Nigerian filmmaker and media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo recently made a bold claim on the KK Show, a statement that speaks volumes about his remarkable journey. This isn’t just a tale of early homeownership; it’s a glimpse into the drive and dedication that have defined Jideonwo’s meteoric rise in Nigeria’s dynamic media landscape.
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@teewhyjane This season premieres with one of Nigeria's top media personalities @chudeity. This episode is an electrifying episode you wouldn't want to miss out on. Release date: Saturday 26th April 2025 📹 EO
♬ original sound – Oluwatoyin Janet
Born Ifechukwude Osanedum Jideonwo on March 16, 1985(now 40), his foray into media began remarkably early. By the age of 13, he had already penned his first novel, a testament to his innate storytelling abilities. This early spark ignited a flame that would see him navigate various facets of the media industry with impressive speed and impact.
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His formal career took off in 2001, starting as a Production Coordinator at Inside Out with Agatha. He quickly ascended, becoming the Associate Producer and Head of Special Projects for New Dawn with Funmi Iyanda by 2002. These formative years provided him with invaluable experience in television production, laying the groundwork for his future ventures.
The turning point came with the co-founding of RED | For Africa, a media and communication powerhouse that Jideonwo established with Adebola Williams. Under their leadership, RED became a significant force in shaping narratives around social movements and national elections across several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Sierra Leone, and Senegal. This impactful work earned RED the prestigious African Business of the Year award, placing them alongside industry giants.
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Even amidst this demanding trajectory, Jideonwo’s entrepreneurial spirit continued to blossom. He later co-founded Joy, Inc., a human flourishing company focused on promoting mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This venture reflects his deep-seated commitment to creating positive impact beyond the media sphere.
In 2020, Jideonwo launched #WithChude, a multimedia platform centered around insightful and deeply personal conversations with African leaders and celebrities. The podcast quickly gained immense popularity, becoming syndicated across multiple regional networks and solidifying his position as a leading voice in African media.
His accomplishments haven’t gone unnoticed. Jideonwo has been recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, CNBC Young Business Leader of the Year, an Archbishop Desmond Tutu Fellow, and a Yale University World Fellow. His expertise has also been sought by global organizations such as Meta, Google, the Gates Foundation, and the African Union, where he has advised on media strategy, democracy, and human rights.
Owning his first home at 24 is a significant milestone that underscores Jideonwo’s early ambition and success. It’s a powerful symbol of the dedication he brought to his burgeoning career, a testament to the fact that with vision and hard work, significant achievements are possible at a young age. Chude Jideonwo’s journey is a compelling narrative of a young Nigerian who, through passion and perseverance, has risen to become a formidable force in media and beyond, inspiring many along the way.
