Olajumoke Orisaguna…Her Inspiring Story Lures Brands

VERY few stories can be more enthralling than that of the model of the moment – Olajumoke Orisaguna. It all started a few weeks ago when Tinie Tempah visited Nigeria and ace photographer TY Bello met up with the British-Nigerian rapper for a This Day Style magazine photo shoot.

Along the line, a bread-seller, Olajumoke was moving in her strides on a miraculous journey that would catapult her from grass to fame and glossy pages of popular magazines. A casual shot from the lenses of the ace photographer and substantial interest generated by her image in the social media transported fame and fortune to the doorsteps of this damsel who left her village in Ire, Osun state, South-West Nigeria to sell bread in Lagos.

Since then, the 27-year-old has gotten a growing number of endorsement deals and all of a sudden things are looking too promising for her in all directions. Olajumoke’s story is a compelling, direct story that most readers will never forget in a hurry. Because it simply tells a story that crystallizes the aspiration of the average Nigerian who is struggling to thrive and make ends meet.

Lots of people including celebrities have latched on to weave Olajumoke’s tale in their own way. Ace Nigerian comedian, Basketmouth recently tipped the former Agege bread-seller to become the chairman of the People’s Democratic Party on a sarcastic note.

She has garnered enough endorsement deals ragging from Payporte, Stanbic IBTC, a newly furnished apartment from Sujimoto Limited as well as a special education fund for her children up to university level. There are plans to position her as one of the faces of Lagos as the mega city is planning her 50th-year celebration. Stanbic IBTC’s #NeverStopMovingForward campaign with the face of Olajumoke went viral when it was posted last week on social media.

There are many obvious facts from the story of this rising model. People love storytelling and brands are interested in Olajumoke because it encapsulates the hidden aspiration of many Nigerians who are patiently thriving daily to be successful.

“There is that hidden desire for stunning success inside every one of us. Her story demonstrates how any life can turn around within a twinkle of an eye. That everyone could become a star by doing what you know how to do best,” Creative Director at Lowe Lintas, Nduka Kade, said.

“What you do today as a job is an opportunity for you to shine. I would advice Nigerians praying for Jumoke’s type of fortune not only be thinking about what brand owners could do for them, but rather what they could do that the brands would notice them. A forward-looking brand will always key into an inspiring story,” he added.

Managing Director of Absolute PR, Akonte Ekine, also noted that storytelling is the language of emotion, and emotions are what trigger the impetus to help; emotions trigger involvement.

“I most commend everyone that has supported Olajumoke for their great commitment to help uplift her life. However, there are many others like her out there, so this should not just be about her but how brand owners and every other stakeholder can do more to help turn around and support more Nigerians,” Ekine said.