Victor Badejo, a.k.a. Majesty, is a graduate of the Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye) and a former banker. He speaks to SEGUN ADEEKO on his decision to jettison ‘lucrative’ banking and embrace his dream profession, photography.
Banking is generally believed to be a lucrative job, but you left it for photography. Many people would consider that odd. Why did you do that?
Working in the bank is good but I felt being your own boss and employer of labour is the ultimate endeavour anyone could be comfortable with.
How has your journey been so far with photography?
The journey has been a bit rough and smooth but better for me because I am not new to the technicalities when it comes to carrying out the job (photography). From day one, photography has always been a livelihood for me. I remember very well when I would follow my late dad to occasions, carry his bag and watch the way things were done. This has really helped me and my brothers, as well as mum.
What would you describe as your most memorable days in this profession?
My memorable moments are periods I have been introduced to the creme de la creme of the society, moments that I have had to dine with the kings and queens of this world. Photography paves the way for having close interactions with the high and the mighty in the society. Among them are the late M.K.O Abiola, King Sunny Ade, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, KWAM 1, Queen Salawa Abeni, the late Ayinde Barrister, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Professor Wole Soyinka, Baba Oloye (D1 of Kennis Music), Rafiu Babatunde Tinubu, Dr (Mrs) Onigbinde-medical practitioner based in Nigeria and Ghana, Philanthropist Bode Akindele, first-class obas in Lagos, Ogun, Abeokuta, Ife, Ondo,) etc, our able and dynamic former president, Goodluck Jonathan and our fathers in the spiritual circle like Daddy E.A. Adeboye and Bishop David Oyedepo, Photography will surely open doors for you to meet all these aforementioned people and lots more. As one of my pastors will say, ‘When you are loaded, you will be needed’. God’s favour has been there for me.
Have there been occasions that you felt like quitting?
No. I never thought of quitting photography. It is what I love and I enjoy doing it.
What would you say are the challenges associated with photography and how have you been braving the odds?
The present challenges are basically capital and structure. The most challenging factor is capital. Photography is capital-intensive. For one to be on top of the game, one has to invest in equipment that will keep you in tune with current happenings. To be candid, it has not been easy.
What is your assessment of the photography profession in Nigeria?
We are not there yet when it comes to professional photography. Everybody feels that with a digital camera, you can start photography. I hear people say with the current happenings in IT world, one can substitute a digital camera with iPhones, ipads, Black Berries, etc. When you see a professional photographer, you can be sure of creative deliveries.
Who are your major clients?
Everyone is my major client but those clients I cannot forget in a hurry are Chief (Mrs) A. Akindele and some other prominent personalities whose names I wouldn’t want to disclose and, of course, members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God family.
What do you think the government should do to assist people in your line of business?
The government can do a lot by providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, e.g., electricity, access to soft loans, believing in creative works by investing in-house, within the country. I tell you, there is nothing that is done abroad that cannot be done here in Nigeria. I have customers that will bring soft copies of shots to be worked upon here in Nigeria. Nigeria has got potentials in the field of photography and we know we can do it, and I can do it.
Tell us more about yourself and career
My Name is Victor Olajide Badejo, a.k.a. Majesty, Grand Commander of Photography. I was born into the family of Mr Francis Sunday Badejo (of blessed memory) and Mrs Bukola Badejo. They were both professional photographers with a solid base in Lagos. This informs why photography runs in my veins. I took up photography at the age of 10. It was a wonderful experience. My first attempt was a valedictory service that I covered in Lagos State. I had both my primary and secondary education in Lagos State. I later graduated from the College of Agricultural Sciences of the Ogun State University, now Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, with Second Class, Upper Division. Like every other graduate, I observed my youth service in Yola, Adamawa State, between September 2002 and September 2003. I came back and joined the United Bank for Africa Plc. in 2004. I left the bank for photography in 2010.
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