Media entrepreneur and host of #WithChude, Chude Jidonwo, has announced the year-long celebration of his 25-year career in the media – which falls on the same year he turns 40.
He announced this with a post on his social media platforms and a new photoshoot on Monday, 6 January 2025.
The celebrations include 21 years of his business partnership with Adebola Williams, 20 years of the public relations leader, Red Media Africa, 19 years of Africa’s biggest youth awards The Future Awards Africa, 15 years of the online media platform YNaija.com and 5 years of the region’s most watched talk-show, #WithChude.
“In a very special interview that’s coming out later this month – my first profile interview in 5 years – the interviewer who is also a dear friend exclaimed when I told her my career started in 2000 when at 13, my first novel was published. ‘I didn’t know that! How come you don’t talk about it?’ I answered with a smile: ‘My sister, there are so many things done and so many stories to tell, that I just focus on the one that’s happening today.’” he shared in the first post.
“One of the things I enjoy most, thinking about my life is how I have lived many lives as she puts it. It’s exactly the kind of life I have always wanted to live.
“I did a list of some of the work roles I have played in my life – all in the media:
“TV host, Event host, Radio host, TV producer, Radio producer, Podcaster, Author, Script writer, Film director, Film producer, Film investor, Media investor, Media trainer, Actor, Brand manager, PR consultant, Advertising practitioner, Book reviewer, Music reviewer, Movie reviewer, Investigative reporter, Magazine publisher, Magazine editor, Newspaper editor, Newspaper columnist, Board member, Academic fellow and University lecturer.”
He added: “This young man from Obomkpa, Delta State who grew up by the canal in Ijeshatedo, Lagos State – shy, insecure, afraid – has grown up to live a full, deep, rich life. I am so proud of it, I am so thankful for it, and I hope it shows people what is possible. So when people who have seen this journey for the past 25 years exclaim: ‘You’re just turning 40?’ I smile.”
The new photos were photographed by Adedamola Odetara and styled by Swazzi – with pieces by TI Nathan and Orange Culture.