The President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has reflected on his life and career, which have given him more knowledge than many university graduates.
MC Oluomo stated this during the 50th birthday celebration of Islamic singer Hafsat Adegoke and the unveiling of her new album in Alausa, Lagos. According to Premium Times, the event was attended by several dignitaries and friends of the host, including Fuji musician Saheed Osupa.
Oluomo, who commended Adejoke on her milestone, went down memory lane and noted that though he was not able to acquire formal education, he made up for it with the knowledge he has acquired as a transport union leader, having started working as a bus conductor as a teenager. He noted that he was able to support his mother and take care of himself from the earnings he made in those early years.
According to him, his rise to the leadership of the transport union was the result of years of arduous hard work and dedication.
“I’ve been spending money since I was 13 years old. I worked as a conductor from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. I would go to Danjuma Cinema to watch Indian movies with my own money, and I still took money home for my mother to buy food,” he said.
The union’s national leader said he did not become NURTW president by chance but worked his way through the ranks.
“I didn’t enter the NURTW as a bastard. I learnt the work, mastered it and got to where I am today. I didn’t go to school, but the knowledge and understanding I have in my head are greater than those held by people with degrees,” he said.
Mc Olumo pointed to the achievements of his children as evidence that although he lacked formal education, he placed a high value on educating his family.
He disclosed that his children have pursued professional careers abroad.
“I always tell people that if I am uneducated, glory be to God. Today, my children are a doctor, a lawyer and an engineer, and they are in America. May God not allow our children to die young,” he said.
MC Oluomo also reminisced about his relationship with Saheed Osupa, revealing that they had known each other since childhood.
He recalled eating meals in the home of Osupa’s late mother while growing up and said the Fuji singer was familiar with his humble beginnings.
Speaking further, he criticised fathers who neglect the welfare of their wives and children, describing such behaviour as unacceptable.
According to him, many Nigerian women have become the primary providers for their families despite being married.
“I have always said that any man who does not take care of his children is an enemy of God,” he said.
