CHUDE JIDEONWO THE RACE TO 40

 In a very special interview that’s coming out later this month - my first profile interview in 5 years - the interviewer who is also a dear friend exclaimed when I told her my career started in 2000 when at 13, my first novel was published.

“I didn’t know that! How come you don’t talk about it?”

I answered with a smile: “My sister, there are so many things done and so many stories to tell, that I just focus on the one that’s happening today.”

She exclaimed again: “You have lived many lives in one!”

I smiled again. I like that. I don’t pretend about it. It’s one of the things I enjoy most about thinking about my life. It’s exactly the kind of life I have always wanted to live.

I did a list of some of the work roles I have played in my life - all in the media:

TV host.

Event host.

Radio host.

TV producer.

Radio producer.

Podcaster.

Author.

Script writer.

Film director.

Film producer.

Film investor.

Media investor.

Media trainer.

Actor.

Brand manager.

PR consultant.

Advertising practitioner.

Book reviewer.

Music reviewer.

Movie reviewer.

Investigative reporter.

Magazine publisher.

Magazine editor.

Newspaper editor.

Newspaper columnist.

Board member.

Academic fellow.

University lecturer.

This young man from Obomkpa, Delta State who grew up by the canal in Ijeshatedo, Lagos State - shy, insecure, afraid - has grown up to live a full, deep, rich life.

I am so proud of it, I am so thankful for it, and I hope it shows people what is possible.

So when people who have seen this journey for the past 25 years exclaim: “You’re just turning 40?”, I smile.

Yes I am.

And because I love this one life God has given me - and this world God has put me in - I am actually just getting started.