Category: Interviews

  • An Exclusive Interview with Olayiwola Elizabeth; Knitting and Crocheting Expert

    An Exclusive Interview with Olayiwola Elizabeth; Knitting and Crocheting Expert

    Olayiwola Elizabeth is a biochemist in the making. She hails from Ogbomoso, Oyo state. Olayiwola Elizabeth is a young and exceptionally gifted lady who has carved a niche for herself in the knitting and crocheting business.

    Her creativity is like no other which is why Johnson Okunade and Adegboye Omotayo Theophilus from My Woven Words interviewed the sole owner of Beth Knit Wears.

    Olayiwola Elizabeth
    Olayiwola Elizabeth

     

    What inspired you? Why are you into Knitting and crocheting?

    I had my basic knowledge of knitting from my mum who is also into knitting. She inspired me, also, this made me develop a great interest in knitting and crocheting. As I grew up, I saw it as an avenue with which I can express my creative ideas.

     

    Do you see it as a source of livelihood for a comfortable sustainability in the “Nigeria of today”?

    Yes.
    It is a profitable job.
    With hard work and consistency, it will not only sustain but grant one the capability to enjoy the luxuries of life.
    Also, the lockdown has made quite a large number of people realize that being self-employed is the best.

     

    Tell us more about your course of study, what prompted your studying the course, and is there any relationship between the course and your knitting and crocheting skill?

    Biochemistry as they say is the bedrock and molecular basis of medicine.
    It is simply the study of chemical reactions in living beings.
    It involves the study of the structure and function of biomolecules(protein, carbohydrate, lipids, nucleic acid) that allows the growth and development of all organism.
    By using chemical information and procedures, biochemists can understand and solve biological problems.
    I discovered it has many prospects. Also, it is applicable in our everyday life as biochemists have been involved in the product and process we use daily.

    There’s no relationship between the two.

     

    As a student, how are you able to balance your work and studies?

    I draft out a schedule which I strictly stick to, contained in the schedule is; when to read, when to work so as to meet up with orders, when to rest, and take a break as we know that health is of great importance. I manage my time effectively, avoid procrastination and see to it that multitasking doesn’t set in(One step at a time).
    I set my priorities right so that one won’t affect the other.
    Above all, God’s grace has been sufficient.

     

    Was that the course you wanted to study right from time?

    No
    I wanted to study Nursing but like the case of many others, I wasn’t granted admission to study Nursing.
    I decided to make do with what I was given.
    If we rewind time, I wouldn’t even choose Nursing again.

     

    In the future, do you see yourself delving fully into Biochemistry or knitting and crocheting or both?

    Both
    I would love to get to the peak of my career.
    Also thriving and making a name for myself in the Knitting industry.

     

    SEE SOME OF HER WORKS DISPLAY BELOW:

    AN EXCUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH OLAYIWOLA ELIZABETH KNITTING AND CROCHETING EXPERT 8

    AN EXCUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH OLAYIWOLA ELIZABETH KNITTING AND CROCHETING EXPERT 1

    AN EXCUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH OLAYIWOLA ELIZABETH KNITTING AND CROCHETING EXPERT 2

    AN EXCUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH OLAYIWOLA ELIZABETH KNITTING AND CROCHETING EXPERT 3

    AN EXCUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH OLAYIWOLA ELIZABETH KNITTING AND CROCHETING EXPERT 4

    AN EXCUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH OLAYIWOLA ELIZABETH KNITTING AND CROCHETING EXPERT 5

    AN EXCUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH OLAYIWOLA ELIZABETH KNITTING AND CROCHETING EXPERT 6

     

    How would you rate yourself on improvements, are you getting better at knitting?

    There is no end to learning. I can say I’m getting better each day.
    Over the past few decades, knitting changed from being utilitarian to fashionable.
    So I try to keep my business relevant in changing times. I ensure my customer’s needs are always being met.
    My investment in books, online courses, and so on have been of great help.

     

    What is your biggest achievement so far in your knitting work?

    Having my own shop and being able to impart knowledge to others thereby making them self-dependent.
    Being spotted and interviewed by this channel is that which must be mentioned being the first interview I’m graced with.
    I personally take that as an achievement.

     

    Do you have any regrets for delving into this profession of Knitting?

    I don’t have any regret

     

    What has been your source of strength and motivation?

    My family and my drive to succeed

     

    Do you have people working for you?

    I have students who work for me

     

    Do people approach you to train them?

    Yes

     

    Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

    I see myself at the peak of my career, owning a successful business….in a situation whereby ALL IS WELL WITH ME.

     

    What advice do you have for people who admire your work and look up to you?

    Consistent hard work leads to success.
    Whatever your hands find to do, do it with your might. Greatness will come

     

    Do you have an online presence?

    Yes
    IG @bethknitwears
    Fb bethknitwears

    Olayiwola Elizabeth
    Olayiwola Elizabeth

     

     

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    Copyright © 2021 by My Woven Words: No part of this published blogpost and all of its contents may be reproduced, on another platform or webpage without a prior permission from My Woven Words except in the case of brief quotations cited to reference the source of the blogpost and all its content and certain other uses permitted by copyright law.

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  • AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH A SUBLIMELY GIFTED POTTER; OLUGBADE RACHEAL ADEKEMI

    AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH A SUBLIMELY GIFTED POTTER; OLUGBADE RACHEAL ADEKEMI

    Pottery, one of the oldest and most widespread of the decorative arts, consisting of objects made of clay and hardened with heat.

    The objects made are commonly useful ones, such as decorated vessels for holding anything you like or even plates and bowls from which food can be served.

    The founder and CEO of Cherry Pottery, Olugbade Racheal Adekemi is exceptionally gifted. Her unique designs and creativity is like no other. Johnson Okunade from My Woven Words had the privilege of interviewing this sublimely gifted potter.

    Take your time to go through the interview and the pictures of her remarkable creativity after which you can drop your opinion in the comment box.

    Please, can you introduce yourself?

    My name is Olugbade Rachael Adekemi, Was born in the 1990s in Ogbomoso, Oyo state.

    Are you also a student or a full time potter?

    Asides being potter, I did my national diploma at the polytechnic of Ibadan after which I proceeded to the Ibarapa polytechnic, eruwa for my HND.

    What course did you study?

    I studied fine art (ceramic). It was after my OND I went for my industrial training (where learnt this work fully) at Atamora pottery

    Why did you study this course?

    I love it, since I was in secondary school

    How were you able to balance studies with being a potter?

    I did a lot of planning and time management. With this, I was able to balance being a potter with being a student.

    When and how did you start this work of pottery? How did you discover yourself?

    After studying myself, I realized that am always happy whenever am playing with clay. This gave me direction and I eventually discovered it’s something I love doing.

    Were you ever under the tutelage of a potter?

    Yes, the person is Ibukunoluwa Ayoola; The master potter of Atamora Pottery in Ikire.

    How would you rate yourself on improvements, are you getting better at being a potter?

    Yes, I believe so.

    If not being a potter, what profession would you have delved in?

    I would have gone into fashion designing.

    ———-

    Below is a Gallery of Cherry Potter and her pottery

    ———-

    Have you been able to monetize this pottery profession?

    Yes of course. I’ve been able to monetize it very well.

    As a graduate, can you rely on the money you make from pottery for survival?

    Yes, There is money in pottery.

    What is your biggest achievement as a potter?

    Am so happy am into pottery it’s a unique work, I have gained a lot. Seeing what others can’t see, meeting alots of great people and many other benefits that comes with this profession gives me a sense of fulfilment.

    Do you have any regrets for delving into this profession?

    No

    What has been your source of strength and motivation?

    God has been my strength and motivator.

    What is your saddest experience as a potter?

    As a potter, I’m usually sad after making a big and beautiful pot and it got cracks after firing.

    Do you have people working for you?

    Yes, like two people.

    Do you have an online presence?

    Yes I do!
    Facebook – Olugbade Adekemi
    Instagram – @cherrykemi
    Twitter – @cherrykemi20

    You can also contact me on:

    08164505265
    08126192721

    Do people approaching you to train them?

    Yes

    Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

    I see myself in Great places

    What advice do you have for potters and people looking up to you?

    To be patient and endure. Also, to focus on whatever they are doing.

    ———-

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    COPYRIGHT

    Copyright © 2019 by My Woven Words: No part of this published blogpost and all of its contents may be reproduced, on another platform or webpage without a prior permission from My Woven Words except in the case of brief quotations cited to reference the source of the blogpost and all its content and certain other uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, contact the admin on admin@johnsonokunade.com, or WhatsApp/Text him on +2347036065752


    The BEST way to support us is by providing funding to enable us continue this good work:

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  • AN INTERVIEW WITH HRM OBA PROFESSOR AKINOLA JOHN AKINTOLA

    AN INTERVIEW WITH HRM OBA PROFESSOR AKINOLA JOHN AKINTOLA

    His Royal Majesty, Oba(Prof.) Akinola John Akintola, the Alapa of Okin-Apa is an energetic, humble, free and approachable king, he graciously hosted Adigun Oluwaseyi, Hannah Akanbi and Okunade Johnson Ade in his residence in Ogbomoso, Hannah Akanbi did a great job in interviewing the Professor of Entomology and at the same king of Okin-Apa kingdom

    Can we meet you, sir?

    My name is Oba Professor Akinola John Akintola, Fagbodun Olumomi(III), Alapa of Okin-Apa.

    Please can you tell us your academic background?

    I did my first degree in University of Ilorin, I studied Botany. I did my masters in University of Ilorin also, I studied crop production, and specialized in Entomology (study of insects). For my Ph.D., I did Zoology and specialized in Entomology too. Then I traveled to India for TWAS (Third World Academy of Science) fellowship, I did molecular studies there. And to the glory of God, I’ve risen to the position of a professor since 2013 in Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) Ogbomoso.

    Since when have you been lecturing?

    I’ve been a lecturer since 1990, that is about 27 years ago.
    Do you still Lecture?
    Yes

    How do you balance being a professor in a university with ruling Okin-Apa kingdom?

    I have passion for academics, I’ve been lecturing since 1990. In fact, I have a personal lab, I collected grant to equip my personal lab, I have masters and Ph.D. students in my lab. For me to balance ruling Okin-Apa with lecturing, I restricted myself to higher classes only. When going to class, I don’t put on ostentatious beads. The goal is to impact lives so as a lecturer and as a king, I maximize my time and do my responsibilities in both fields. Although it takes extra effort, I balance both.

    Do you still study hard and perform researches like before?

    Yes! It’s in my blood, I love academics. In fact, I have research I’m working on so I still read, I still write articles for publication. I’m currently supervising final year students that are writing their projects

    With what name does your student address you?

    They call me Kabiyesi

    How do you relate with your students?

    The relationship is very cordial. I’m very free and open to my students. I make my class very lively so that the students won’t be afraid. When there is fear, the level of comprehension will be low. So I make sure my class is full of fun.
    What challenges do you face as a professor and king?
    I can’t dress anyhow since I have to promote culture as a traditional ruler, I’m now very busy and I don’t really have time to go out and have fun with my friends like before becoming a king.
    Before becoming a king, have you ever served as a leader before?
    Yes!  I’ve served as head of department, I’ve served as Dean of student affairs, I’ve served as ASUU chairman in LAUTECH and presently I’m the director of SIWES.

    Why did a learned professor like you agree to be a traditional ruler?

    It is a call to serve and a call to service. The people trust me, that is why I was invited to come and rule. The fact that I’m a professor shouldn’t stop me from contributing to the development of my community. You will see the best answer to this question when we get to Okin.
    His Royal Highness
    Oba Professor Akinola John Akintola
    Fagbodun Olumomi (III)
    Alapa of Okin-Apa

    Have you ever been into politics?
    No

    Do you have interest in politics?
    No, I don’t

    Why don’t you have interest in politics?
    (smiles) Instead of using my money to campaign I prefer helping people directly and God has been assisting me even before I became a king. Maybe it’s my temperament, I just don’t just like politics. Even if I like politics, I can’t be a politician now, a king concurs with whoever is in power.

    Kabiyesi is there any ancestral event or festival in Okin-Apa?
    Yes, we have a masquerade in our family “Egun Ori Tira” the masquerade sits on air.

    Do you join them during the worship of the masquerade?
    Yes! Normally I’m a Christian, but it is expected of me to participate in any religions festivities that is happening in my kingdom. I might not be the one doing it directly but anything I approve as a king; I’m also doing it. There is nothing wrong in joining them during these events, they are my people, that is the way it has been before I was given birth to, I have to honour traditions as a traditional ruler. If the clerics come to my palace for prayers, I have to appreciate and tolerate them, I can’t chase them away, it is expected of me to join them. A king embraces every religion

    What can you tell us about the controversial Okin University that everyone is talking about?

    Okin University is a reality. I was part of the pioneer committee. Engineer Mufutau Salawu is the promoter of the university, one of the motives behind Okin University is that Engineer Mufutau Salawu Wants Okin-Apa to appear on world map. Engineer Mufutau Salawu, myself, Professor Ojediran who is currently the vice chancellor of Bells University, Professor Ibijuwa, et al are into this together and we all went to NUC for the initial approval. So it’s true and I can tell you that Okin University is a reality. The university will stretch across about 300 hectares of land in Okin-Apa. Apart from Okin University, I allocated hectares of land for the construction of International school for the physically challenged, the one of its kind in the whole of West Africa.

    What will you like to tell young people that look up to you?

    There are lots of opportunities for this generation, unfortunately they are not maximizing it. When we were in the university, we had to travel to other universities across the nation when we wanted to write our project. But now, internet makes everything easy. But instead of students to face their book, it is Facebook they are facing. Anybody can make it in life, you just have to be consistently hardworking.

    Read Also: THE HISTORY OF OKIN-APA BY HRM OBA PROFESSOR AKINOLA AKINTOLA


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