Balopenzy: From Ajegunle to graduation and beyond

Balogun Ahmed, who hails from Ibadan, Oyo State, was born and raised in Ajegunle, located in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area, Lagos State. Growing up in Ajegunle was no walk in the park as he said one had to be resilient to understand the perculiar challenges it presented.

Shedding more light on his story, he said that, “It pained me to witness talented young minds in the neighborhood often straying from the right path, leading to tragic consequences. Thankfully, my mother, my guiding light, supported my endeavors as long as they were virtuous. When I expressed my interest in a technical education, she readily agreed. I enrolled in the Government Technical College, Ado-Soba, where I studied graphic art, ultimately earning a diploma certificate and trade test in 2013. In 2014, my hunger for knowledge led me to establish a computer training college. I commenced training at All Stars Computer Institute in Mosafejo, Ajegunle and obtained certificates in desktop publishing and was named the best photoshop student of the year 2014.

Beyond graphic art, his passion for music ignited in 2014 when he began his journey as a street artiste in Amukoko. This more or less commenced his musical journey as he quickly gained recognition and was invited to perform at various shows, carnivals, and events. With a dream of recording a professional-quality song, he worked tirelessly to save enough money, taking on a job at a tricycle factory’s assembling department.

“In 2014, I acquired my first laptop and recorded the hit song ‘Ibeere’, which gained immense popularity in Amukoko and Ajegunle. Despite the newfound fame, I remained grounded, prioritising my education and financial stability,” he added.

After completing my national diploma programme in 2018, the following year brought unexpected challenges as he lost his father.

Expressing how it changed his life, he said, “This loss pushed me to take on a fatherly role for my siblings. My pursuit of education continued as I gained admission to Yaba College of Technology to study graphic design for my HND program. To make ends meet, I worked as a graphic designer while funding my education.

“The pandemic posed a significant hurdle and I faced the possibility of dropping out due to financial strains. However, I persevered and managed to avoid that outcome. Time flew by, and on April 14, 2022, I completed my final exams. This marked a crucial moment when I expressed my heartfelt gratitude to my mother for her unwavering support, a poignant memory from our past when we worked together in Ajegunle to make ends meet.

“My journey took an exciting turn on November 24, 2022, when I successfully graduated and had a convocation ceremony. A week later, I received my call-up letter for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and was posted to Makurdi, Benue State, where I completed the 21-day camping orientation exercise. Following the orientation, I relocated back  to Lagos State.

Today, I am an ex-corps member. My story is a testament to the fact that one’s background should not hinder their potential to make a positive impact on themselves and society. I implore every youth, especially those from Ajegunle, to be agents of change and never give up on their aspirations. The narrative can be changed, just as I have done. Ajegunle to the world!”, he stressed.

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