How it Started

Reflecting on my first major publication and the theme of 24.

In 2015, I read an article on the Tush Magazine website. I can neither remember the title nor the writer but the piece left an indelible impression. It was my first experience of the publication; I could not have guessed it would lead to my first major publication, and inadvertently shape the first five years of my professional career.

Before the inviting article, I had published articles on a few blogs. Publishing felt like the perfection of the laborious writing process. My earliest publications were far from perfection, to be honest - my writing was mostly amateurish and the approvals were solely based on the benevolence of editors. Kudos to me too: I was resilient. I chose a course that was both chancy and promising of little money. “To be heard” was enough reward for me then.

I was simply sharing and it seemed to work. I was sharing stories about Nigerian music when TooXclusive called. I shared ideas on Nigeria’s development when the would-be governor of Oyo state Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde engaged me. It was through sharing that I encountered some of the nation’s brightest minds both directly and indirectly. I conclude that sharing could potentially open doors of endless possibilities on both sides – the receiver and giver.

Image from my early days as a writer (circa 2017)

Unfortunately, I haven’t been sharing like I used to. Not that I stopped but it has not been intentional nor planned as it used to be when I was keen on publishing articles. My last commissioned pieces were published in June 2020: Ibeji Preaches the Gospel of Cultural Pride on “Ilu Ilu” & Ibeji: The Voice of Truth for the Times. These days my public writings have been occasional and quietly released – I am now interested in a niche, not numbers. Hence, my decision to only do intentional sharing.

My idea of sharing is diverse, insightful, engaging and progressive. Imagine a letter containing exciting ideas about politics, books, business, tech, entertainment and lifestyle specially delivered to your mailbox on the 24th of each month. 24 will be a monthly publication with a balance of excitement, inspiration and progressive thoughts, which I hope you will engage with and digest with giddy gusto.

Feeling excited about 24 already?

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