Nigerian media personality Chude Jideonwo has shared an unexpected experience from the 2023 edition of The Future Awards Africa, where a security guard reportedly blocked him from entering an event he had organised.

In a chit-chat interview with NollyWire, Chude explained that the bouncer did not recognise him and demanded to see his invitation (IV), not knowing he was the organiser of the event.

“I was at The Future Awards Africa in 2023, and the bouncer bounced me because he didn’t know it was my event. He was like, ‘Where’s your IV?’ And I was like, ‘Oh, really? Where is my IV?’ He said, ‘Move aside,’” he said.

He remembered how bystanders at the venue eventually identified him and informed the security guard that he was the one who put the event together.

Chude said that even though the bouncer apologised once he realised his error, he took no offence. On the contrary, he felt a sense of pride that the event had become so big that even its founder could be stopped at the door.

“People were shouting, ‘It’s his event! It’s his event!’ He was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m so sorry, sir.’ I wasn’t upset; I was proud. When they bounce me, it means I had built something so big I could be bounced from it,” he added.

The media entrepreneur said the experience deepened his commitment to building things that outlive the moment, noting that he wants to create enduring projects that do not revolve around him alone.

His story underscored his outlook on establishing lasting institutions and leaving behind a legacy that goes beyond one person’s lifetime.