Inside a Model: Progress Udoh
Progress Udoh is a fine, well-built Nigerian who took a liking for vocations that appear complex for an average Nigerian; like in musical instruments and the chemistry of computers. He had his secondary education from F.G.C Ogbomoso in Oyo State, went for a short programme in Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife before he now took solace in Vietnam, in South Asia. What led to his travelling is what we are about to find out.
PENDULUM: So, Mr Progress, can you give Pendulum a brief introduction of yourself and what led to your travelling?
Mr Progress: Thanks; at present, I live in Vietnam as you mentioned earlier. Far back as I can remember (primary school) I liked to investigate things such that I ended up damaging a lot of electronic items in the house to really understand the working principles. I took a pre-degree program at O.A.U, before going for a diploma program in Computing. I applied for a top-up abroad and chose Asia because of the economic growth and development in the area of Computing. I am presently doing a master’s degree program in ICT (Environmental Decision Support System)
PENDULUM: So, how long have you been in the field of music and what drives your passion for that?
Mr Progress: I have always had a passion to understand the magic of devices. I played music when I was very young I do sing at the church, and my parents taught me the piano which I abandoned for a while until 2005. I officially enrolled for a music diploma in 2006. During that time, I learnt the guitar as a new instrument and mastered the piano due to previous knowledge of it. So professionally, I have been in music for 7 years. I believe my passion for music is beyond the fact that I like to do wonderful things with the instrument. My passion is that over the years I have discovered I have to be accountable.
PENDULUM: Wow, that’s mind-blowing! It seems to be that you had an interesting childhood, which explains the aspect of your parent having time to take you on piano lessons. In this post-modern world, I will say it is not all children that enjoy that especially here in Nigeria. So you are lucky if you will allow me because I feel it gave birth to the talent in you! I hope you agree with me.
Mr Progress: Yes, I agree with you and you can say that again.
PENDULUM: …And have you performed in any function aside church?
Mr Progress: Yes. I have performed at other functions before and still do but I predominantly play in the church. Actually, the classes were not as friendly as it sounds now. I can still recall moments when my father would look at me with a funny gesture and smack me for playing wrong notes. I guess it worked the greater good. At least I can say that it served as leverage getting into music early. However, my parent played music so it was probably the reason he made me learn it.
PENDULUM: How many instruments do you know how to play and which of them do you play with ease and do you intend to eke out a living from music?
Mr Progress: I play the Bass guitar, Acoustic and Lead guitar. I love to play the Acoustic guitar with ease. I don’t intend to live on music. I like to impact knowledge so teaching is not absolutely ruled out. In total, 4 instruments including the piano.
PENDULUM: One could possibly imagine that a dashing, purposeful young guy like you wouldn’t be without a girlfriend or better put a fiancee. Pendulum Magazine will want to know when you want us to grace your wedding as the MC and Event planner.
Mr Progress: (Laughs) Well, I’m single and would certainly inform Pendulum when that moment comes. I am presently doing my masters? Degree in ICT (Environmental Decision Support system)?? those are your words. What does E.D.S.S. entail and when will you round off? E.D. S.S. is basically the combination of Decision Support System (DSS) which is computer-centric and has to do with decision making, management and effects of ICT with its relationship to the environment.
PENDULUM: As a young man, have you ever had any embarrassing moment experienced in Vietnam as an Africa- Nigerian man which you will like to share with Pendulum Magazine?
Mr Progress: Embarrassing moment in Vietnam was on a Friday I went shopping, bought a lot of stuff and got to the cashier with my Naira Master card and it didn’t respond. I was cashless (actually, not enough cash to pay for what I bought). Also another embarrassing moment abroad was when I travelled on break to Cambodia and I was treated less than everybody and my passport was checked a thousand and one times.
PENDULUM: Most passion-driven Nigerians who are studying abroad like you have the mentality of staying permanently with the excuse that Nigeria is a bad country. Do you also share that mentality?
Mr Progress: Well, certain facts exist about the state of Nigeria at present but views differ. However, I am proudly Nigerian and I have a vision to be of help and make In brief, what will you tell the youths like you out there? a difference with my life to my country. Well, the only thing I can say to the youths is to think of how we can all think together to make this world a better place, Nigeria inclusive.
PENDULUM: Finally, it’s been a nice day with you all along. But how do you feel being the current inside model of Pendulum Magazine?
Mr Progress: It sounds great to me and I equally feel privileged It’s a great brand and I believe in it. Being associated with Pendulum Magazine is an awesome experience.
PENDULUM: Wow. Thanks and that’s all on the interview. It was actually a wonderful time?
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