Exclusive Interview with Olaide,the 18years old CEO/Founder of the Hang Out With Olaide’s (HOWO)Youth Forum

My name is Olasupo Olaide Janet,an undergraduate of English Studies in Benson Idahosa University.

WHAT WAS GROWING UP LIKE FOR YOU ?

Growing up was fun and hectic too .I’m the fifth child of my family. I have two wonderful sisters and three brothers. Growing up,I was stubborn but not rebellious,confident and decisive but not arrogant. I was always obedient,even though I stood my grounds on somethings. Most importantly,I’ve always been ambitious since childhood.

ARE YOU MARRIED ?

No.

WE WILL LIKE TO KNOW THE DAY THAT TRANSFORMED YOUR LIFE

That was the day I realized that potentials enables one to fulfil purpose and realize one’s reason for existence. One who does not work out his potential is a way to himself and generations to come.

NOW,TELL US ABOUT THE JOURNEY SO FAR,HOW DID YOU BEGIN AND HOW HAS IT BEEN ?

Rising from the inspiration to become a TV Presenter/On Air Personality(OAP),the Hang Out With Olaide’s (HOWO) Youth Forum was born. At a point,I began to realise that I wanted to do more than just being a random OAP.At the time,I had some social and emotional challenges of my own,and that was how the HOWO broke out.That was basically how it started,and ever since there has been strategic restructuring that has brought us this far.

WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS THE H.O.W.O WILL BE TACKLING ?

Nigeria is a blessed and flourishing nation. The youths are the backbone and supporting pillar of any nation because they represent the voice and possibilities of its future. Unfortunately,little attention has been given to these ones. Several bodies are out these days to equip youths with skills,jobs,and strategies aimed at grooming their pockets only. But the truth is there is an inner man that might be in battle with this new empowerment programmes. It is never enough to acquire skills or bag good grades in the university because those does not determine who he ends up becoming.They face social problems everyday.The ironic part of all this is that social vices are natural phenoms.Research has proven that these vices present themselves in what seems like an unpredictable and unavoidable manner.Your social status as a youth does not seperate you from these vices. Many young persons are entwined with one vices or the other such as sexual or domestic harassment,peer pressure,use and abuse of drugs and alcohol,bullying,family instability to mention a few. It takes an enlightened young man to know what to do in such destructive situations.
Social vices are destroyers and can impale chances of happiness and fulfilment.How will a young person even dream of being successful when his mind is socially and emotionally destroyed? The Hang Out With Olaide’s youth forum is projected towards reducing the rate of occurence and effect of these vices as best as possible.Through its effective programmes,every youth who has an encounter with us can be sure of a brighter future filled with possibilities and positivity.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE ROLE OF DREAMS IN YOUR LIFE?

Right from childhood,I have had this strong conviction that young people have a vital role to play in the development of the nation,but still,this development can only begin from within them.

DO YOU HAVE ANY REGRETS ?

None at all.

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSONS YOU HAVE LEARNED IN LIFE ?

I’ve learnt that mistakes and wrong decision making are bound to occur and re-occur as a result of ignorance and lack of understanding.
Another is that,change cannot occur unless we know what we are changing from,why we are changing,and what we are changing to.

WHO ARE YOUR ROLE MODELS OR MENTOR ?

My mother,Mrs. Aina Olasupo,my sisters,Toyosi Akerele of Rise Networks,Pastor Sign Okwunwa, Adora Oleh to mention a few.

DO YOU LOVE READING?AND WHAT ARE THE ROLES OF BOOKS IN YOUR LIFE ?

Yes. From what I believe,reading is a never ending process.At one point in time,you get to read from one pamphlet, billboard or poster.Reading good books affects one’s thinking and mode of speech.As a result of my schedules,I make sure I read a maximum of three chapters of a book everyday.Deep reading opens doors of discovery.

ANY RECOMMENDATIONS ?

Discovering and Maximizing your potentials by Myles Munroe,The Principles and Power of Vision by Myles Munroe,5 Levels of Leadership by John C. Maxwell,Battle of the Mind of Teens by Joyce Meyer.

WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE BEEN DOING IF YOU WERE NOT DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING RIGHT NOW?

I’ll be a random above average student working tooth and nail to be successful.

HOW DO YOU GIVE TIME TO STUDYING,YOUR VISION AND YOURSELF ?

Its been simply God’s grace.Less sleep,less talk;much thought,much work. I try not to ruin one for the other and that’s where time management becomes an effective tool.I do not put any other thing on the line for studying and class lectures.I do what I have to do at the right time or within the shortest time available.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5-10 YEARS FROM NOW ?

A position of positive relevance on the present and future generation.I want to consult for organisations,institutions,religious ministries and the government on issues relation to youths and contemporary social vices.