Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s official photographer, Bayo Omoboriowo, has told how he was appointed as his cameraman despite not knowing any influential people in his political network.
This was disclosed by Omoboriowo, the creator of MadHouse by Tikera, in a Monday interview with Channels Television.
He added that he founded his MadHouse to allow creative talents to explore the endless opportunities that exist in the creative world in order to maximize their potential without knowing anybody. He noted that his skill as a creative and freelance documentary photographer gave him the platform to work with the former President.
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The renowned cinematographer described how his passion brought him to Buhari, saying that he gave up his time to take free pictures for various events in Lagos and documentaries for the BellaNaija blog. Then, just as luck would have it, someone from the United Kingdom contacted him and asked him to take a photography role.
Despite having graduated from Pure and Applied Chemistry, I went back to the University of Lagos after my service year as a squatter in one of the hostels to learn Photoshop. I picked up the trait I apply to my work now from there.
BellaNaija began showcasing our work, and people began to take notice of my skill. Thus, my journey to become a globally recognized figure began in 2012 when I was named the Creative Artist of the Year at the Future Awards. After that, I received multiple honors.
“I had previously taken pictures of the unsuccessful campaign of former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi before I saw an advertisement for the APC National Convention in 2014.” I also took a picture of Rauf Aregbesola, the former governor of Osun State. Buhari was voting when I arrived at the APC convention to cover it, and they took my phone. That’s where I asked God to honor my labor of love. I was only passed, and I don’t know anyone.
BellaNaija began showcasing our work, and people began to take notice of my skill. Thus, my journey to become a globally recognized figure began in 2012 when I was named the Creative Artist of the Year at the Future Awards. After that, I received multiple honors.
“I had previously taken pictures of the unsuccessful campaign of former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi before I saw an advertisement for the APC National Convention in 2014.” I also took a picture of Rauf Aregbesola, the former governor of Osun State. Buhari was voting when I arrived at the APC convention to cover it, and they took my phone. That’s where I asked God to honor my labor of love. I was only passed, and I don’t know anyone.
He went on, “I was called in January of 2015.” I was the right photographer for Buhari when he needed one. I’m not familiar with him or his associates. Actually, I only ever went inside Aso Villa as an awardee. Then a campaign got underway. After we arrived in Rivers, the campaign’s launch location, I began taking his pictures.
He also expressed gratitude to Debola Williams for setting up a platform that allowed him to have influence as the branding company that was brought in to package Buhari’s campaigning.
Buhari first designated Omoboriowo as his official photographer in 2015, and he renewed that designation in 2019.