Can we meet you?
I am Oladapo Moses Gbenga (OMG), popularly and sociopolitically known as Opamoses. Some people call me OPA, and others prefer Opamose. I am fine with any of these.
Do you mean ‘Opa’ like ‘rod’? That’s interesting. How did you come about the nickname?
“Opa” in reality is now more of my name than a nickname because everyone calls me that, even my parents and teachers. It was a primary school mate who jocularly called me “Opa Mose,” meaning Moses’ rod/staff, probably because my name is Moses and we know that Moses had a rod in the Bible. The nickname traveled far and wide until even my neighbors started calling me that. The funniest part is that while growing up, my stature perfectly supported this alias.
Interesting. Tell us more about yourself?
I am an affable, goal-oriented, jovial person, and a die-hard Chelsea fan.
Your fame reverberates in college and beyond. Besides the Chelsea connection and medicine, what else do you do that makes you very popular?
I love active participation in sports like football, table tennis, and athletics (long-distance race). I am a tutor, co-founder of an initiative, a tech enthusiast, a writer, a student representative, a talkative who talks sense, and now I think I am a dramatist.
What about in leadership? Do you hold any leadership roles, in and outside IFUMSA?
Yes, I am presently a member of the IFUMSA SRB, a member of the IFUMSA central sports committee, the chairman of FISUEC, a commissioner at the students’ union level, and a member of various committees and subcommittees outside IFUMSA.
You seem to maintain active participation in politics. Why does it particularly interest you?
I developed an interest in politics because of my passion for effective representation. I believe that we ought to have a say in any decision that is going to affect us or the generation coming after us.
For the unborn generation—that’s a unique line of thought. Outside your roles in IFUMSA, what role did you play in the recently concluded union elections, and how does it relate to college political life?
I am one of the union’s electoral commissioners. The role of the commission is to supervise and coordinate the electioneering process, which includes publicity, educating the voters, screening the candidates, and conducting the elections. I reached out to people both physically and online, encouraging them to vote by explaining the importance and benefits of participating actively in union activities. I ensured that both the interests of the voters and aspirants were protected by effectively discharging my duty.
But largely don’t you think medical students shy away from politics. What do you think is responsible, and what can be done about it?
Most people believe all we do as students of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences is read big textbooks because they think we do not have the luxury of time to involve in any extracurricular activities. This is not far from the truth, but with the just-concluded election and having a medical student as the president-elect, I believe people will start participating more in politics. Another way to increase participation is for the faculty or IFUMSA to organize more summits on leadership, inviting past leaders to share their knowledge and experience with the students.
Despite your many extracurriculars, you still fare well academically. What’s the secret?
I would say my adaptability, because each class in medical school requires different coping mechanisms. I also learn from others through discussion, which has really helped me. Having good relationships with senior colleagues who help with hints on how to pass and prepare for a particular course or posting is another aid to surviving medical school.
Does that mean you are an all-out fan of group studying, then?
I prefer to study alone but always revise and discuss stuff together with my colleagues.
With all of your skills and talents, are you looking at practicing at all, and if yes, what specialty are you looking forward to?
On a scale of 10, I will say 9/10 for now. I really love children and kids, so Pediatrics or pediatric surgery for now.
Do you have a favorite book or author and why?
My favorite book is “Talent is Never Enough” by John Calvin Maxwell. It teaches how to identify your areas of strength, work on your weaknesses, and learn continuously using histories and real-life experiences. I love Robert Greene’s books also.
Popular guy like you, is there any lucky lady on your radar?
No, clerical celibacy is the goal. I am working towards becoming a Reverend Father.I don’t want my heart to be crushed.
What is one thing you would like to change about yourself?
My sleeping habit. It is too bad for a medical student, sleeping almost every night even during in-course and EOPs is not ideal.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
When I was a kid, just 5 years old or so, I had a crush on a classmate of my older brother. Her name is Hellen. I told my brother about this, and he promised to take me to her place. When he finally took me there after collecting my sweets and biscuits several times, I ran away on seeing her because I was shy. I would go to her place just to see her face without letting her see me. A few weeks later, the girl relocated and changed schools. Since then, I have been finding a way to see her and tell her she was my first crush and that I have indirectly invested my sweets, biscuits, and time in her even without her consent. The fun fact is that I am still searching for her till now.
What is the secret to you always bringing laughter to other people’s faces?
No special secret. That is just me, and it comes naturally because I always believe being moody solves no problem but being happy and seeking the happiness of others solves a lot of problems.
What’s your perception of life?
Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.
What question do you always want people to ask you about yourself?
I would like people to ask me, “Is there anything I can do to help you achieve your dream?”
Give a shoutout to anyone.
Shout out to every member of the Unicus family, especially Group G niggas and Dorcas (Invictus ACR). These people have been so wonderful. I love you all.
At last. We are done. Do you have any final words for Medivoice?
Thank you very much for having me. I have always been a fan of Medivoice, but I think now is the best time to upgrade from being a fan of Medivoice to being an air conditioner of Medivoice.
Thank you readers. For more inspiring interviews, you can check here.
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