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Olajumoke Orisaguna is back to selling bread

The Internet sensation and new model Olajumoke Orisaguna needs to have her future secured so that she does not go back into poverty. 
 

Olajumoke Orisaguna

 Photos of the Internet sensation Olajumoke Orisaguna as the ambassador of Shirley’s Confectionery.
In several of the photos Olajumoke Orisaguna is grinning as she holds loafs of bread. This might feel like a hurray moment for the new model but beneath the thinly veined photos come an unsettling chill.

 Olajumoke Orisaguna

Olajumoke Orisaguna was picked from the streets selling bread, and right now she is selling bread again. Yeah she is making more money as the face of Shirley’s Confectionery but how much is more? Is it enough to lift her and her family from poverty?
I hate to be a cynic but someone has to do it. Olajumoke Orisaguna’s peddling for Shirley’s Confectionery won’t do much for her. Yeah she will get paid for the gig but the money won’t last for long. It is better for a man to be taught how to fish instead of receiving little fishes.
Posing for the camera and selling a product is not empowering. The brand gets exposure and more money than the model whose narrative has been hijacked for profit. Any brand or company that is really interested in Olajumoke’s story, rise and narrative should empower her so that she never falls into the pit of poverty. Giving her a cheque that will be split in more than two ways has little effect.

 

Olajumoke Orisaguna on stage with VP's wife, Dolapo Osinbajo

A bright idea that would benefit her is in the creation of her own line of bread preferably called ‘Olajumoke’ bread and sold to the mass market. Everyone is a sucker for a grass to grace story. People will line up just to buy the bread. Proceeds from the sales should be split accordingly; a percentage for the company, a percentage to Olajumoke, and the remaining percentage to a trust fund.

Olajumoke Orisaguna at IWD event

A trust fund should be created for Olajumoke Orisaguna. A percentage of every commercial venture she is involved in should be placed in the trust fund. A creation of a trust fund would help ensure not only Olajumoke’s future but that of her kids.

Standing in front of a camera and selling a product is temporary. There is no safety net in that. Models are here today and gone tomorrow. It will be a shame if Olajumoke goes back to hawking on the streets. Her story should be eternal, and permanent and not a side note. There are so many celebrities who have endorsed products and are broke today. What makes Olajumoke special?

 Olajumoke Orisaguna for Style Mania

In celebrating Olajumoke Orisaguna’s story we should not forget about the harsh realities of life. If the public interest in her wanes what can she fall on that will ensure her future?