The Journey of Oluwatobi Yeye-Irojah

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Oluwatobi Yeye-Irojah is a multi-award-winning photographer, independent filmmaker, brand architect, youth empowerment advocate, and creative think-tank whose extraordinary career has consistently redefined the boundaries of creative enterprise and social leadership in Nigeria.
Born as the fourth and last child of Mr. Stephen Yeye-Irojah of Koro, Ekiti Local Government, Kwara State, Nigeria. His journey from a modest family background to national and continental recognition stands as a compelling testament to his tenacity, vision, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Oluwatobis mantra, ‘Normal Is Dead,’ has built a legacy that spans photography, filmmaking, youth empowerment, drug abuse advocacy, ambassadorial service and entrepreneurial innovation more than a decade of active service.
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ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP
Oluwatobi is the Founder and President of Phursuns World, a dynamic creative conglomerate and youth empowerment company headquartered in Nigeria, with active operations spanning Lagos, Kwara State, and Abuja. Phursuns World is built on the twin pillars of creative excellence and social impact – building youths through empowerment, skills acquisition, job creation, and transformative mentorship programmes.
The company, described as a ‘One Stop Media Mugul House,’ offers world-class services in professional photography, cinematography, filmmaking, branding, and creative training through its acclaimed academy, which produces trail-blazing graduates who are reshaping the creative industry. Oluwatobi has been able to directly impact on thousands of youths across the globe. With a portfolio spanning weddings, corporate events, editorial productions, and commercial campaigns.
Phursuns World has become one of the most recognised creative brands in Nigeria, United Kingdom, and beyond, consistently delivering productions that carry the hallmark of Tobi’s signature philosophy: ‘Normal Is Dead.’ He has managed likes of Yomi Fabiyi, Yemi Solade, Foluke Daramola, Rotimi Salami and many more and also starred in the following major movies: Awon Obinrin Asiko, OluOran, ⁠Onikede, ⁠Veil, OgbaMecho, EKU as we ll as produced some of his own personal movies too
ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL FORMATION
Oluwatobi attended University of Ilorin as a Science student but also further deepened his love for enterpreneur to obtain a National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) at the Igbo Owu Polytechnic, where he bagged a “DISTINCTION”  in Business Administration.
Driven by an insatiable passion for visual storytelling and arts, Oluwatobi deepened his craft by becoming a pioneering student of Tunde Kelani – one of Africa’s most celebrated and decorated veteran filmmakers – at the prestigious Mainframe Film and Media Institute (MFMI). At MFMI, he earned his Film Studies Baccalaureate (FSB) alongside a coveted Award of Commendation personally bestowed by Tunde Kelani, as a recognition for his  exceptional quality and work ethics.
This formative experience under the mentorship of a cinematic legend cemented his transition from passionate enthusiast to serious film and media professional, equipping him with both technical mastery and the artistic sensibility that now defines the Phursuns World brand.
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HISTORIC & NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Oluwatobi Yeye-Irojah holds the historic distinction of being the first citizen of Kwara State to emerge as the Television Governor representing his state in the National Reality Television Show known as The Labour Room – a landmark achievement that amplified Kwara State’s voice on a national platform and demonstrated his capacity for leadership, articulation, and public representation at the highest level.
Building on this achievement, he was subsequently appointed as the First African Union Youth Ambassador in Kwara State, a continental honour recognising his commitment to youth development, cross-border collaboration, and the advancement of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. He is also a proud Member of the Forbes Black Community and an Ambassador for Billion Doors, furthering his global footprint in entrepreneurship and leadership development.
ADVOCACY & SOCIAL IMPACT
A committed social leader, Oluwatobi has spearheaded and led impactful anti-drug campaigns across seven Northern Nigerian States, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) – reaching tens of thousands of young people with life-changing messages on the dangers of substance abuse.
As the former Coordinator of the Nigerian Youth Leadership (NYL) FCT chapter, he has demonstrated consistent dedication to structured youth governance and capacity-building. He served as the Face of Sapphirescents, further amplifying his reach as a brand ambassador and public figure. Held several Speaking engagements on Photography, Video editing, adaptive reasoning and most especially Artificial Intelligence in the 21st Century.
Oluwatobi is a committed Born-again Child of God. And have been opportune to serve in different capacity as; Youth Leader ECWA Igbaja DCC, Youth Leader Offa LYC, Youth CAN Wing, Hosted the Ember Month Concert across the state for seven years,- between 2008 and 2015.
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AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Youth Ambassador of the Year EVA (Empowering Achievers – Recognising his Outstanding Impact On Youth Development).
Most Outstanding Photographer (North Central Presitigious Awards – Celebrated for exceptional Technical & Artistic Excellence).
Diaspora Award Best Photographer Of The Year (International Recognition of his photography at the Global Diaspora Level).
Most Creative Photographer of the Year Kwara State (Awarded for Innovative & Groundbreaking Visual Creativity  by KVA).
Best Photographer of the Year Kwara State (Nominated Three Consecutive years in a row – an unparalleled feat in the State).
Best Photographer of the Year – NANS Award (National Association of Nigerian Students – the highest student-conferred photography honour.
FSB & Award Of Commendation (Mainframe Film & Media Institute MFMI – Personally conferred by Tunde Kelani).
First African Union Ambassador Kwara State – (Continental Appointment Recognising Continental Leadership & Youth Advocacy Impact.
Golden Award by Kwara State Vendors Award (Alex Award as a trailblazer in the state in media and inspiring younger people to pursue excellence in photography & Filmmaking).
FORBES Black Community Member (Inducted into the FORBES Black Community – Global Recognition of Enterprenuerial Excellence).
The Defining Philosophy of Oluwatobi Yeye-Irojah
“A Creative Think-Tank With Whom Normal Is Dead”

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