I MET GOSSY UKANWOKE

Nigeria has its own fair share of geniuses and Gossy is one of them. I had heard so much about him, especially his foray into education, technology and philanthropy that when the opportunity to meet up came, I grabbed with both hands. Gossy is the chief promoter of Betking, Nigeria’s second largest betting platform with over 600 employees and about 35,000 agents. As I walked into his very spacious office, I noticed that he has two desks and I immediately asked, “Mbok, are you sharing an office?” and he said “no ooo. I oscillate between the two.” He is young and looks it; well-groomed with flat facial hair that makes him quite handsome. Not too tall but super brilliant as expected. He did not open up to me as quickly as I too, I am looking at such a young man who has done so much. I hear he pays billions to the government as tax and is the main pillar behind some banks in terms of deposits and short-term financing bridge. As I looked away from him, I saw a football pitch and I made my inquiries and he said “Yes, I play on some Saturdays.” We talked about AI and he opened his laptop and said: “Edgar, let me write a script for your next play for you.” I say na lie, I dare you. He opened the laptop and typed – write a script…. And the thing started to write o. In five minutes come and see a full script. I screamed, kai Makinde Adeniran, the brilliant writer of my play ‘Awo,’ is gone o. We then started talking about his business, his philanthropy and his penchant for the disabled. His Foundation supports their sporting activities and many more. I am planning to meet up with him again to better discuss and understand his outlook and his quest for sustainable economic change in Nigeria. Make una no worry, I go gist una. Thanks.