In this episode of the Mic On Podcast, Seun Okinbaloye sits with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, founder of Joy, Inc. and host of With Chude, who reflects on his career across media and politics and the experiences that shaped his worldview. He recounts his role in the 2015 Buhari campaign, his later disappointment with governance, and a reassessment of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s transition.

Jideonwo also opens up about his mental health journey, revealing that overwork led to depression and a personal collapse that forced him to redesign his life and priorities. He says the experience reshaped his outlook on success, purpose, and public life.

On the 2027 elections, he argues institutions—especially INEC—will matter more than personalities and urges Nigerians to remain civically engaged despite distrust in the process. While he no longer declares political allegiances, he does not rule out public office and hopes to be remembered for independent thought and courage.

Guest:

Chude Jideonwo

(Media Entrepreneur / Founder, Joy, Inc.)

In this episode of the Mic On Podcast, Seun Okinbaloye speaks with music legend 2Face Idibia, who reflects on his 25-year career, personal life, and role in civic engagement ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections. He recalls his early musical influences, the rise of Plantashun Boiz, and the creative tensions that shaped his journey, particularly around “African Queen.”

Idibia emphasizes the importance of family, privacy, and love in marriage, while candidly acknowledging past shortcomings as a father. He also urges Nigerian youth to participate actively in politics, describing music as a tool to guide social responsibility and calling for accountability at all levels of government.

Rejecting comparisons between Fela Kuti and Wizkid, Idibia stresses the unique legacy of each artist. While keeping his political ambitions open, he continues to prioritize live performance and the development of Nigerian music, balancing fame, business, and civic advocacy.

Guest:

2Face Idibia

(Legendary Nigerian Singer / Civic Advocate)

In this episode of the Mic On Podcast, Seun Okinbaloye speaks with political activist and BBOG co-convener Aisha Yesufu, who delivers a blunt assessment of Nigeria’s leadership and the state of governance under President Bola Tinubu. She says the country lacks direction and argues that public frustration cuts across regions, driven by lived realities rather than party loyalty.

Yesufu explains her alignment with the ADC as a strategic move, not an emotional one, describing the coalition as united enough to challenge the APC in 2027. While admitting that Peter Obi influenced her decision, she insists her loyalty is to competence and accountability, not party sentiment.

She strongly backs Obi as the most credible opposition candidate, dismissing claims that he cannot win Northern votes and predicting internal fractures within the APC ahead of 2027. For Yesufu, the coming election hinges on credible leadership and the integrity of the process, which she believes will define Nigeria’s future.

Guest:

Aisha Yesufu

(Political Activist / Co-Convener, Bring Back Our Girls Movement)

In this episode of the Mic On Podcast, Seun Okinbaloye speaks with the Minister of Arts. Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, on the future of Nigeria’s creative industry and the political outlook ahead of 2027. She traces her resilience to her upbringing and family influences, describing her father as the most significant figure in her life.

Musawa outlines the government’s creative economy agenda, citing plans to expand “Detty December,” create millions of jobs, and boost GDP through global best practices. She said the ministry was focused on funding, distribution, and global competitiveness to help Nigerian creatives thrive.

On politics, the minister strongly backed President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, arguing that opposition figures lack the reach to unseat him, especially in the North. She also weighed in on party dynamics, the rise of the ADC, and insisted that her focus remains on delivering results, not pursuing electoral office.

Guest:

Hannatu Musawa

(Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism & the Creative Economy)

In this episode of the Mic On Podcast, Seun Okinbaloye speaks with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan about her return to the Senate after suspension and the political pressures shaping her public life. She describes herself as “good inside… but also tough” and says her suspension became an opportunity to tell her story and showcase women’s leadership.

Akpoti-Uduaghan reflects on the challenges of politics, especially for women, noting that it is a hostile environment where she must “watch her back” constantly. She remains undeterred by potential rivals, including former governor Yahaya Bello, and says she can quickly secure a new platform if needed.

The senator emphasizes the importance of female participation in politics, advocating for leaders who are intentional, competent, and assertive rather than symbolic placeholders. She also discusses her constituency projects, expressing fulfillment in delivery but frustration with limited influence in the Senate chamber.

Guest:

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

(Senator, Kogi Central)

In this episode of the Mic On Podcast, Seun Okinbaloye speaks with former IPAC Chairman High Chief Peter Ojonugwa-Ameh, who delivers a sharp critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, blaming Nigeria’s economic hardship and rising insecurity on leadership failure. He alleges the government is driven by foreign pressure and says recent kidnappings expose deeper structural decay.

Ameh raises concerns about porous borders, corruption, and what he describes as genocidal-level violence in parts of the country. He also faults some newly appointed ambassadors, saying their conduct reflects a worrying decline in national values.

Looking ahead to 2027, Ameh insists the opposition must field a southern candidate and openly backs Peter Obi as the best choice to challenge the ruling party. He argues that Obi’s appeal to young people and record of prudent governance make him the most viable alternative.

Guest:

High Chief Peter Ojonugwa-Ameh

(Former Chairman, the Inter-Party Advisory Council – IPAC)

In this episode of the Mic On Podcast, Seun Okinbaloye speaks with Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, who explains Nigeria’s new tax laws and why they aim to fix multiple outdated taxes rather than increase burdens.

He says most Nigerians will pay less from 2026, with clear exemptions for low-income earners, students, and retirees. Oyedele stresses fairness in capturing all economic activity and insists the reforms will lower costs for key sectors while improving transparency.

Dismissing claims of overtaxation, he argues that Nigeria’s real challenge is low productivity and poor data, not tax rates. He urges support for reforms to avoid repeating past policy failures.

Guest:

Taiwo Oyedele

(Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy & Tax Reform)

In this episode of the Mic On Podcast, Seun Okinbaloye sits with one of Africa’s most iconic and entertainment icons, Oladakpo Daniel Oyebanjo also known as D’Banj, for a rare and reflective conversation on his journey, his spiritual connection to music, and the evolution of his life’s purpose.

He speaks and reflects on the global breakthrough of Oliver Twist, the early inspiration he drew from 2Baba, and the legacy of the Mo’ Hits era.

D’Banj also opened up about his relationship with Don Jazzy, saying their split was driven by his vision for C.R.E.A.M., but adding there is no bitterness between them.

At the heart of his mission is C.R.E.A.M., a creative tech platform he says is built to empower African creators through direct-to-fans engagement. While dismissing any interest in politics, D’Banj says his focus is to inspire the next generation and build a legacy rooted in purpose, contribution, and creativity.

Guest:

Oladakpo Daniel Oyebanjo AKA D'Banj

(African Music Icon / Founder, C.R.E.A.M. Platform)