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CLASSICS: Why I am reaching out to abused women and kids’, Nigeria, Deji Bakare

 Nigeria, Deji Bakare has laid a solid foundation as a model, but this time the Business Administration graduate from Lagos State University, is veering into acting. In an exclusive interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly on Wednesday, July 4, 2012, the bloke talked extensively on his new passion and much more…

 

Can we meet you, please?

I am Deji Bakare from Lagos State and a Business Administration graduate from Lagos State University and of course, Mr. Nigeria 2011.

How have you been coping as Mr. Nigeria?

It has not been easy because a lot of people do not know me as Mr. Nigeria. I have been embarrassed at some places, so I have to put on my tag every day, but it has been fun so far and I am enjoying it all the way.

What have you achieved so far?

I organized a children’s day party in collaboration with Silverbird Television on May 27, 2012. A few past heroes such as Miss VGC, Zee Don and others were in the house to add colour to the event to make the kids know that they can be whatever they choose to be. Another project I did was the recent release of 28 inmates from Ikoyi Prisons. The idea was to tell the inmates that, “There is life after the prison walls.” Celebrities in attendance were Denrele, Karen Igho, Lambo and others. Right now, I am planning my musical video launch entitled, Zero to Hero, to inspire the youths that dreams do come true. As well as to raise fund for the So Said Charity Home Ago, Lagos. Dreams in Colours is the title of the song featuring Sound Sultan and Mayor.

Is it true that you are taking acting as a career and why?

No I am not. I am only attracted to it as a good platform of reaching the youths.

Was acting part of your initial plan?

No, it’s just a platform to pass a message across to the youths that dreams do come true. I have not done any movie but I am open to anyone with a good storyline for the youths. However, I am working on my own film on abused women and children.

How will you describe your first acting role?

Interesting, fun as well as very demanding, but I am loving it anyway.

Who are your role models in the movie industry?

My daddy but in the movie industry, Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva, Desmond Elliot, Monalisa Chinda and Pete Edochie.

How would you describe the challenges of taking up a role?

The challenge will come up if you have a terrible director and a wrong team of camera crew. Also, if given a role I don’t like or to speak a language I don’t cherish but I have no choice than to take it. If the role aligns with my objective and the role or film passes a message to the youths, then I will take the role.

How did your personality as Mr. Nigeria facilitate your veering into the industry?

It has given me a voice that people listen to and equally opened doors. It has enhanced my personality too.

What is your expectation from the movie industry?

More growth, excellent production and good storyline.

How will you describe Nollywood at the moment?

Nollywood is awesomely doing great with lots of international collaborations and standard films.

Please, can you state the main motive of the movie and your role?

For me, it is basically a platform to inspire the youths. I will be taking the lead role because it is the story of my life and I would interpret it better.

Aside the movies, what else would you want to do?

I am currently working on a foundation called Deji Bakare Foundation, with special emphasis on abused women and kids. I will help people. Most of my support will be coming from that area with my focus primarily on youths starting from the grassroots. I am also coming up with a comic film and a talk show series under this foundation. The comic for children will be called The Most Incredible. The story of my life is basically to inspire the next generation with my success story and the talk show, The Incredible, a TV programme that will bring in people that have made it between the ages of 16 and 30 to tell their stories.

-DOLAPO AMODENI

This story was first published in Encomium Weekly edition of Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Encomium

Written by Encomium

A media, tech and events company.

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