Business and entertainment entrepreneur Joseph Odobeatu a.k.a O’jez will turn 60 on December 29. For him, life has been beautiful despite the ups and downs.
Reflecting on his long run to success the amiable and unassuming Mr. Odobeatu believes that the society in which he thrived can be better off if citizens and those in the helm of affairs learn to love and give to those who are in need, no matter who they are or where they come from.
At an early age Mr Odobeatu was fascinated by the workings of the engine and at 12 years old, he was a well known bicycle mechanic in his Aguluzigbo community in Anaocha Local government area of Anambra State.
“Then my mother was a stockfish trader, but I was never interested in her trade, but focused on becoming an engineer.
” I started as a shoemaker and about 12 years old I became a bicycle repairer and had a good number of apprentices working for me and learning the skill.
“In the 1980s I came to Lagos and established Jonac Engineering with coper wire our core business…we had Britons and Indians working with us. The company did excellently and we were quite popular in the manufacturing sector.”
Mr. Odobeatu said his coming into entertainment that has made the O’jez brand a household name was by stroke of adventurism.
“Back in the days I use to do some jobs for some night clubs like Oscar, Gandola around the Ojuelegba area and then later I got the inspiration to open the O’jez night club at Iwaya in Yaba Lagos and it turned out to be an outstanding venture. “For years we have created an atmosphere of relaxation and recreation for the young, old and families to have fun in a safe and welcoming environment.
” I created the Elders forum where eminent scholars, professionals, actors and musicians came together once in a month to unwind and get to know one another. We bring together, the young and old in a friendly environment where all genre of music and comedy is on the menu of entertainment.
“We later moved to the National Stadium Surulere and it is quite interesting to note that some the children of families who came back in the days to O’jez are coming back to have fun as adults 20 years after.
“We are happy to provide the platform for musicians, actors and comedians.”
Later the O’jez record label came along with top musicians like Sunny Nneji, Babafryo and Daddy Showkey on its stable.
“What happened was that at Jonac Engineering we decided to go into CD production. We use to press CDs for music labels, artists under PMAN and then it came to us that we can also become a label owner. And that was how we got O’jez label and we had guys like Sunny Nneji, Daddy Showkey, Babafryo and many others.
“But online distribution of music has killed the CD business.
“On the other hand it has made things easier for the artist. They can just come up with a single and when it hits they are made.
“Unlike before you have to put in more time, work and energy to create a whole album and promote it.”
Mr. Odobeatu is also an avid sports participant and fan who has made numerous contributions to growth of sports in the country.
“I started out as footballer and had a grassroots club, but later on I developed more interest in table tennis in fact I still play street table tennis. I’m the chairman of the Ikeja Club table tennis section and a member of the Nigeria Rugby Federation.
“I’m passionate about sports development and in my own little way with my table tennis academy I have helped table tennis players to achieve their sports goals here at home and abroad.”
Mr. Odobeatu stated that government need to show more interest in the sports industry in Nigeria.
“Government need to create a conducive environment for sports to grow, because if this happens, a lot job opportunities would be created.
“Let there be more activities in our sports, football, boxing, athletics, table tennis, basketball, handball and so on…our youths would fantastically be engaged, thereby reducing the number of criminals in our society.”
At the home front Mr. Odobeatu said having a good and understanding wife has helped him cope with the balancing act of being away most of the time and ensuring his offsprings are well brought up.
“I’m always out there for one business or the other, but God blessed me with a good and understanding wife who ensured that the kids are well brought up and the home front is well maintained.
“Thanks be to God for life, good health it is a thing of joy to see the grand children running around.”
In celebrating his “Diamond Jubilee” Mr. Odobeatu has set up a foundation that cater to the needs of people living with disability and also those who are in desperate needs. This is a reinforcement of his well known philanthrophy, which he hardly brags about.
“God will be sure angry with me if I begin to mention the good I have done for people. We just keep on trying our best to see that people are happy.
“Most especially physically challenged people living with disabilities. We as a society need to pay more attention to their needs.
“When you go closer to them you will realise they are brilliant people with brilliant ideas.”
Mr. Odobeatu noted that Nigeria can do much better than it is doing if those in the helm of authority tackle poverty and unemployment by encouraging businesses and industries to thrive.
“Our political office holders rather than living big, should remember the masses who are struggling.
“Government should do more to support those who are creating employment so that more business will open.”
