Filmmakers pen down inspiring tribute for skillful cinematographer, Sesan Afolayan on birthday

By Oluwafemi Dosu

Millions of people who have seen gospel films produced in Nigeria might not know this man called Sesan Afolayan but I bet you have seen at least one film he shot or participated as crew.

This Ilorin-based cinematographer is a camera expert who knows his onions. Give him any camera to handle, he will handle it perfectly and give you outstanding result. His area of strength rages from Filmmaking, Documentary, TV Productions, Commercials, etc.

Skills as fondly called by colleagues in the industry/ministry is a tireless, inspirational & creative gospel film maker who started his film career in 2003 as an errand boy under veteran Cinematographer and the first man that shot gospel film in Nigeria, Evang. Kayode Oyebode Ojuoluwa (Kay Technical). Little wonder, Sesan played the role of ‘Kay Technical’ in d movie ‘The Train’ (Biography Film of Mike Bamiloye).

From errand boy, he graduated to Sound Man, promoted to Light Man then Director Of Photography (DOP). There are some secrets people don’t know about ‘Skill’: His passion for knowledge drove him to sold his blood at the hospital just to get money to attend a Drama Training organized by TRECOM in Ibadan.

According to a colleague, Evang. Promise Balogun both of them at a program don’t have money to eat. “Around 1am we could no longer hold the hunger, then we rushed to a house & begged a woman to give us gari. Skill, I can’t forget how you carried me on the road in Oshodi, Lagos when Okada (motorcycle) hit me that night on our way to Ibadan. I can’t forget our experience in Kaduna. I can’t forget how Mummy Olabimpe Adegboyega used to give us holy cooler every night at Taiwo in Ilorin when you were still under Mr. Niyi Omodara… More years with great grace, favour with God & men. Ore, I’m proud of you,” Balogun narrated.

In the same vein, another production partner and friend, Evang. Mayowa Samuel disclosed that: “I have known you from afar and from a close range, your love for God cum excellence spirit is super unique. You have been a shoulder to many and pillars to generations, no doubt you are a kingdom general. I celebrate your birth, may you destroy more calendar in life. Happy birthday and live long Sir in good Health and continuous will of God.

In another development, Evang. Kolawole Emmanuel in his congratulatory message sstated that: “Happy birthday to you SKILLMATOGRAPHY, heaven grown your new age with supernatural lifting, health and vitality in Jesus name,I celebrate you my brother. Congratulations.”

A statement released by a Film Producer, Evang. Olasunkanmi Solomon reads: “Words may fail me as they may not be enough and adequate to capture my mind about this icon called Sesan Afolayan popularly known as Skill. Your life has taught me that being a great man is not necessarily a function of age, money or material possessions but a function of impact.

“You are such a selfless, humble and diligent man. A lover of God and people per excellence. A man who is ready to give and sacrifice anything for others to get the best out of them. You condescend yourself to meet people of low estate even when God has taken you to great heights with great people.

“You are more than a friend or colleague to me but a brother and a destiny helper. I wish you all the best in life and in ministry. God will reward all your labour of love in His vineyard. And you shall yet conquer greater lands.

“I celebrate you today and always. Happy Birthday to a genius in film making. I love you so dearly.”

For her part, Bright noted that: “You are an Amazing brother and fun to be with. You are just an epitome of humbleness and zealousness. I pray you shall not miss your rewards here on earth and beyond. I celebrate grace upon your life Elder Skill.”

For her part, Mrs. Taiwo Solomon said: “I join my voice with the voice of others to celebrate this God’s general!. A man with a large heart, selfless, intelligent, creative, lover of the gospel, etc. You sacrificed all within your power to make people fulfilled and smile. You can do anything for the success of the gospel. Just as you fondly called SKILL! *You are skillful.* Words are not enough to express your personality. I pray for you this day that God will open a book of remembrance for your sake and this new phase of yours shall be the beginning of God’s glory in your life. Age gracefully sir.”

Evang Nike Akande stressed that Sesan is a destiny helper, a rugged achiever. He can climb trees, rocks,turn himself upside down just to get the right shot. “Goodness, mercy and favour will follow you in Jesus name. Happy birthday.”

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