Boss Of The Week

Titi Ogufere: Celebrating a High Flying Interior Designer

Published

6 years ago

March 21, 2020

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

“As long as I can remember I have had a passion and drive for art and design. From my early days at school, followed on as I graduated and insisted that I wanted to work in a furniture manufacturing company. I believe I was created to be an Interior Designer. Design is in my DNA. I find myself in my element whenever I engage in anything that has to do with design.”

She is committed, hard working, determined and focused. Her life is a mirror of self evaluation, learning and encouragement. She is Titi Ogufere, world renowned interior decorator albeit designer, who has transcended the length and breath of entrepreneurship and is standing tall.

A proud holder of a B.Sc in Mathematics and Library Science from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Titi Ogufere was born and raised in Nigeria, where she had almost all her education. She was already rolling in entrepreneurial stardom when the desire to step up her game prompted her to go ahead and obtain a degree in Interior Design from Dublin, Ireland and thereafter she obtained a Diploma in Events Management and PR from Dublin Business School. She went further to obtain a certificate in Editorial design from London College of Arts.

Totally equipped for the task ahead, Ogufere kicked off her career in 2000 at Design Options Ltd where she had a two years stint before establishing Essential Interiors, a furniture manufacturing and interdisciplinary practice with operations in Lagos, in 2002. Still hungry to break new grounds, she traveled to Dublin to broaden her education, while she kept her company running in Nigeria. She served as an Ex-Officio Executive Committee member of the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI), a position she held for 5 years before landing the top job; a reward for steadfastness.

In 2007, Ogufere founded Essential Media Group (EMG); a full-service media company that is into Publishing, Events and Digital Media. EMG publishes two magazines, organizes a design festival, two highly specialized exhibitions, conferences, an awards program and has published over 25 books including This is Africa: Traditional Design, Modern and Contemporary (2017), In Conversation with Demas Nwoko (2019) and Vernacular Design: Redefining the Narrative (2019).

In 2017, Ogufere launched the African Culture and Design Festival, an exhibition geared towards showcasing traditional, modern, and contemporary African Art and Design. The event was organized by the Interior Design Association of Nigeria in partnership IFI, with the theme; This is Africa.

In the same year in Dubai, Ogufere stood in front of an audience of renowned international designers and architects, the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI) when she was inaugurated as the CEO of Essential Interiors Consultancy and Publisher Essential Media Group as President. She went ahead to make a landmark achievement as the first President of African descent with the unanimous support and vote extended by the IFI members during the General Assembly.

With much crafted desire for the good of the industry, Ogufere, in 2019, launched Design Week Lagos (DWL), an annual event with the aim of bringing together a community of local and international designers, architects, and the creative industries with a vision to celebrate and promote Lagos as a leading global design capital.

The project has played host to a number events across the city of Lagos, including; Design Kulture Exhibition, MADE by Design Show, Tourism Investors Forum, Sound for Design, Reflection for Happy Spaces, and Vocational Training Week.

The woman of substance brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the organisations under her large umbrella as the CEO and Creative Director, which includes Essential Interiors Consultancy, publisher of Essential Interiors Media, founder of the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN) and Design Week Lagos (DWL), West Africa’s first global design fair.

As the 21st president of the federation, Ogufere is helping in no small measure its continuous expansion internationally and across all levels of society, furthering the contribution of the Interior Architecture/Design profession through the exchange, development of knowledge, experience in education, research and practice, through fellowship and community.

Bringing her expertise and experience to bear, she is focusing on shifting the narrative of African design by creating stronger links leading to collaborations between the continent and the rest of the globe with IFI resources. This is as she strongly believes that design should be inclusive and as the global voice and authority for professional Interior Architects/Designers, IFI must prioritize this as its central agenda.

To this end, she enthused: “If a design doesn’t solve a problem and isn’t of use to a broad group – not just in the developing nations, but globally – then I’d say it’s not a very successful design.”

Ever since her election to the grand office, encomiums have been pouring in from equally seasoned professionals among whom is the IFI President (2017-2020), Steven Leung, who said

“I formally congratulate Nigeria, Africa and the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN) on the appointment of Ms. Titi Ogufere as the incoming President of the International Federation of Interior Architects/ Designers.

We are pleased to have Ms. Ogufere as the first President of African descent with the unanimous support and vote extended by the IFI members during the General Assembly in 2017. We see this opportunity for IFI, to help to expand and uplift literacy, awareness, fellowship and cooperation – not just within the discipline of Interior Architecture/Design but also at a societal and cultural level.”

Ogufere’s IFI is the global voice and authority for professional Interior Architects / Designers. It is the singular international federating body for Interior Architecture / Design organizations, which acts as a global forum for the exchange and development of knowledge and experience in worldwide education, research and practice. IFI connects the international community to further the impact, influence and application of the design of interiors, promote global social responsibility and raise the status of the profession worldwide. The IFI, strategically located close to the UN in New York City, represents and reaches out to some 110 nations. In other words, Ogufere’s dexterity is harnessed to cater and run the affairs of a large scale of members from 110 nations.

As as a pioneering designer, design advocate, critical thinker and visionary, she believes that the potential for design to change society and bring economic development in the developing countries is underrated. Consequently, she champions the cause with a relentless drive in breaking boundaries, pushing the agenda of advocacy, sustainability, collaboration, growth, identity discovery, problem-solving and education. She has received acclaim for her design approach and is at the forefront of the industry in Africa.

Among her many mind blowing achievements, Ogufere has designed high-end residential, commercial, and hospitality projects for an exclusive list of highly select clients across the globe. She is also CEO of Essential Media Group (EMG), a full-service media company spread across the platforms of Publishing, Events and Digital Media. EMG publishes 2 leading magazines, organizes a design festival, two highly specialized exhibitions, conferences, an awards programme and has published over 25 books including This is Africa: Traditional Design, Modern and Contemporary (2017), In Conversation with Demas Nwoko (2019) and Vernacular Design: Redefining the Narrative (2019).

Ma, for your exceptional creative genius with an interior design career spanning close to two decades and being among the top 10 leaders of the design world in Africa, in addition to becoming the elected president of IFI out of sheer hard work, we honour you with our Boss of the Week award. congratulations ma!

Boss Of The Week

Garlands for Prolific Journalist, Reuben Abati at 60

Published

1 day ago

November 8, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Influence, prominence, achievement and successful networking were evident on Friday as the best of Nigerian society gathered at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) to celebrate one of Nigeria’s prolific pen pushers and broadcast journalists, Dr. Rueben Abati.

It was a gathering that not only portrayed Abati’s entry into the diamond age cadre, but a positive display of his influence, charisma, character and attendant success in the career he has come to love so much and practice with gusto.

With two former presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan; Lagos State Governor, represented by his deputy, Femi Hamzat, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and numerous other royal fathers, captains of industries, media giants including Chief Dele Momodu of Ovation Media Group, and Prince Nduka Obaigbena of ThisDay and Arise News, Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese, former presidential aide, Femi Adesina and Lady Maiden Ibru among others, all in attendance, it was obvious that Abati was due for more than garlands. It was a conglomeration of big wigs, experts and proficient policy makers, who has felt the Abati impact, and has come to honour him on his 60th birthday.

The prolific journalist, who used the opportunity, the first day of his 2-day birthday celebrations, to present three books to the public including A Love Letter, Portraits: People Politics and Power and How Goodluck Jonathan Became President, was all smiles and excitement as he received the needed encouragement from his wife, Kikelomo (Atanda-Owo) Abati, friends, well wishers, and above all, colleagues in the industry, all through the event

Amid speeches and goodwill messages, the books were launched by the duo of Chief Obasanjo and Dr. Jonathan.

Beyond the event at the NIIA and launch of the three books, Nigerians from all walks of life have risen in support and in celebration of the man, who has been adjudged as a symbol of professionalism, a wordsmith and an epitome of due process.

Among early callers to present garlands for Abati, who was former presidential adviser, on the day, was the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu.

In a statement he personally signed on Friday, Tinubu described Abati as an accomplished public intellectual and patriotic commentator, noting that he calls him “Rubi Rubi,” for his versatility and excellence across multiple fields.

“A public intellectual, author, columnist, law graduate and broadcaster, Dr Abati has distinguished himself wherever he has traversed: in the university as a student and later as a Graduate Assistant, as Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Guardian, as a writer, and presently as a television anchor.

“His insightful articles, regular interventions, and television analyses have continued to enlighten and inspire.

“I commend Dr Abati for his service to Nigeria as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan, as well as his outstanding contributions to the media,” Tinubu said.

He praised Abati’s “insightful articles, regular interventions, and television analyses” for continuing to enlighten and inspire Nigerians.

The President added that Abati’s creativity and cross-sectoral experience have enriched national conversations on public-interest issues.

Tinubu also celebrated the launch of Abati’s three new books — Portraits: “People, Politics and Society,” “A Love Letter and Other Stories,” and “How Goodluck Jonathan Became President” — which were unveiled to mark his 60th birthday.

“I join the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), family members, and friends in celebrating this notable writer.

“I pray Almighty God grants him long life, good health, and the inspiration to continue serving the nation and humanity,” the statement read.

THE MAN, REUBEN ABATI

Born Reuben Adeleye Abati on November 7, 1965, the man, who later became an encyclopedia of some sort, graduated from the University of Calabar, Nigeria in 1985, and later studied at the University of Ibadan as a University Scholar. Versatile, informed and a calculative public speaker, Abati seeks and finds knowledge wherever and whenever it is available. As a result, he holds a PhD degree in Theatre Arts, specializing in Dramatic Literature, Theory and Criticism from the University of Ibadan (1990), a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Lagos State University, Lagos (1999); a professional training certificate in Journalism from the College of Journalism, University of Maryland, College Park, United States (1996–97); and a Certificate in Management and Leadership from the Said Business School, University of Oxford (2015). He has capped it all with a master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos in 2025.

He is credited for his ability to adapt to every profession and field ranging from education to journalism, to politics and anchoring of A-list events. It is not therefore, a surprise that Abati started his career as a university lecturer, teaching courses in Drama and Literature at the Olabisi Onabajo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. Between 2000 and 2011, Reuben Abati was also a member and co-presenter of the television discussion programme, Patito’s Gang, founded by Professor Pat Utomi. Between 2003 and 2007, he served as a member of the Governing Council of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State and was a member of the Board of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (2007-2011).Before working in government, Reuben Abati was Chairman of the Editorial Board at The Guardian Newspapers, one of the respected newspapers to have come out of Nigeria, from 2000 to 2011. He also was Editorial Page Editor and columnist, running two columns per week. That’s versatility!

In 2011, he left The Guardian when he was appointed Special Adviser, Media and Publicity and as Official Spokesperson to President Goodluck Jonathan. In that capacity, he was responsible for managing the President’s media office, media relations and leading the Presidency’s public communications team.

After his stint in government when Jonathan lost election, Abati returned to journalism, writing his regular two columns in The Guardian newspaper (Fridays and Sundays). He subsequently moved to ThisDay newspaper where he now writes a Tuesday column titled: TuesdayWithReubenAbati.

Pessently, Abati is a presenter of Arise News’ The Morning Show, alongside Rufai Oseni, Ayo Mairo and Ojy Okpe, and is actively engaged as a consultant on media and public policy issues. Equally important is his role as a Senior Research Associate with the Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for Cultural Studies and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

In 2019, he contested the deputy governorship position of Ogun State with his principal, Kashamu Buruji, under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He is married to three beautiful women; Iyabo, Lara, and most recently, @realtalkwithwithkike.

Boss Of The Week

The Talented Enigma Called David ‘Davido’ Adeleke

Published

6 days ago

November 3, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Love him or hate him, one thing is obvious, and everyone can agree on it. And that is the fact that David Adeleke, popularly known by his brand name, Davido, is a force to reckon with; an evergreen talent and an enigma of light years ahead.

In his close to 15 years professional sojourn in the world of music, Davido has hardly had a career downtime. He has consistently been on his A-level performance, breaking barriers, creating new vistas, exhibiting a high level of IQ and of recent has become a role model to what the ideal husband should be.

It is not therefore, a surprise that Davido has remained a toast to many, within the continent and internationally. His brand of music, his pendant for respect and responsibility, coupled with his patriotism to family and country have all remained a positive reference point to career builders, the upcoming youths and lovers of good things. Davido is an enigma in the truest definition of the word.

Born of the shinniest of all silver spoons, Davido chose a path that particularly defined him for himself, giving the Adeleke family another addendum in their most impressive history. Many would have thought that the young man, who is only 32, would stay like an apro string to the already built and established great Adeleke name, but he made a clear detour; creating an all new curriculum for himself. A curriculum that has opened doors for the family, and expanded the family’s horizon.

The beauty of his choice today is the fact that he is not ordinarily recognised as Adeleke David, but as Davido – his own undisputable brand. His own personality. He did not hide in the haystack of existing wealth, but followed a passion, superlatively nurtured it and came out tops. He is, for all intent and purpose, most loved locally and a recognised international brand.

He is presently on a five-state tour of Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Enugu, Oyo and Lagos. The tour kickstarted on October 25, and will terminate in Lagos in December. So far, the tturn out has been massive, and the love from the people, straight from the heart.

Born David Adedeji Adeleke on November 21, 1992, in Atlanta, United States of America, to Deji and Nnenna Adeleke, Davido enjoys dual citizenship of both Nigeria and America. He is not just a singer, he is a prolific songwriter, record producer and label owner.

Though he was born in Atlanta, Davido was raised in Lagos, Nigeria. Among many things one can count positive for Davido is his love for family, especially his wife, Chioma, his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke and his dad, Deji Adeleke.

In June 2024, Davido married Chioma, who he can’t stop gushing over, in one of the most flashy ceremonies in history, drawing together the best of the society to the Eko Hotels and Suites. The white wedding followed later in the USA.

Only last weekend, Davido took to his Instagram story to share a photo of a bouquet he sent to his wife, alongside a touching message that read, “I want to remind you that I love you today, tomorrow, and always. I miss you so much. Your loving husband.” He is every bit a loving husband.

Wikipedia captured Davido life trajectory as follows:

He made his music debut as a member of the group KB International. Davido studied business administration at Oakwood University before dropping out to make beats and record vocal references. He rose to fame after releasing “Dami Duro”, the second single from his debut studio album Omo Baba Olowo (2012), from which six additional singles—”Back When”, “Ekuro”, “Overseas”, “All of You”, “Gbon Gbon” and “Feel Alright”—were taken. In 2012, Davido won the Next Rated award at The Headies. Between 2013 and 2015, he released the singles “Gobe”, “One of a Kind”, “Skelewu”, “Aye”, “Tchelete (Goodlife)”, “Naughty”, “Owo Ni Koko”, “The Sound” and “The Money”.

In January 2016, Davido announced on Twitter that he had signed a record deal with Sony Music and a few months later, he founded the record label Davido Music Worldwide, to which artists including Morravey and Logos Olori are currently signed. In July 2016, Davido signed a record deal with Sony’s RCA Records and in October the same year, he released the five-track Extended Play (EP) Son of Mercy, which was supported by the singles “Gbagbe Oshi”, “How Long” and “Coolest Kid in Africa”. In April 2017, Davido re-negotiated his contract with Sony due to creative control issues and later that year, he released five singles including “If” and “Fall”. “If” generated worldwide social-media activity while “Fall” became the longest-charting Nigerian pop song in Billboard history. In November 2019, Davido released his second studio album A Good Time, which was supported by the previously released singles “If”, “Fall”, “Assurance”, “Blow My Mind” and “Risky”.

In 2019, New African magazine listed Davido as one of the 100 most-influential Africans. His third studio album, A Better Time, was released on November 13, 2020. In February 2021, Davido appeared on Time 100’s Next List. He released Timeless, his fourth studio album, on March 31, 2023. Davido is a cultural ambassador for Nigeria and a prominent voice of human rights in Africa. He is also one of the most-followed African artists on Instagram and Twitter.

In 2011, Davido started working on his debut studio album Omo Baba Olowo, which is a mixture of Afrobeats and hip hop. Davido worked with Jay Sleek, Maleek Berry, GospelOnDeBeatz, Spellz, Dokta Frabz, Mr. Chidoo, Theory Soundz and Shizzi to produce the album. Omo Baba Olowo features guest appearances from Naeto C, Sina Rambo, B-Red, Kayswitch, Ice Prince and 2 Face Idibia. It received generally negative reviews from music critics, who panned its lyrical content and Davido’s songwriting. The album won Best R&B/Pop Album and received a nomination for Album of the Year at The Headies 2013, and for Best Album of the Year at the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

The Naeto C-assisted track “Back When” was released as the album’s lead single on May 7, 2011. It was produced in London by Davido and received frequent airplay. The Clarence Peters-directed music video for “Back When” was uploaded to YouTube on May 9, 2011. Davido and Shizzi produced the album’s second single “Dami Duro”, which was released on October 30, 2011. In an interview posted on the NotJustOk website, Davido said he recorded the song in August of that year. The song was leaked three months after he sent it to some of his friends. The accompanying music video for “Dami Duro” was released on January 8, 2012, during the Occupy Nigeria protests.

The album’s third single “Ekuro” was released on January 25, 2012. Its music video was recorded and directed in Miami by Antwan Smith. Nigerian singer Aramide released a soulful cover of the song. The album’s fourth single “Overseas” was released on May 6, 2012; an unfinished version of the song was leaked prior to its official release. The GospelOnDeBeatz-produced track “All of You” was released as the album’s fifth single on September 28, 2012; Davido said he recorded the song with GospelOnDeBeatz’ whom he met at a mall.

Davido has five surviving children out of his original six, with Imade (from Sophie Momodo) as the oldest. His first son, Ifeanyi, died in October 2022 at the age of three.

Boss Of The Week

Anthony Adegbulugbe: Academic, Visionary, Entrepreneur Par Excellence

Published

3 weeks ago

October 19, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

He is not just a force to reckon with in the field of academics, he is also a seasoned egghead in the world of enterprise, and has carved visible niches for both himself and the country, Nigeria. He is Professor Anthony Olusegun Adegbulugbe, a Nigerian of immense substance, charisma, flair and attendant discipline, as well as built to create, recreate and stand out positively in the maddening crowd.

In addition to his many firsts, and coordinated achievements, Adegbulugbe, who is the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Green Energy International Limited, in the past few days shocked the universe, when he took another bold step, undertaking an ambitious assignment towards redefining the trajectory of the oil and gas industry, when he unveiled the humongous Otakikpo Crude Oil Export Terminal in Ikuru Town, Andoni LGA, Rivers State. The $400m Otakikpo project is the first of its kind since 1971 when the Forcados Terminal was commissioned.

Professor Adegbulugbe had described the terminal as a “game-changing national infrastructure.”

He added that “What we have achieved here is not just a storage solution, but a pathway for about 40 stranded oil fields to finally contribute to the economy.”

A statement signed by GEIL’s Executive Director of Legal and Corporate Services, Olusegun Ilori, prior to the October 8 commissioning, noted that the terminal aligns with Tinubu’s drive to boost crude oil production and address Nigeria’s long-standing evacuation challenges.

“This project is a strategic infrastructure that supports the administration’s commitment to raising output while reducing costs,” Ilori said.

It is also meant to alleviate the fears of industry operators, who have consistently highlighted evacuation bottlenecks as a major obstacle to meeting the Federal Government’s production target of three million barrels per day.

The event, which drew together stakeholders in the petroleum industry had President Bola Tinubu as the special guest of honour. The president was however, represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri.

With an initial storage capacity of 750,000 barrels, expandable to three million barrels, and a loading capacity of 360,000 barrels per day, the facility is also projected to reduce production costs for indigenous producers significantly.

THE MAN ANTHONY OLUSEGUN ADEGBULUGBE

Born April 2, 1955, Anthony Olusegun Adegbulugbe has proved that one can joggle through many legitimate endeavours, and still come out tops. A Professor of Energy Planning and Management, notable for his significant contributions to Nigeria’s energy industry, Adegbulugbe is not just a chip of the old block, but has remained distinct as an individual, who goes all out for whatever he sets his mind to achieve including mustering 5points GPA out of the available 5points in the university. So, being a visionary, a distinct academic and a prolific entrepreneur, all combined to make him the ultimate man and a reference point.

The scientist graduated with a B.Sc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Ife in 1976 with a First Class and Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 on a scale of 5.0. He pursued his education further at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned a D.Sc. in Nuclear Materials Engineering with a minor programme in Energy Planning and Management in June 1981. He also received certificates in Electric System Expansion Planning and Energy Planning and Management from the Brookhaven National Laboratory in the United States.

Additionally, he completed a course on International Gas Business Management offered by the International Human Resources Development Corporation in Boston, Massachusetts in 2006. Adegbulugbe’s educational exposure is vast.

Among a retinue of intimidating curriculum vitae, Adegbulugbe is the third chancellor of high profile Joseph Ayo Babalola University. He officially assumed office on December 8, 2023. Adegbulugbe served as a Special Adviser on Energy to former president Olusegun Obasanjo, and was a member of the National Economic Management Team, as well as the chairman of the National Gas to Power initiative between 2005 and 2007. The entrepreneur has seen days of challenging endeavours.Again, Adegbulugbe was a contributor to the inter-governmental panel on Climate change (IPCC) Assessments reports which won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize along with former US vice president Al Gore. He has played a crucial role in shaping energy policies in Nigeria.

After his series of accommodating educational tutelage, Adegbulugbe started his career as a visiting research fellow at the Institut fur Kernenergetik und Energiesyteme in Germany in 1984. He was appointed Project Director greenhouse gases emission reduction in Nigeria in 1994. He has held various academic positions, including director and professor at the Centre for Energy Research & Development at Obafemi Awolowo University from 1994 to 2010.In 2005, he was appointed by former president Olusegun Obasanjo as special assistant on energy matters, a position he held until 2007. He served as a senior advisor to the Nigerian Infrastructure Advisory Facility (NIAF) from 2012 to 2013. Adegbulugbe was senior advisor Nigerian Infrastructure Advisory Facility (NIAF) until 2013. In 2014, he became the chairman and CEO of All Grace Energy Limited and Green Energy Limited.

According to Wikipedia, “Throughout his career, Adegbulugbe has been actively involved in shaping energy policies and plans for Nigeria. He played a crucial role in designing the Energy Master Plan for Nigeria. Adegbulugbe’s professional history includes a range of positions and projects. Adegbulugbe has also been involved in consultancy projects, including the Renewable Energy Masterplan for Nigeria and the evaluation of energy infrastructural needs and the role of the private sector in the oil, gas, and power sectors.”

Beyond founding Green Energy, Adegbulugbe is a member of many prestigious professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Knowledge Networks for Sustainable Energy in Africa (KNSEA), the International Association of Energy Economists (IAEE), and the Africa Energy Policy Research Network (AFREPREN).

He has also been decorated many times with diverse honours and Awards as his career trajectory progresses. Some of his decorations are:

Doctorate degree (Honoris Causa) of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) – 2017

Best graduating student Obafemi Awolowo University – 1976

Special Alumni Merit Award – 2003

Presidential Special Merit Award from the Nigerian Society of Engineers – 1992.

American Nuclear Society his outstanding research papers in the field of Nuclear Materials.

African Peace Man of the Year – 2023

FUPRE Excellence in Leadership and Corporate Integrity Award – 2021

Adegbulugbe is a symbol of the Nigerian never-say-never spirit. His ebullient responses to the challenges of living are testaments of the kind of strong character he is.