'I am still dumb-founded' - Kogi Deputy Gov’s Personal Photographer - OLUWATOSIN ADENIYI speaks on being photographed by CHIEF ONOJA »

To HON OLUWATOSIN ADENIYI, who prefers to be referred to simply as “TOSIN ADENIYI,” being referred to by his boss, the Kogi State Deputy Governor, CHIEF EDWARD ONOJA, as the Best Staff for Year 2020 was not only fulfilling, but it has also shown that the man has eyes on the activities of all of his staff. But to be then photographed by the number two citizen of Kogi State is something he still cannot find words to describe. But those who know him have described in glowing terms following the emergence of the pictures and the story on social media with many taking to their pages to congratulate him and confess to the true nature of Tosin as a hardworking individual from his time as a photo journalist with one of the media organizations in the state. In this interview, he tells InsideStory correspondent, UMAR YABAGI about how it happened. It was a revealing encounter. Excerpts:

Who is Oluwatosin Adeniyi?

(Laughs)…Well, my name is Oluwatosin Adeniyi. I was born and bred in Lokoja the Kogi State Capital. I attended school here in Lokoja. I am currently the personal photographer to the Deputy Governor, Chief Edward Onoja. I started off as a laminator. Yes, I was into laminating of photo frame lamination and was also into fixing of laminating machines because as a child of nobody, I had to start the hustle at a tender age. From there, I began to learn photography at a roadside shop here in Lokoja. Well, knowing that I had to fend for myself, I put effort into it and worked hard. The truth is I am someone that puts a lot of hard work and dedication into whatever it is I want to do. I do the same with my job wherever I work. So, I started gradually to take photographs all around town. I am someone that also respects people and befriends easily. Anyone that I had anything to do with or for, they become my friends naturally; I respect people a lot – whoever they are. So, through an acquaintance, I got the opportunity to work with InsideStory media as a photographer. I worked there for just under two years between 2017 and early 2019 before my current boss, His Excellency the Deputy Governor, Chief Edward Onoja became the Deputy Governor. While I was with InsideStory, I had the opportunity of covering him when he was the Chief of Staff. I realize he liked my pictures and would always send messages encouraging me. My boss and colleagues in the office also helped me through their comments and corrections which I imbibed. This is what has made me a better photographer. I also study other better photographers and photojournalists. So, I got better each passing day. When Chief Onoja became the Deputy Governor, he appointed me his Personal Photographer.

Tell us about how you became Best Aide to His Excellency the Deputy Governor…

Thank you. As I said, as a person, I take my job seriously. I don’t joke with being the person in charge of the photographic image of His Excellency that is going out. So, I take my time by making sure I get the best angle necessary to get the clearest shots. I have been trained to look for action pictures and I make sure that my pictures speak. The truth is, I never thought of it. I mean, it was not a conscious effort by me to become the Best Aide, but now that I have been so recognized, I know I have to work hard. The truth is my colleague aides to the Deputy Governor are equally as good. He is a man that does not entertain mediocrity. He looks for excellence and encourages people to put their best legs forward if you want to have a good working relationship with him. He is extremely intelligent, but I know that is no longer news. What some people may not know is that he takes his time, observes, analyse situations and circumstances before he takes decisions. So, being named his Best aide is the best feeling. What makes the period most exhilarating for me was the fact that that day, he became my photographer (laughs). I felt so ashamed and fulfilled, privileged, thankful and lost for words all at once. Chief Edward Onoja is like his principal, the Governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, when it comes to looking for excellence in people and situations and I am thankful for the privilege to work in this government. (Looks at our reporter in the eye) Thank you Your Excellency Governor Yahaya Bello and thank you Your Excellency, Chief Edward Onoja, the Olimene Attah of Igala Kingdom and Commander of Igala Kingdom (CIK) for this rare privilege. My family and I are in debt of this administration.

What does this recognition mean to you?

A lot my brother! A lot! I cannot begin to describe it, but the truth is, I feel challenged to do more. I am not the type that likes resting on a particular laurel. To me, it is a call to redouble my efforts to the service of my state, my boss and the country at large. I must keep my head down and continue to learn the art of photography. It is said that whatever one’s hands find to do, one should do it with all his might. I am ready to work harder and as long as I live, it has been my resolve to put in my best in the discharge of my responsibilities. Those who always marvel at the pictures of my boss should expect better and more impressive shots as we have just entered the New Year (General laughter).

What is your philosophy of photography?

Photography is life to me. When I handle the camera, I always feel there is nothing I cannot do with it. I love pictures and I love taking them. The simple idea of taking a snapshot is not my concern, what I am always most particular about is the creativity, the angle from which I capture depending on the purpose of taking such shots. That is always at the back of my mind and all known professionals in the field of photography and those aspiring to become professionals also need to always have that at the back of their minds.

What is your advice to the young ones and up – and – coming photographers that are looking up to you?

Bros, this is a big question for me to answer because there are a lot of persons I am also looking up to. I am relatively still very young and I expect others to still give me words of advice from time to time. It is those words that have propelled me to where God has taken me to so far, for which I am immensely grateful. But since you insist; to those younger than me and are looking up to me, I have no other secret than hard work. To succeed in anything, you just need to double your efforts, work like your life depends on it and when you don’t expect, someone will fish you out and applaud you for being steadfast and committed. Before we conclude, I want to thank everyone in the Deputy Governor’s employment. Starting from our overall boss, the Deputy Chief of Satff (DCOS), my elder brother and leader, Hon Sunday Faleke; the Protocol Officer, Hon Jubril Abu; the Chief Press Secretary, Hon Promise Emmanuel; the Personal Assistant, Hon Ceton Abogede; the domestic assistant, Hon Haruna Sule; all the security officers ensuring our safety at all times, the drivers, the domestic staff and everyone connected to the office for their various contributions to making our job easy and for making my boss comfortable. Thank you and God bless us all. I owe gratitude to other people playing background roles in this administration and within the government for us all to have the success that the people see and appreciate. I also thank my former colleagues in Insidestory for their continued love and support even after I have left the organization. I also appreciate my wife (laughs) and our daughter for their understanding of how daunting my job is and their cooperation without which I would not have succeeded.