As the end of a decade rolls upon us, every publication worth its salt has published their “best of” list. Some kept it to 2019 while many others have gone the nostalgic route with poignant reviews of the decade.

 

When presented like that, it is always amazing to me all the memory flash backs it brings, how time seems to have flown by, and how things have changed. The end of the year is always great for introspection, evaluation, and plans for a new beginning—this year especially, as the decade winds down to its close.

I have been poring over these articles and opinions, and decided to add mine to the list. Ladies and gentlemen, in its inauguration year, I give you the ‘Oddbod People of The Year Awards – 2019’.

This is Oddbod and the City – My Lagos Adventure.

The Person of the Year award
GRETA THUNBERG

What a difference a year makes. This time last year, nobody had heard of this 16-year-old Swedish school girl/environmental activist who became so alarmed at the lack of action by her government and the world in general, to the climates global warming crisis she started protesting during school hours, by herself in front of the Swedish Parliament, with a sign that simply said “School Strike for the Climate”.
Everything about Greta is game changing; this year, she confidently and passionately addressed the UN Climate Action Summit in New York, was nominated for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, and is the youngest ever, Time Person of the Year.
“Until you start focusing on what needs to be done rather than what is politically possible, there is no hope. We can’t solve a crisis without treating it as a crisis” Greta said.

 

Role Model of the Year
ANTHONY JOSHUA

“Getting knocked down in life is a given. Getting up and moving forward is a choice.”
– Zig Ziglar
I promise I am not giving Anthony this award because of his amazing body or his cheeky smile (although Lord knows he deserves some sort of award for that). Joshua is a British (who thoroughly embraces his Nigerian roots) professional boxer who has put in the work, current stats 24 fights, 23 wins and 21 wins by KO.
Last year, he defended his unified heavyweight titles against a seemingly unfit Andy Ruiz Jr., and so you can imagine the collective gasp that went around the world when Joshua lost the fight.
The disappointment must have been crushing but I must hand it to him—this year he has been all about positive vibes and comporting himself like a champion, and did what champions do by taking it as a learning platform to up his game and win his belts back. And he did!
I love that Joshua has been reunited with all his belts. I look forward to the rise and rise of this young man because if you keep getting up after being knocked down, YOU CANNOT LOSE!!

Entertainer of the Year
BURNA BOY

For effortlessly churning out hits that this girl loves to dance to, winning the 2019 BET award for Best International Artist and as my friend said, “Bringing home the Grammy.” That is me manifesting the Grammy for Best World Music Album 2020 for our Oluwaburna.

 

Sportsperson of the Year
MEGAN RAPINOE

“Someday a woman’s goal will be worth as much as a man.”
The captain of the US soccer team has won the World Cup four times with her team. The US women’s soccer team are currently fighting for equal working conditions and pay when representing their country, after all, they have been doing it better than the men so far.

There you have it for what its worth! All the folks that gave me all the textures and flavours of 2019.
For further information about my adventures check out my Instagram @le_oddbod.