This is the story of a Lagos socialite, Otunba Bestman Jumbo-Nze who is popularly called Irunmole. A few days ago, he turned 55 years of age and celebrated the day in a low-key way. How does 55 make him feel? We asked him; “I feel good and I’m appreciative to God for his Mercy, Grace and Favour.” According to Otunba Jumbo-Nze, he is just that destabilized Nigerian who seeks the good of his country and the welfare of the next man. He said he is a guy who is not afraid of God because he loves God so much. “I am that father whose children are proud of and that husband whose wife is proud of. I am that neighbour and friend who strives to put smiles on the faces of those around him even if it means depriving myself of basic comfort,” he stated.
Jumbo-Nze went into Advertising after graduation and rose to become an Account Group Head at Rosabel Advertising before eventually establishing Image Expressions which today publishes ‘Eko Mi Eko’ e-Newspaper while also consulting for governments and institutions in Alternative Security.
How did he become this popular? “I am popular but not yet big. I hope to be big someday soon. I was a very active footballer with a stint with Stationery Stores of Lagos and was invited to the Flying Eagles of Nigeria. I also became very popular by handling the Vmobile advertising account at Rosabel Advertising and doing so well with it. I make bold to say I am good at the things I do and that of course puts me in public glare to the admiration of those that have reasons to engage me. He told the Editor, FOLORUNSHO HAMSAT more in this brief interview. Excerpts…
How would you describe your personality?
I am God’s outstretched hand of help to the needy.
What are your life expectations at your 55th birthday?
My life expectations are consistent with the plans of God for my life. All I expect is the fulfilment of the promises of God in my life and I know Iyanu a sele.
What is your idea of peace of mind after 50 years of age?
Peace of mind for me is when I know I have contributed to put joy in the face of people in the sphere of contact. Seeing people happy is peace of mind for me.
What do you enjoy doing for past-time?
I work while resting and it has become my way of life. Even when relaxing I work because what I do has no holidays.
Some would say they don’t feel their new age; how do you feel 55?
Fifty-five is just a number but whether one likes it or not you are not as fit and agile as I used to be at 30 or 40 but it feels good ageing gracefully.
If you made any resolution between when you celebrated your 50th and now that you have fulfilled, would you like to share them with us?
I prayed to be more involved in the evolution of our democratic culture and to the glory of God I am contributing to nation building especially Lagos State.
How did you get your nickname, Irunmole?
It was many years ago when I was left for dead, and all the major news media reported my death but eventually, by the grace of God I survived. A friend who never believed I could survive the attack started calling me Irunmole which literally in the spiritual lexicon is principality. The name stuck and till date, many and most people call me Irunmole.
What do you do now that puts food on the family table and how well do you enjoy doing it?
God puts food on my family table but I am still fully engaged in Marketing Communications and consults on Alternative Security. I am fulfilled doing the things I know best.
Please share something about you that has been kept a secret and you wouldn’t care to reveal now.
I have no secrets but people are beginning to appreciate the fact that I am a very committed husband and highly responsible father.
Your 56th birthday was marked with little fanfare; how do you plan to celebrate your 60th birthday?
I just celebrated 55 and I don’t know tomorrow but I know the one who owns tomorrow and He is able to make all things good for me even as I look forward to 60. I learnt from Babajide Sanwo-Olu that you could have so many powers yet be humane, Godly, productive and loyal without being loud and noisy. I dedicate the celebrations of my 55th birthday to my governor who has made me discover hidden abilities in me but all the glory goes to God. Thank you.
