalists that I cherished and newspapers that I cherished to learn (The Compass, The Saturday Punch, The Sunday Tribune and The Every day Solar had been on the prime of the record ). Sadly, many of the journalists I favored within the 2000s crossed over into politics, so I received’t point out names. However there are many impeccable storytellers in newsrooms. I wished to be like them: inform a narrative, and inform it effectively. I wished to write down one thing that 1000’s of individuals would learn, belief, and argue about. After learning legislation for some time, I knew I did not belong there. I thought of dropping out and beginning over as a mass communications pupil. Uncertain of learn how to cope with an unlikely future within the authorized subject, I started writing below a pseudonym. Individuals like it. I began with poetry after which began publishing some sociopolitical criticism that I had written however, sarcastically, I didn’t need to share as a result of I used to be afraid of criticism. Criticism does come, however so does reward. I can stroll previous folks in faculty discussing the work they’ve learn on WhatsApp teams, inspiring me to do extra. So I did extra.

Temitayo Akinyemi

After I joined UNILORIN, the union of campus journalists, this pseudonym slowly disappeared. There I discovered self-discipline and consistency from a senior colleague, Osuji Chima. As I entered my ultimate yr, my job gave me some native publicity whereas additionally offering me with worldwide alternatives. As an African Freelance Writing Fellow (2019), my work is learn by 1000’s of individuals, simply as I used to be once I was a baby. I’m satisfied that via digital publishing, my earnings will need to have exceeded thousands and thousands. At some point you’re dreaming, the opposite day you’re residing in actuality.

After commencement, I had no hesitation in selecting journalism over legislation. So I emptied the opposite baskets and put all my eggs into one basket. I do not remorse it. I’ve since continued working in numerous areas of media. I’ve produced podcasts, revealed in print, been revealed domestically and internationally, dabbled in radio, and contributed to modern storytelling codecs. No regrets. Simply be grateful.

That is impressively daring, Akinyemi

Thanks.

You could have labored in varied locations and held many positions in these positions. How do your roles in these totally different organizations impression one another?

I’ve at all times cherished tales and the best way they’re instructed. Some days I like to look at TV, some days the radio helps me get via it, some days I am going to a roadside stall and skim a newspaper. Other than tales, what I discover most fascinating about myself is the storytelling format. For me, whether or not I am overlaying the aerospace trade, politics, insecurity and improvement, or youth tradition, so long as good tales are instructed in an effective way and improve journalists’ duty to society, I am blissful to be on this room ,contribute. All of it comes collectively in some unspecified time in the future. Whereas I used to be studying learn how to extract satellite tv for pc information, or learn how to use them to reinforce storytelling, I did not have the chance to benefit from it till I moved to a different newsroom. I’ve gained a variety of transferable expertise from individuals who have helped me alongside the best way, which has served me effectively. I have been a reporter, editor, newsroom product supervisor, newsroom supervisor, and extra. All the pieces comes collectively. They’re muscular tissues, they get exercised, they get toned, and I take advantage of them appropriately.

Temitayo Akinyemi

You have made nice strides, received awards, and your work has been learn by many. Such as you stated, it is a dream come true. But when somebody requested you what success means to you, how would you reply?

I deal with each stage of my life as a challenge. Every challenge has its targets and key efficiency indicators. I’ve discovered pleasure and I’ve recognized ache, however on the finish of the day, what issues is how a lot impression we are able to have in our quick lives. I completely get pleasure from educating journalism practices and instruments within the digital media area, and for this facet of my profession, seeing adopters is profitable. I’ve received awards and they’re priceless. However loads occurs and a variety of time passes earlier than you submit your story for a prize. In case your success lies solely in profitable awards, chances are you’ll really feel insecure. On this subject, success for me is the impression on the reader, the reception of the story, and so on. Generally, success is having the ability to go house and sleep peacefully.

Temitayo Akinyemi

Do you will have some unconventional concepts in regards to the world that folks would possibly disagree with?

All the pieces is a software (faith, taxes, friendships, cellphone calls, work), and instruments are unknowable. The outcomes of every software depend upon the intent and talent of the consumer. One other perspective: It’s okay to be a hater. Simply don’t be hypocritical about it.

Inform me a few time in your life while you had been so pleased with your self that nothing else mattered

Temitayo Akinyemi

What does a typical day in your life seem like?

Work. IM. Extra work. Extra immediate messaging. Debit reminder. I was very routine-oriented, however the previous two years have taught me learn how to adapt to chaos. I nonetheless attempt to have some routine, nonetheless attempt to stand up on the similar time every single day. However I forgive myself once I don’t comply with the routine. Repeat: Work. IM. Extra work. Extra immediate messages. Debit reminder.

Deduction alert, you merely can’t escape it

I inform you.

Have you ever lately chosen a talent or pastime that you simply get pleasure from?

look. One Sunday afternoon in 2022, I wakened hating myself for at all times eager to experience a motorbike however not realizing how. So I went and acquired a motorbike and taught myself with the assistance of YouTube and passers-by. For expertise, I might say AI prompts.

One loopy factor you’d do if the world wasn’t watching you

Loopy factor: Elope.

Trying ahead to the following payday (I child). Media Innovation in Nigeria.

Thanks for becoming a member of Doing Life With…, Temitayo

Thanks for having me.