The world, like James Allen rightly noted, usually steps aside for the man who knows where he is going. Immediately the information got into public domain that Azuh was planning a journal, support and assistance started tumbling in from different quarters. In fact, it increased as more and more people caught a whiff of what was in the offing.
The support, I must confess, continues to roll in, even as I write this. However, I would like to specially and specifically appreciate the following 25 ANGELS USED BY GOD FOR OUR SAKE and who gave us the greatest support at that early stage.
1. REV. FR. CHIJIOKE AZUAWUSIEFE, SJ: It recently occurred to me that without Father Tikoko, like we affectionately address him in our family circle, perhaps, there won’t even be anything like YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine. I was on the verge of dumping journalism for public relations, after 17 years, when he did not only intervene to dissuade me, but also whipped me back into line. Father, daalu! May your anointing also never run dry.
2. APOSTLE ANSELM MADUBUKO: This servant of God did not only boost my confidence with his prayers and words of encouragement, he, it was, who sketched the YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine logo and again supported with two full page adverts when we made our debut. The admirable General Overseer of Revival Assembly still supports us and we are eternally grateful.
3. MR. KEN CALEBS OLUMESE: The story of my life and YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine will never be complete without a chapter devoted to this good and great man of the entertainment world. Popularly known as the Guvnor of Niteshift Coliseum, he stuck out his neck for me when it mattered most. Other than giving us his event centre for the public presentation of the magazine free of charge, he equally did too many other unforgettable things that got us where we are today. The Guv, your boy is ever loyal and grateful. Thanks so much, Sir.
4. MR. UDEME UFOT: Advertising frontliner and GMD of SO&U Advertising. When the heat was so much and my confidence was beginning to wane, he told me why I must not give up. Creating ample time for me, and then listening without any interruptions whatsoever, his closing line, after every meeting, either at his office in Ikeja or our meeting point in Ikoyi, was: “You must not fail.” Mr. Ufot was not only the first speaker at our anniversary lecture, he still attends all our events religiously. We are very, very grateful, Sir!
5. MR. FOLLY COKER: If I am permitted to come back to this world again, I still won’t be able to reciprocate adequately this man’s kindness. Now, because we are talking about our 10th anniversary, I will restrict it to just YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine. Still unaware of how he got to know that I had resigned and taken off to Dubai, UAE, with my family to go and cool off for a while, he reached me on phone and insisted that I must see him on my return. To cut a long story short, we hooked up when I returned and after asking some pertinent questions, handed my wife some money, saying: “Madam, dis na for you and my children… You people should not go to him for any money until after two or three months… ” Egbon, you can never, never be forgotten in our lives. Thank you so much.
6. DR. AUSBETH AJAGU: Now an apostle, and working in the Lord’s vineyard, Doctor, like I prefer to call him, was my chairman the day I got married. So, immediately he got to know about my exit from Encomium Weekly, he took absolute charge and control, advising and guiding me on steps to take and those not to. Still very much interested in anything and everything that concerns me, we just can’t thank him enough, and that’s the truth.
7. PRINCE BISI OLATILO: My second father. Immediately the ace broadcaster got the information about my resignation, he sent for me and after listening to me advised that I don’t say ‘pim!’ Backing us up with his prayers and esteemed presence at all our events, he still does so till tomorrow. Uncle B, all we can say is Chukwu gozie gi.
8. MR. KUNLE ONIME: I enjoy calling him Egbon. And anytime I do that, he retaliates with ‘My Publisher.’ He drove all the way to see me on one of those days that I was almost going insane. Calming me down, he assured me that all would be well. Drawing instances from his own experiences to reassure me, his final words as he departed that very day were, “Don’t worry… Everything will be okay. ” Thanks so much, Egbon.
9. MR. SEGUN OGUNBUNMI: The industrious publisher of Global News magazine. Segun is my brother from the Southwest. He supported me 101% at inception, by repeatedly drumming it into my ears that “it can be done.” But above all, he accompanied me here and there as I scouted for an office space. Ore mi, thanks so much and regards to Mommy Israel. Tell her that I miss those sizzling hot amala and ewedu that she used to serve us.
10. MR. TUNDE OBE: A friend turned brother. In fact, one of the closet persons to me. Other than his words of encouragement and congratulatory advert, he was also standing behind me with his multi-talented wife, Wunmi, the day we unveiled the magazine. To cap it all, he maintained a regular column in the magazine in those early days, just to give us a boost. Called Inner Circle, it was from his column that he served us the exclusive about how his Ambassador father, Emmanuel Oyeleye Obe, died inside a swimming pool as well as many other captivating write-ups.
To be continued…
– Azuh Arinze is the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine