Welcome Ayotunde Awopetu
Thank you for having me.
What is your nickname?
Some people simply say “AY”, while others, especially my virtual friends call me “Dean”.
What were you like as a kid?
Typical Ekiti child- stubborn, playful, but sweet. Folks still recall with delight, fond memories that made up my childhood and it brings a pleasant feeling to know that while I may have been mischievous and all that, I was still a sweet little boy that everyone loved.
You studied Biochemistry at the University of Ilorin. How does that translate to your versatility in the use of the English language?
My use of the English language has absolutely nothing to do with any form of formal education within the walls of a school. As I grew up, it’s something I schooled myself in, which I think could be largely credited to my interest in reading widely- something I developed I grew up. I read anything readable, from books to magazines and newspapers to instruction manuals to comics, flyers and whatnot. I just love to read and in the process, I improve on my command of the language. I also love to communicate in a way that removes the slightest trace of ambiguity, so that motivates me to pick my words carefully in a way that passes across my message.
You admin an active Facebook group – Sense Academy. What exactly is the purpose behind this?
Sense Academy is just the product a vision to create a virtual community of people who can think outside the box. People who are real and practical, who know the sensible thing to do in everyday situations. We have too many academic institutions in the country but only few of them equip students with practical sense. Our curriculums rarely accommodate such topics as how to date responsibly or how to manage your finances. Schools don’t teach how to conduct yourself on social media or how to communicate in a way that does not suggest anything else than you intended. Work ethics and phone etiquettes and many other vital areas that people need to be schooled in, should be provided in an atmosphere that’s sane and friendly. That’s what SA seeks to achieve.
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You introduced some features of a conventional learning institution in your Facebook group. What exactly do you intend to achieve with this?
Just to create a balance. It might be a Facebook group, but it must add value, otherwise it becomes “just another Facebook group”. So, yes, we do all we can to make the group live up to its name and purpose.
Who are your 3 favourite members of the group?
Hahaha… it’s a tricky one, this question. I’d rather not disclose that, if I may.
Who exactly do you think is the messiest member of the group?
Oh no, another knotty one! That word “messy” is quite polysemous and relative, so… tsk tsk 😜
Do you have any crush within or outside the group?
Ermm… Yes.
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Please tell us about your crush within or outside the group. We, your admirers really wish to know.
What exactly about her?
We want to know her name, Facebook I.D, why you crush on her and more.
Ah. You shaa want to kee me abi. I’m not quite sure she’d be comfortable with the publicity nii. E dakun. Na crush I crush, I no kee person
Alright then. Its fine. But is she a member of the group?
Yes, she is.
It is often said, ‘There is sense in every nonsense.’ Do you advocate for this too?
Yes. I believe if we listen more intently, and without any form of sentiment or prejudice, sometimes there’s a sensible thing to pick out of an apparently nonsensical talk.
Where do you see the group in 5 years time?
I see the group going beyond virtual to becoming a physical organization. I see it becoming a thriving movement.
What is your greatest challenge so far in general?
Not being able yet, to pull enough resources together to break into the political scene.
Do you regard yourself a role model or celeb?
That doesn’t depend on me to assert. By reason of what role I play in their life or what perception of me they have, I mean different things to different people. I don’t even know if people see me as either of the two or both, I just try my best to be relevant.
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What are your other regular engagements outside being an administrator of a Facebook group?
I’m an Admin personnel, I’m involved in Christian youth ministry, I write and help people proof-read and fine-tune their articles. I also run a cab and logistic services business.
Please use this opportunity to share a shocking secret about yourself to your admirers.
If it would pass for “shocking”, I’m a southpaw. Most people probably don’t know that about me.
A Dictionary says a Southpaw is a left handed boxer who leads with the right hand.
Mine is quite different. Or let’s just say I’m “left handed” 😉
You will be walking down the aisle with your fiancée soon. Was there any moment in your relationship you felt your fiancée was probably not the right person for you?
I would be lying if I said no. I admit that there have been times like that in the past, but I began to realize it was just a selfish refusal to understand and accept our differences and love her regardless of her flaws, not necessarily that she was the wrong person.
What exactly would you like to change about your life if only you could just go back in time?
Hahaha… Perhaps my environment. I’d probably have preferred to be born in Canada or something. Someplace where the people are not engrossed in a despicable pattern of backward thinking.
😁
What is your most embarrassing moment?
My first kiss experience was both awkward and embarrassing for me because she initiated it. I felt like I was being used. I kind of liked it, though. Hahaha. That was during my first year at the University. And then I got 72 strokes of the cane in front of the whole class when I was in SS2. I refused to cry because “big boys ain’t supposed to cry” but deep inside, the thing caused me both physical and emotional pain. Hahaha
72! OMG! But about your relationship, is this to mean that you never had any intimate love affair with your fiancée?
None.
How long has your relationship been?
3 years 4 months
Where do you see yourself in 6 years time?
First and foremost, a husband and father in every sense of that word, a nation builder and a selfless representative of the people.
Any advice for Nigerian youths?
They should realize that life is in phases, and not try to grab for more than in appropriate for whatever phase they’re in. Life experiences teach us to become better as we transition from one phase to another. So, they should be patient and enjoy the ride. There are better days ahead.
Thank you for your time
Thanks for the opportunity.
