Young Exec: Biodun Caston-Dada

FEATURE, INTERVIEWS — By admin on November 23, 2010 at 3:56 pm

Inspiring youth through Acada Magazine

Biodun Caston-Dada is a young man striving to leave his mark in the Nigerian publishing industry and also in mentoring young Nigerians.

What is your vision for Acada magazine?

My vision for ACADA is to see the magazine as a leading Nigerian youth brand and not just a magazine. I dream of seeing the magazine inspiring a new generation of Nigerian youths to believe in positivity despite all the odds against them. That’s what we preach in Acada.

Tell us about your educational background.

I had my primary education at IMC, Ibadan and finished my secondary education at Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Abeokuta. I had my A/Levels at Abeokuta Continuing Education College and had a Diploma certificate in Computer Studies from Institute of Computer Education an affiliate school of University of Lagos.

How did your educational experiences influence your current career path?

This may sound a little awkward. The truth is, I’m one person that never believed so much in tertiary education except you wanted to end up as a core professional. If you are into the creative business, you need to study from what I call the ‘University of Street’, which is reading wide and vast and studying the lives of great men. I read about people that have affected our world and I try to shape my life after some of them or try to pick from them to live a better life. This has greatly helped me in my career.

What other ventures do you dabble into in your spare time?

From childhood, I’ve been a showbiz freak. I love the entertainment world with a passion and most of the things I do these days revolve around entertainment. But I’m trying to do more of human development programmes because that will greatly help in touching lives. Though, I’ve not really developed a structure yet, I’ve started doing it on a personal level.

Share with us some of your greatest achievements?
I’ve not really achieved because there’s still a long journey ahead. My achievements are young people that have attained their dreams through me.

What are some of the challenges you face?

The biggest problem is electricity. I tell people that if we solve the power problem, 50% of Nigeria’s problem is solved. Another issue is inflation and lack of funding. The interest rates on loans are very high and there is also the inconsistency in government policies. That said, we don’t have a problem as a nation but we just enjoy creating one for ourselves due to visionless leaders, corruption in high places and bad leadership.

What advice do you have for young execs out there or people who want to set up a business or company?

First, you must be very humble. Humility opens doors—I learned that from Chief Dele Momodu, Wyclef Jean and DJ Jimmy Jatt. Be as honest as you can as honesty makes your clients to trust you to deliver.

Any regret?

Wasting five years of my life chasing an American visa that never came. That I can tell you is what many young Nigerians face and this makes us blind to the opportunities in the country. Despite the hardship, many young Nigerians strive hard to be successful. Many young Nigerians are breaking barriers and running successful businesses.

What is your mantra?

Do to others what you want them to do to you.

Interviewed by Isabella E.C. Akinseye. Photograph: Courtesy of Biodun Caston-Dada

Culled from Aspire October 2010.