Words by- Josephine Agbonkhese

Barely three years since he took his passion for creativity into the social media space, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, popularly known as Eni, has warmed his way into the hearts of many, both locally and internationally.

A writer, public speaker, art director, media and communications specialist, Adeoluwa’s fast rise to fame as one of Nigeria’s most influential content creators comes as no surprise.

By age 18 while still a 400-level undergraduate, he had founded a media services company, Trinkedin, and was at the same time, working as a dancer, actor, and director.
By age 19, he had graduated with a first-class degree in Theatre and Media Arts from the Ekiti State University. A year before, he had won the National Prize as Best Director for the Nigerian Universities Theatre Arts Festival, NUTAF; making him the award’s youngest recipient.

Adeoluwa, who is currently studying for his PhD, holds a Master’s in Marketing Communications from the Pan-Atlantic University School of Media and Communications.

Currently the European Union’s Ambassador to Africa, he is also brand ambassador to a number of local and international brands.

Adeoluwa who stands out for his unique love for education development, food, beauty and skincare, has, in his kitty already, loads of awards and recognitions. He was named Best Dressed Male at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards, AMVCA, and was also honoured with an Award of Excellence by the University of Lagos Investment Society.

In this interview, the Lipstick Boy, as he has been nicknamed by his teeming fans, shares with Allure his work, childhood, lifestyle and more.

You have become a household name as an influencer and content creator. How did your journey into the space begin?

My journey into the space of content creating and influencing began in 2020 when the COVID-19 lockdown was rounding-off. I was studying for my Master’s at that time and used to be a very strict beauty content creator. I created a particular content and it went viral. I, however, think what’s most interesting for me is the fact that as an influencer, you grow from just creating contents to becoming one who influences people in their way of life. Everybody around me is either living happier, learning a lesson or a new skill or thing. It makes the world a better place for us all.

What was your experience trying to break even and what platform made that happen?
I will say Instagram because I had my first viral video on Instagram. Tiktok was also very beneficial but I wasn’t paying as much attention to it at that time. To break even, I constantly had to look for something different and unique. That keeps the memory of you lingering in people’s minds, and then they try to know you and follow you.

You are already a brand ambassador for top brands and international organisations barely four years after university; what would you consider the turning point for your brand?

That should be when I had my first ambassadorship deal with Crocs. That changed a lot, really. Then I became an ambassador for the European Union; you know, working with global organisations and traveling all over the world. It is really exciting and fun.

You are changing beauty ideals for men with your skincare/beauty contents; why do you think men are supposed to also wear makeup and care for their skin?
Men are supposed to stay handsome; that is what I would say. I am not sure of makeup because I do not think everybody likes makeup as much. If you want to do makeup, however, I will say, please do. I do not count brown powder or lipgloss as makeup. Or like using foundation on set; that is a different case though. Like I tell people, powder is not makeup; it is just necessary. I do not know whether what I do specifically tries to change the ideals of men’s makeup; I just share what I love.
On a more serious note, I think men should be comfortable in themselves and learn to stay handsome. Let your skin glow like nobody is troubling you. I think the ideal expectation about men is definitely changing. Men are more at peace with themselves. I am necessarily not just talking about your facial outlook but also your inner mind and everything that concerns you.

Do you not fear you might be perceived as being gay in this part of the world?
I am not worried about what people say about me because if we existed in a world where we cared about what people said about us, we would not live.

What inspired this love for skincare/beauty?
That should be my mum. My mum was my go-to fashion and beauty personality. Being a pastor though, she was not using makeup as much but used to care a lot for her skin, using traditional rudiments. I was always fascinated by them and would go around to sneak some into my skin. I think that sparked my interest for beauty.

Let us talk about your display of love for food; do you really eat that much?
Oh my God! Ys, I love food (Laughs). I really eat a lot. I need to cut it down a little. I just do not want to become a glutton.

How has been your experience as an EU-Africa Ambassador?
My experience as been one of a call to service; an opportunity to help people, experience new things and see people for who they are. It is something I craved for and really enjoying doing. It puts a new perspective to life for me; you are helping people and putting joy on their faces, as well as working on policies, trying new stuffs and campaigns that help people live better lives.

Did you envisage hitting fame so quickly?
I like the essence of work but I am not sure I set out aiming at fame. I, however, really wanted to be known for my talent because I had worked on stage with theatre and could do so many stuffs. I could be funny, I could sing and also dance. However, you know, fame is one of the rewards of showing your talents.

You graduated as a first-class Theatre Arts student; whose decision was it for you to study Theatre Arts?
It was my own decision. My parents actually wanted me to study Law. I was going to go to the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, but they had an age restriction because I entered university at 14. So, I had to go to Ekiti State University because Theatre Arts was just starting there.
I am grateful for parents who supported me and I think that is one thing anyone can have. Everything feels better when you have supportive parents.

What causes are you most passionate about right now and why?

My main focus right now is education and getting enough people to care for education. That is because young people, especially in this country, now have their focus on money and social media fame, making a lot of them neglect education. I am passionate about education and I am studying for my PhD currently.

How is it going with your #GetThemToSchoolCampaign?
The campaign is growing pretty well. We have been able to pay school fees for some people and offer scholarships. Right now, we are also working on a sub-campaign, #WhenWeRead, to encourage young people to pick up their books, whether physical or digital, and read more. We have been trying to distribute 5,000 books and I have partnered a dear friend of mine, Hilda Baci, to do that. I think it is one of the most exciting things to do. At the end of the day, I think one thing that makes you like going to bed at night, happy, is when you do something you know has impacted so many people’s lives.

Your constant show of solidarity and support for your colleagues during critical times is remarkable; is this a personal trait?
I think I grew up that way. I remember I would pack all of the provisions in our house and go give to the stewards outside. I just thought it was really nice to show love. My grandmother always thought me something that when you have, you should give and when you give, you will receive. It is just really effortless to give. My friends are very good people; nobody will not want to help them at critical times.

What is a typical day in your life like as a content creator?

Some days, I am just on set working. Other days, most likely on Mondays, I am creating my own contents. On Tuesdays, I do like a self-care which is essential for me because I have to always look good and clean.
I visit friends a lot; which is very true because I like to be surrounded by love. If I am not gisting with Tobi then I am with Hilda or hanging out at Seyi’s, or even just somewhere having fun. Sometimes, I am at home sleeping.

Where do you look to for inspiration?
In terms of career inspiration and branding, I look up to Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry. They are the people I envision my career to be like. They have done it all and have constantly put up such good work.

What aspect of your childhood shaped your personality?
I would say church because I grew up in church and was in the choir. Church is your first introduction to a lot of things that relate to the arts such as music, drama, etc. My parents also contributed to shaping my personality. They are actually pastors and are still very attentive to me. They are one of my favourite people in the world!

Who has influenced your life the most?
I look up to so many people in terms of influence; from watching videos of Oprah who I love dearly, to reading books such as hers all the time, constantly motivate me. I am also, always, very influenced by my parents. I know this might sound cliché but these are people who have done a fantastic work.

What is the most interesting thing about being a content creator?

I think it is the new ideas; watching that idea come to life, seeing it, as well as all the processes that go in-between, is one of the most fascinating thing about being a creator.

How do you relax?
I watch movies and read books. I also hang out with my friends a lot.

What book are you reading now?
I am currently reading a novel which I began yesterday. It is called Sanya by Oyin Olugbile. It is her debut novel and it is quite interesting.

Describe your beauty routine?
Basically, I wash my face, get my moisturiser on and wear my sunscreen in the morning. I ensure I wash my face before I go to bed. I actually have a long routine.

What beauty product can you not do without?
I will like to say powder. I like my brown powder and my lipgloss, and I go around with them.

Top holiday destination on your list and why?
I really liked Paris and I would love to go back there. I have never been to Italy but would love to go there; and of course, I would like to relocate to South Africa because new culture means new exciting times.

Describe your personal style…
My personal style is very formal but not formal; colours, beauty, clean lips and heels because they make me feel more powerful.

Who is your global style icon?
I really like Denola Grey’s fashion sense; he dresses so nicely. My experience is full of different fashion-forward people.

Your goals for the next five years?

To be more recognised in Africa and the world and to have my PhD in my hand.