Photography transcends the mere technicality of operating and handling a camera, it is a nuanced and symbolic art that captures the essence of life, evokes emotions, and tells profound stories.
Beyond the lens of a camera lies a world of storytelling, and for Mr. Ogundipe Edward Adekunle, this world has been his passion for over four decades. As a photography expert at Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Mr. Ogundipe's journey is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and a love for capturing life's symbolic moments.
Born in Ipetu-Ijesha, Osun state, Mr. Ogundipe joined Federal Polytechnic Ilaro on April 28, 1982. His connection with the camera was discovered and nurtured by the institution's pioneer Rector, Dr. Tayo Ogunbadejo. This chance encounter would set Mr. Ogundipe on a path that would define his life's work.
For Mr. Ogundipe, photography is more than just taking pictures; it's an art form that tells profound stories. His commitment to his craft is evident in his words: "I prefer to lose my life than lose an exposure that tells a symbolic story." This passion has earned him a reasonable income, allowing him to live comfortably and support his children's education.
Furthermore, Mr. Ogundipe’s bold approach to photography, exemplified by his ‘High risk, high reward’ mentality, yielded remarkable results. Notably, he was the sole photographer to capture the most poignant moment during the 2012 installation of Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro. Additionally, he holds the distinction of taking the first-ever camera shot of Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, a testament to his pioneering spirit and dedication to his craft.
However, Mr. Ogundipe's journey has not been without its challenges. He recalls being assaulted by military personnel during President Shehu Shagari's visit to the Polytechnic on April 28, 1983. Despite being hospitalized for 21 days, Mr. Ogundipe's dedication to his craft remained unwavering, and he managed to capture symbolic shots before losing consciousness.
Throughout his career, Mr. Ogundipe has covered numerous notable events, including the visits of former Presidents ShehuShagari and Muhammadu Buhari. His experiences serve as a testament to his endurance and commitment to visual storytelling.
As Mr. Ogundipe looks back on his illustrious career, he offers sage advice to aspiring professionals: "Whatever is worth doing, is worth doing well." This philosophy has guided him throughout his life, both personally and professionally.
On a personal note, Mr. Ogundipe is a devoted family man, married with five children, two of whom hold PhDs, while the others are master's degree holders.
Mr. Ogundipe's remarkable journey and legacy in the world of photography and storytelling serve as a beacon of inspiration, and evidence that with passion, dedication, and perseverance, one can create a lasting impact in any field.
Written by: David Azubuike & David Edeki
