It’s exactly 5 years from the time I had my convocation ceremony for my Bachelors degree and I can’t but reflect on the journey thus far. Taking stock of my dreams back then and seeing the fulfillment of those dreams re-enforces my resolve that dreams do come true. One of the turning-point of my life was when a certain bright young man walked up to me, 5 days after my last exam in a Schlumberger Career Fair, invited me for a meeting; an extra ordinary meeting I would call it. The meeting was crammed with notable talented final year student from various disciplines, various fellowships but were all Christians. The theme of the meeting was a synergy of talented individuals towards becoming Role Models, not just any model but African Role Models.

 

 

As I was pounding away on my laptop, I took a peek at my 3 months-old baby and her mother sleeping peacefully, the thought of modeling and the effect of modeling came to me. I envision the gist between my daughter and her friends at the age of 10 and I wondered what would be the common ground for discussion if the world continues the way it is; Brad Pitt in another divorce saga, Madonna’s new hit, Mikel Obi moves to Milan, 15 governors impeach on the same day, President of Nigeria flies around the world to initiate talk on Foreign Investment, etc. As I continued in my postulated vision, I can’t fail to see the effect of Media and the clouts it gives the so-called models that affect our every day social discussions. My first reaction was to give away my cable, ban illicit films from my home (as if the local TV stations don’t show this), ban music that portray debauchery and violent lyrics but my thought immediately cautioned me on such move because she would eventually go to school, meet with mates who would have been corrupted with such vices.

 

 

So what do I do? Is the media to blame for promoting such role models that kids look up to? Why is the average kid more entertainment inclined? More kids prefer role models as actors, athletes, fashion models, musicians, etc these are areas where serious Christians hardly venture and those that venture, are not heavily recognized by the media. Then I looked at the bigger picture, why are so many youths in Nigeria in preference of a white collar job instead of business? Could it be the models they envision follow this path? Role model and its effect in a given society can never be overemphasized. This is why the meeting that took place five years ago in one of the prestigious joints in New Buka, OAU, Ife could never had come at a better time where the world is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God, where the world is seeking for a new wine, where the world is craving for a new lifestyle that will set their conscience free. The world is waiting for you.

 

 

Here, is an except from the passionate coordinator of African Role Models, Adeolu Akinyemi;

 

“These problems, I have started my day with a consciousness of them in mind for days. So much has my heart pondered on these that I’m beginning to feel uncomfortable with the idea of taking up a good paying job that does not afford me the opportunity of helping to be a solution to these problems. I have prayed, thought and panned and finally I have a solution. A solution that is worth using ones entire life to pursue. A peep reveals, that a solution to these problems lies in training, synergism of efforts, entrepreneurship, solid biblical concepts, resourcing and all too much for any existing society to produce. Welcome with me however to module that answers it all, welcome ARMs - African Role Models.”

 

Could this be the solution?

 

 

To get a full gist on African Role Models; click HERE

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