Some people see me as unserious because of tattoos— Farooq Oreagba

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer-designate of NG Clearing Limited, Farooq Oreagba, who recently went viral on account of his appearance and ‘steeze’ at the last Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State has said some people do not see him as unserious because of the tattoos on his body.

In an interview with The Punch, Oreagba, said he does not like being judged based on his appearance but rather on his achievements.

He said, “I wouldn’t say I have been looked down upon but yes, I have been deemed unserious in many quarters, despite what I have managed to achieve. Even today, there are certain places and events in the corporate sector where I dare not expose my tattoos. My attitude has always been that I should not be judged by my appearance; but instead, by my achievements.

“Regarding my spirit of adventure, I think it is just the way I am wired. For example, I woke up one day and decided that I wanted peace and quiet, so I decided to relocate to an island that is a 30-minute boat ride off the coast of Lagos, and lived there for four years. It was a real Robinson Crusoe (the title character of an English adventure novel) move but I loved it, and I worked from there for years. Sometimes, one just has to be different and stop following the herd. What many call my spirit of adventure is simply me being true to myself.”

Oreagba also spoke on his battle with cancer and how he stoically fought it.

“It was never guaranteed that I would pull through, but I decided to give it my best shot. I was scared, and I cried almost daily. I could not understand why I had been chosen to suffer cancer. However, every time, I would pull myself together and convince myself of the need to fight. My father died when I was four years old, and I was raised by my mother and uncle. At the time of my diagnosis, my sons were 14, 11 and two years old respectively. My love for them made me fight. And also, the fact that I was not willing to make my aged mother bury her only son, after having to bury her husband years before strengthened my resolve,” he said.

Oreagba advised young people to endeavour to have fun while pursuing a successful career.

“It is about the quality of one’s life. There is no point in being rich and miserable. I would rather be comfortable and happy. Do what makes you happy and if possible, make a living doing it. I am passionate about what I do in financial services, and it is not about money. It is only when one actually looks forward to going to work, that one is able to give one’s best. As we are currently witnessing, many firms are now allowing employees to work remotely. Companies are starting to realise that point too now,” he added.