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 Alausa, 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.
