There are birthdays, and there are milestones that deserve to be celebrated as chapters in a remarkable life. Fifty is one of them.
Today, I celebrate my dear Aburo, Seun Oloketuyi, not merely because he has attained the golden age of 50, but because of what he has chosen to do with the years entrusted to him.
Seun’s story is one of vision, enterprise, journalism, publishing, creativity, relationships, resilience, faith, and an uncommon determination to make things happen. He is, quite simply, a man who believes in the philosophy: “If I can think it, I can do it.” And Seun does not merely think. He acts.
FROM A DISTANCE TO A BROTHERHOOD
I first encountered Seun from afar during his days at Fame Magazine, where I observed his growing presence and contribution to Nigeria’s entertainment and media space. Our paths eventually crossed more closely through my very good friend, Akin Adeoya.
One of the memorable experiences that brought us closer was the Police People’s Marathon in Abuja. It was an ambitious undertaking, with approximately 23,000 registered runners, and Seun was responsible for logistics.
Anyone who has been involved in organising an event of that magnitude understands what logistics entails. It requires planning, coordination, relationships, and endurance. Above all, it requires the ability to remain calm while making things happen. Those qualities have remained central to the Seun Oloketuyi story.
THE JOURNALIST, PUBLISHER, AND INDUSTRY BUILDER
Seun’s contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry has never been limited to attending events or being around celebrities. He has been a journalist, publisher, documenter, organiser, entrepreneur, connector, and institution builder.
He has also served as a public relations consultant to many individuals and organisations in both the private and public sectors, helping to shape narratives, build visibility, and manage relationships across different spheres of influence.
His work on directories for the Nollywood and Nigerian music industries demonstrated an understanding of something very important: an industry cannot truly grow if its people, institutions, and achievements are not properly documented. That passion for documentation has remained a defining part of his career. Seun has consistently shown an interest in recording the people, personalities, stories, and developments that make up Nigeria’s entertainment and cultural landscape.
My own involvement in several major awards platforms, including Fame Music Awards, THEMA, AMEN, and REEL Awards, provided another important point of connection between us. Then came another defining chapter: BON Awards.
THE BIRTH OF BON AWARDS
When Seun decided to establish the Best of Nollywood Awards—BON Awards, he sought my input, consultancy, and experience in developing the blueprint for the first edition. I remember that early beginning vividly. The first edition was held somewhere around Hausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Like many great ideas, it began with a vision that had to be nurtured, organised and sustained. The difference between an idea and an institution is often consistency, and consistency is one quality Seun possesses in abundance. He kept BON Awards alive.
He continued to expand it, taking it beyond Lagos and building relationships with stakeholders across Nigeria. The BON journey has travelled through more than eight states, creating platforms for recognition, engagement, and celebration within the Nigerian film industry. And this year, the BON flight is heading to Enugu State. That journey is more than an awards tour. It is a reflection of the man behind it. Seun thinks beyond the immediate.
FROM CELEBRATING FILMMAKERS TO BECOMING ONE
Perhaps one of the most natural progressions in Seun’s career was his transition from documenting and celebrating the entertainment industry to becoming an active participant in filmmaking.
Seun is also a film producer and filmmaker, and his body of work reveals another dimension of his creative vision. Among the films and biographical projects associated with his filmmaking journey are Blogger’s Wife, Last Man Standing, Adedibu, Awujale, Babalaje, Exco, and other projects built around Nigerian personalities, leadership, culture, and history.
His interest in filmmaking goes beyond entertainment. He has shown a strong commitment to preserving Nigerian stories through cinema, particularly through his biographical and historical projects.
By focusing on prominent Nigerian personalities and historical figures, Seun has sought to capture stories that future generations can watch, discuss, and learn from. That philosophy gives his filmmaking a deeper purpose. He is not merely asking, “What movie can we make?” He is also asking, “What story must Nigeria remember?” That is an important distinction.
FILMMAKING AS A LEGACY
The political and historical dimension of Seun’s filmmaking is especially noteworthy. His work has explored the lives and experiences of personalities connected to Nigerian politics, traditional institutions, business, and society.
Last Man Standing brought the political journey of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the screen. Other projects associated with his filmmaking include stories around Lamidi Adedibu, the Awujale institution, Babalaje, and other significant Nigerian personalities. This is more than filmmaking. It is historical preservation, cultural documentation, and storytelling with memory.
Seun appears determined to ensure that important Nigerian stories are not lost to time. His filmography is gradually becoming another form of archive—a moving library of Nigerian personalities, politics, culture, and society. And that is legacy.
FROM THE SCREEN TO THE DIGITAL WORLD
Seun’s filmmaking journey has also evolved with the changing media environment. From magazines to directories, from awards to film production, and now from traditional distribution to digital platforms, he has continued to adapt.
His latest film project, Wife Material, is another example of this continuing evolution. Seun served as Supervising Producer on the film, which explores contemporary themes around relationships, marriage, ambition, identity, and modern society. The film is now running on YouTube, bringing his creative contribution to an even wider digital audience. This is another indication that Seun understands something fundamental about the entertainment business:
You cannot build tomorrow’s audience using only yesterday’s methods. You must evolve. You must experiment. You must move with the times. And Seun keeps moving.
A MAN WHO KEEPS WRITING
But Seun is not only telling stories through film. He is also telling stories through books. His latest literary work is titled HOW TO WIN ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA. The book represents yet another dimension of his intellectual curiosity and engagement with Nigerian society.
It is a subject that naturally suits a man who has spent years observing people, politics, power, relationships, communication, mobilisation and the machinery of influence. The book was reviewed by Wale Olaleye, Deputy Editor of ThisDay Newspapers, and the occasion attracted politicians, family members, friends, and associates. That gathering was itself a reflection of the wide circle of relationships Seun has built over the years.
From journalism to publishing, from publishing to awards, from awards to filmmaking, from filmmaking to books, and from books to politics and social commentary, the journey continues. Seun keeps adding another chapter.
THE ART OF THE CONNECTION
If there is another quality for which Seun is particularly gifted, it is his ability to build relationships across seemingly different worlds. Seun is a positive lobbyist and a consummate networker. He understands that relationships are capital. He knows somebody who knows somebody! He can move comfortably among corporate executives, government officials, entertainment personalities, entrepreneurs, and influential figures across different sectors.
Over the years, he has cultivated friendships and professional relationships within the corporate world, government circles, the entertainment industry, and the corridors of influence. This network has helped him take BON Awards to places where many similar initiatives would struggle to go. But there is something more important about Seun’s networking ability:
He does not simply collect contacts. He builds relationships. And relationships, when properly nurtured, become bridges. Seun has spent years building bridges.
THE TENACITY THAT DEFINES HIM
Personally, one of the qualities I admire most about Seun is his tenacity. There is a particular Seun spirit that says, “Try.” If it doesn’t work, try again. If you fail, learn. Then try again.
His philosophy is essentially that failure is not the final destination. That spirit is perhaps one of the best-kept secrets of his success. He understands that many dreams do not become reality at the first attempt. Some require a second attempt, some a third, and some require years.
But the person who refuses to stop moving eventually discovers that persistence has a way of opening doors that talent alone cannot open. That is the Seun spirit.
BEYOND THE PUBLIC PERSONA
Yet, behind the awards, directories, films, books, events, meetings, and relationships is another side of Seun that deserves recognition: the family man. Seun is a devoted family man.
His appreciation for family and the values that come with it are evident in the importance he places on his home and loved ones. He is also blessed with the powerful support of a praying mother and a praying wife. That spiritual foundation matters. For every public achievement we celebrate, there is often a private foundation of prayer, sacrifice, encouragement, and family support that the public rarely sees.
As Seun celebrates 50, it is important to acknowledge not only the man we see in the public arena but also the family and values that have helped shape him.
FIFTY YEARS OF GRACE
Seun, 50 is more than a milestone. It is a testimony. It is evidence of God’s preservation. It is a celebration of grace. And it is an opportunity to look backwards with gratitude and forward with expectation.
The Psalmist declares, “Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable.” Psalm 145:3
Indeed, great is the Lord! We give God all the glory for your life, your journey, and the doors He has opened to the people. He has brought across your path and the opportunities through which you have been able to impact others.
At 50, you are not closing a chapter. You are opening another—a chapter of greater wisdom, greater influence, greater responsibility, greater impact, and greater fulfillment. The first 50 years have given you experience. May the next 50 give you even greater purpose and legacy.
As the Bible says, “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials.” Proverbs 22:29
Your diligence, creativity, and commitment have brought you before many influential people, and I believe they will continue to open even greater doors for you.
FROM GOLDEN JUBILEE TO GOLDEN FUTURE
At 50, Seun has already built an impressive catalogue of experiences, relationships, books, films, awards, and achievements. But I believe the most exciting part of his journey is still ahead.
The man who built relationships across entertainment, corporate Nigeria, and government circles can still build much bigger bridges. The man who created and sustained BON Awards can still create institutions of greater national and continental significance.
The journalist, publisher, and public relations consultant can still document and shape many more chapters of Nigeria. The filmmaker who has documented politicians, traditional rulers, businesses, and cultural personalities can still preserve many more chapters of our history. The author can still write more books. The man who refuses to give up can still pursue dreams that may currently appear impossible.
And, knowing Seun, I would not be surprised by anything. In fact, after the BON Awards, the films, the books, and everything else, perhaps the next announcement will be: “Seun Oloketuyi for President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” Smiles. After all, if Seun can think it, Seun can do it!
AND OF COURSE… ARSENAL!
There is one more thing that cannot be omitted: Seun loves Arsenal! Perhaps his unwavering support for Arsenal is another perfect illustration of his personality. He is hopeful, passionate, faithful, and tenacious. Most importantly, he continues to believe.
He is always convinced that the next season will be the season. That is Seun. He believes, he keeps believing, and he keeps showing up. And then there is the birthday cake. Not just any cake.
Arsenal birthday cake!
Twice in a year, Arsenal has somehow remembered Seun with a birthday cake. The first one was particularly memorable because Arsenal finally won the league after more than 25 years. For Seun, that was not merely a football victory. That was a birthday present from heaven!
But Arsenal, being Arsenal, could not completely ice the cake. They failed to win the Champions Trophy. So the cake arrived, but the icing was missing! Then came the eve of Seun’s birthday. Arsenal defeated Chelsea.
For Seun, that was perfect timing. It was as though Arsenal had returned to the bakery and said, “Don’t worry, Seun. We haven’t forgotten the icing!” That Chelsea victory became a beautiful pre-birthday icing on the Arsenal cake.
And, as an Arsenal-loving birthday boy might calculate it, Arsenal beating Chelsea is like putting one US dollar into Seun’s foreign account. Every little dollar counts! Of course, some of us who are Chelsea fans had to look away. Some of us may even have quietly whispered to the Chelsea players: “Please, boys, allow Arsenal to win. It’s Seun’s birthday!”
After all, friendship sometimes requires sacrifice. Even Chelsea must occasionally make a birthday contribution! Smiles. So, Seun, enjoy the cake. Enjoy the victory. Enjoy the birthday. And please remember that Arsenal owes you plenty more trophies before the next birthday!
THE FINAL WHISTLE HAS NOT BEEN BLOWN.
But perhaps the greatest lesson in Seun’s Arsenal devotion is not simply that he loves football. It is that he understands the power of hope. He has learned to celebrate the victories, survive the disappointments, laugh through the near misses, and return every season believing that something greater is still possible. That same faith has carried him through life.
It is the faith of a man supported by a praying mother and a praying wife. It is the faith of a family that has stood with him through sacrifice, uncertainty, achievement, and growth. It is the faith that turns an idea into a pursuit, a pursuit into an achievement, and an achievement into a legacy.
Seun, your first 50 years have been a remarkable first half: full of vision, courage, relationships, creativity, family, faith, and impact. But the final whistle has not been blown. There are still more stories to tell, more films to make, more books to write, more institutions to build, more lives to touch, and more dreams to pursue. May God preserve you, strengthen you, and enlarge your influence.
May your family continue to enjoy the fruit of your labour, and may the prayers that have carried you this far continue to speak over the next 50 years.
May BON grow beyond expectation. May your films preserve memories that outlive generations. May your books open minds and shape conversations. May your name continue to stand for courage, connection, creativity, and consistency. And may Arsenal finally give you all the trophies your faith has been waiting for!
So here is to Seun Oloketuyi at 50: To the boy who dreamed. To the man who acted. To the husband, son, father, brother, and friend. To the journalist, publisher, filmmaker, author, organiser, networker, and builder. To the believer who keeps showing up. To the Arsenal faithful who never stop hoping.
And to the next 50 years—a future filled with deeper faith, stronger family, greater achievements, wider impact, and a legacy that will speak long after the celebrations are over.
Seun, may the God who brought you this far take you much further. May your latter years be greater than your former years. May every new season bring fresh grace. And when the next chapter is written, may it be said that you did not merely live for yourself—you used your gifts, your relationships, your faith, and your determination to make the world around you better.
Happy 50th birthday, my dear Aburo.
Keep thinking. Keep believing. Keep pursuing. Keep making it happen. The next 50 years are waiting. And knowing you, Seun, the best is still ahead. If Seun can think it, Seun can do it!
