Straight Out of Ajegunle: The Emergence of Sammie Okposo

It was a tense evening at the Okposo family house in Warri. News had reached Pa Warre Okposo that Sammie had finally left for Lagos to pursue a career in music. Mama Sammie could only pray for God to cause her precious son's dreams to fruition.

Sammie knew he had a gift that needed expression. While ministering at his local church Gospel Church of Christ, he always hung out at Church of God Mission, Ejiyere Street Warri. Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor was the lead pastor at that time. The Church's Milk and Honey Choir was the best choir in town, and Sammie made alliances with the musicians there.

For 10 years, Sammie cultivated his craft. He felt he had developed the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to succeed in music. He also mastered networking and building the right relationships with people in the field that could open doors to new opportunities.

Innocent And Sammie- a very close ally

Buoyed with all he had learned, he prayed and took the risk to leave home. He prayed for God to cause him to recognize when the right opportunity presented itself.

He was a typical Warri boy who was gallant, dressed reasonably, and believed in his charming personality. Those attributes and his gift of music made him a ladies' man. His close friends called him "Okpo koboko" ! If you know, you know.

With little funds and a dogged determination to succeed, Sammie landed in Ajegunle.

Ajegunle is ranked as one of Nigeria’s most disturbing ghettos. Ironically, the name Ajegunle in Yoruba, by interpretation, means “wealth has landed here.” In reality, instead of wealth, poverty is prominent in the city. It is known for violent crimes, gangs, drugs, prostitution, and armed robbery. Ajegunle suffers from gross neglect in infrastructure, social amenities, welfare, and representation.

AJ City, as it's popularly called, is the birthplace of football and music superstars, a town that occupies an ultimate pedestal on the Nigerian entertainment landscape. Timipre Sylva, former governor of Bayelsa State, Don Jazzy, Daddy Showkey, Peter Rufai, and Basket Mouth once lived in Ajegunle.

Sammie located a studio, Jah Blessing Studio, located at Olowojeunjeje Street Boundary, Ajegunle. He hung out there all day, waiting for an opportunity.

Sammie distributing water in Flint, Michigan

In AJ city, he got very close to armed groups who tried to lure him into crime. But according to Sammie, he kept hearing a voice saying that was not the way. Some days were tough, especially when he had no money to feed. In due time, a break came when the percussionist of KK Band made him aware of an opening for a keyboardist! At that time, the band was backing up artists for the Lekki SunSplash.

“Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation― Zig Ziglar

Voila! That opening was all he needed to get into contact with Nigeria's music stars like Charley Boy, Veno Marioghae, Alex O, Chris Mba, Tina Onwudiwe, Alex Zitto, Elder Steve Rhodes, Mandators, Ras Kimono, Chris Hanen (Ozigizaga), Onyeka Onwenu, Majek Fashek, Christy Essien Igbokwe, Blakky to mention but a few.

Sammie was focused on his assignment.

I will always remember some of his hashtags:

#letyourlightsoshine

#imfocusedonmyassignment
#graceisworkingforme
#imunstoppable
#ogheneisfullyinvolved
#iamaglobalkingdomambassador
#jesusmakesmeshine

#ideyenteryoureye

Joan and Sammie

Ambassador Joan Paul had this to say:

BIG BROS SAMMIE OKPOSO...

From my childhood days in Warri, you were ALWAYS THERE.
Many people claimed they knew you, but they never really did.
You OPENED INTERNATIONAL DOORS for so many gospel artistes. Indeed a generous mortal you were (😭😭 I now say was, were... God ooo!)
You were NEVER stingy with THE TRUTH. Always put me on the right path when I made mistakes.

Every time I came to you for wisdom, you never hoarded... You FREELY GAVE out of the abundance of your heart. You opened your arms of love to my hubby and me. Prayed for and encouraged us when we were about to relocate to Lagos.

I am grateful that I encountered the GIFT of you bros. There will/can never be any other like YOU.....
Ose!! Teach the angels the Abo Abo style over there with the white hanki.

My senior son has been asking questions o bros! What should I say? 😭😭 My family miss you dearly.

You were such a BLESSING TO ME AND MINE. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING 😢😢

*POWERFUL WORSHIP VESSEL!
*GALLANT SOLDIER!
*BIG BROTHER!

Our love and prayers go to your dear Queen Ozy okposo , family/friends/colleagues you left behind.

Sammie, The Momodus' and Pastor Flourish

N.B:

If you are seeing this, please have a relationship with Jesus today, also love and support people as much as you can . Big bros @sammieokposo has ran his race and finished his course. God help us all.💔😭💔💔😭
M.A.R.A.N.A.T.H.A!

To be continued...

By Dr Uvoh Onoriobe
Editor, Real Relationships Magazine
editor@realrelationshipsmag.com