Oluwatoni Ojomo
You know those people who make life look effortlessly complicated? Meet Chidi Okereke, a marketing and communications leader, entrepreneur, bartender, actor, ex rapper, etc etc., who’s somehow juggling work across two continents while maintaining strong opinions about the virtue of doing your own back!
Born in Lagos and now based in Toronto, Chidi has lived and worked in very different worlds. From attending four secondary schools to abandoning a Mechanical Engineering degree for the social sciences, his journey is filled with lessons, pivots, and plenty of stories.
Dive into a conversation about ambition, authenticity, and why sometimes the best life advice comes from people who aren’t afraid to keep it very real.
Where were you born, and where do you proudly call home today?
Born in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos Nigeria. Currently living in Toronto.
Lapo or Nepo baby?
Lapo baby like mad. Like, Lapo baby by every single metric.
What’s your education journey been like?
I attended 4 secondary schools, UNIPORT to get a Bachelors in Engineering, and Ajayi Crowther for my MBA
Relationship status
Pre-married (don’t ask me any questions).
What do you currently do for a living, and if money wasn’t an issue, what hustle would you chase with joy?
I work in Marketing and Comms. Sometimes I’m a bartender at Citi Lounge in Lagos. If money wasn’t a factor, I’d run a creative studio, tell timeless stories via movies, series and interactive games. I’d also release a hiphop/rap album. (Again, don’t ask me any questions).
What would your 10-year-old self say if they saw your life now: big “you try” or small side-eye?
My 10 year old self would wonder where the billions are. But my more realistic 20 year old self would marvel at how far I’ve come
Describe your vibe in 3 words, no sentences
Measured. Strategic. Expressive.
What’s your forever favorite food – something you’d never turn down? Afang soup. Amala and Ewedu with bite-size pieces of goatmeat. All types of spaghetti (seafood, cream, tomato)
What’s your most-used emoji when chatting?
😎🫠🙂↕️👀❤️
What’s the very first app you open when you wake up?
Instagram. Then Twitter. Then Whatsapp
iPhone or Android – and why are you loyal to that tribe?
Even if Android can download food, I’ll still go with an iPhone. There’s no spectacular reason – except the superior clean minimalistic UI.
Are you the early riser who’s tweeting by 6 a.m. or the one replying DMs at 2 a.m.?
To be honest, it depends. I have the most erratic schedule, because I work across two continents with a 5-7 hour time difference.
Beach, city, or mountains – where are you most at peace?
Beach. I want to own a beach home someday. That’s where I’m most at peace
Dogs, cats, or none of the above?
Future dog and maybe cat dad. I’ve lived with dogs but only experienced cats through others. I don’t mind them. I can’t have them now though, because I travel a lot, but soon
What are your top 3 songs of all time
Viva la vida, Coldplay
Somewhere only we know – Keane
Renegade – Jay Z and Eminem
Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
Go Solo – Tom Rosenthal
I’m giving you 5 because I no dey hear word!”
Top 3 movies of all time
Titanic (I know, I know)
Shawshank Redemption
Avengers
Top 3 series of all time
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones
I know how we all feel about that last season, but it’s still superior to anything ever made.
Favorite sports, and the goat of that sport
Football. Messi.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Nigeria if there’s constant light, sensible police and security and good roads. Right now, asides Toronto, maybe Texas. Relatively decent cost of living with opportunities to be wealthy
What’s been your favorite travel destination and why did it stand out?
I really like Dubai when it’s cooler. Small city with just about everything. But I’ve heard so many good things about Bangkok and I want to go.
What’s one thing you do now that your 20-year-old self would laugh at (or not believe)?
Revenge. I used to let things go, now I always want to do my own back – when the infraction is deliberate
What’s one thing people always assume about you that’s completely off?
That I’m a social butterfly. I’m actually a couch potato and I like being at home more than anything else
What’s your “I’ve made it” retirement number?
I’m not greedy. $5million and I’ll focus on family, philanthropy and making indie films
If your life had a title right now, what would it be?
Jack of many trades, master of some. I want to change it to Demure soon, because I’m tired.
Favorite quote
Better to have and not need than to need and not have.
Follow Chidi on X, Instagram and Facebook to keep up with his next chapter, and stay tuned to Lists.ng for more real stories from real people, told one list at a time.
