Toke Makinwa Opens Up About Turning 40, Shares Encouragement from D’Banj and IK Osakioduwa
Nigerian media personality and self-proclaimed ‘baby girl for life’ Toke Makinwa is approaching her 40th birthday with mixed emotions. On her latest episode of Toke Moments, she candidly discussed her apprehensions about reaching this milestone and shared advice she received from D’Banj and IK Osakioduwa.
Toke revealed her initial reluctance to celebrate, influenced by a conversation with D’Banj. She recounted:
“I’m turning a considerable age this year and nervous. I started the year saying I didn’t want to do anything. D’Banj called me and said, ‘Don’t do a birthday! Did I do my birthday? Did Don Jazzy do his birthday? Who shouted when they turned 40? Don’t do any birthday! They will retire you.’ I laughed and thought, ‘Dapo, what do you mean?'”
Reflecting on how age perceptions change, Toke said, “When I fill forms, it’s different. We used to tick the boxes for ages 18-25 quickly, then 25-35. After 35, it feels like a more reluctant choice.”
Offering reassurance, presenter IK Osakioduwa, who recently turned 45, shared his perspective:
“Thou shall not be nervous. I am 45, I just turned 45. And I’m still doing this thing. They can’t retire you. There is a stage where you worry about your age, but I’ve transitioned to a space where I’m not just a presenter, but a platform for other presenters. I aim to create opportunities and measure success by the lives I’ve impacted, not just by awards.”
Both Toke and IK’s reflections highlight the evolving nature of career and identity in the media industry as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of aging.
