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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, officer, Shem Obafiaye, who went popular for the his viral ‘Oga At The Top’ remark, has opened up about the interview, saying the aftermath of it affected him psychologically.
Recall that in 2013, Obafiaye, who at that time was the Lagos Commandant of the NSCDC, gained widespread attention during an appearance on a Television programme.
When asked to provide the NSCDC’s website, Obafaiye replied, “The website is… excuse me… wait… it can only be made known by my Oga at the top,” pointing skywards and smiling broadly.
Ten years after, Obafiaye has opened up about the remark which led to humorous memes, danceable tunes, and ‘Oga At The Top’ emblazoned on T-shirts.
When asked if the interview that resulted in his deployment affected him psychologically, he said: “Definitely, it has to because I had never gone through such in my life, but with the words of my cousin, ‘I know you have a future; if you are ready for national recognition, be ready for national embarrassment, harassment, and insults’.”
“Immediately after the interview—and I was changed—my principal, who is my commandant general, just asked me to rest. I was at home for one month rest before they moved me to Oyo State Command,” Obafiaye said.
Speaking of the impact on his family, Obafiaye revealed that his son often came home, mentioning being called ‘Oga at the Top’ by classmates.
In spite of this, the former Lagos Commandant of the NSCDC emphasised that it was part of the experience, not a crime, and that he had not faced any negative consequences.
On the reactions of his colleagues and superiors, Obafiaye made it known that they did not respond negatively.
He expressed forgiveness to those who made caricatures with the video and acknowledged the influence of social media in what he called the new age.
After ten years, Shem Obafiaye was last week promoted to the rank of Deputy Commandant-General but revealed that he has retired from service.
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