Kelvin Atobiloye, popularly known as Kelvin Power, speaks with NAOMI CHIMA about his journey as a bodyguard, bodybuilder, and actor

How did the nickname, “Kelvin Power” come about?

They call me Kelvin Power because, lifting heavy things has always been my hobby. It’s not that I’m the strongest person, but I chose a very unique career. Lifting weights is something special, and I thank God for His grace. A friend of mine actually coined that name when he wanted to create another Instagram page for me. He suggested Kelvin Power, and that was how the name came about.

When you were growing up, did you always want to be a heavyweight lifter or bodyguard?

When I was in Ondo State, there was someone we called “the boss.” He used to bully us. There were three of us who played together, and the boss would challenge us, saying whoever lifted the heaviest weight would take the glory. Naturally, all of us wanted to win, so we kept lifting. At that time, I didn’t realise God was guiding me toward something bigger.

Later, when I moved to Lagos, I visited a friend and saw him lifting weights at the back of his house. I was physically bigger than him, so I thought I could lift the same. But when I tried, I couldn’t. Everyone laughed at me. I was angry and told him that the next time I came back, he wouldn’t come close to what I would lift. That anger pushed me to the gym. I could train eight times a day. Every opportunity I had, I was in the gym. That friend doesn’t lift anymore, but by the grace of God, I’m still keeping the glory.

Tell us about your childhood and family background.

I am from both Ondo and Ekiti states, and I claim both because I can’t tell a good story without mentioning them. I come from a well-known family in my hometown. I’m the sixth of eight children. Unfortunately, my parents have passed, but if they were alive, they would be proud of who I am today. My mum, however, lived to see me lifting weights before she passed.

Take us through your educational trajectory.

I didn’t originally plan to become a bodyguard. My educational background is in law, which is a highly respected profession. I am a law graduate from the Ekiti State University. But, as God would have it, here I am today. I am planning to complete my law school abroad soon, and that plan is almost within reach.

After finishing law school, would you continue in entertainment or focus fully on being a lawyer?

Law and weightlifting are two separate things. Acting is another path entirely. For me, I believe it’s possible to combine different talents. I will continue to grow in the areas where God gives me opportunities, whether in law, security work, or entertainment.

What first drew you into professional security and bodyguard work?

My journey into professional security came naturally from my physique and my passion for lifting. Over time, I connected with people in the industry, including Kizz Daniel, and that shaped my career in bodyguard work. I have also worked with several notable personalities, including (billionaire businessman) Mike Adenuga.

How did you meet Kizz Daniel?

It was through a referral after I lost my job with Adenuga. A security company was asked to provide a bodyguard, but they rejected all the candidates they sent. Someone then recommended me, and that was how it started.

There were rumours that he relieved you of your job?

Can a body leave his heart? No! I still work with my boss (Daniel). I love him and we are good. People just like to talk.

Being a bodyguard means your life can be at risk. Does that worry you about your family?

My protection comes from God, and I always do my best. I love my family and children very much. It can be challenging because sometimes hanging out with them is difficult. Even when we go out together, I am still alert and protective. Balancing family life with my job isn’t easy, but I do my best.

How did you get into acting, and what roles are dear to your heart?

I had been creating skits but one day I got a call from Bolanle Austin-Peters’ personal assistant inviting me for a movie project. That was my first experience. When I arrived, I didn’t even know it was an audition. I saw many actors and bodybuilders. They gave me a script to read, and I did, unaware it was an audition.

Later, I was told I would be part of the movie. It was a big experience because I met established actors like Odunlade Adekola, Femi Adebayo, and Funke Akindele. I was unsure of what I was doing, so I spoke to a colleague on set. He told me to do my best, and that advice stuck.

When it was my turn, I performed in my own way. Since I was to fight in the movie, I shouted, and by God’s grace, it was accepted. That marked the beginning of my acting journey. I return all the glory to God. The movie was House of Gaa.

What are some misconceptions about you as a professional security guard?

Many people think I’m a gym monster, that I eat flesh, or that I’m a vampire. No, I’m not. I have a life outside my job. If you know me outside work, you’ll see I’m a simple, lovely guy. I believe in family, friendship, and supporting others. People may look at me as a demon, but I know myself. I’m a sweet guy.

What skills are required to succeed as a celebrity bodyguard?

First, you must ignore material temptations. Your boss may leave money or expensive items around, but as a bodyguard, your job is to protect life and property. Don’t be greedy. Discipline is key.

Second, humility is essential. It doesn’t cost anything to be humble. Humility makes it easier to protect and work with people. And you must be professional. That’s how it works.

Have you ever handled dangerous situations on duty?

Many times. Every challenge reminds me of how loving God is. He has protected me through countless situations. I have faced guns, knives, and broken glass. This job is hard and dangerous, but I have no regrets.

How do you balance being protective while remaining approachable to fans?

I am a simple guy. I love meeting people. When fans approach me, it’s a blessing. I always return the respect, and give glory to God.

How do you maintain close relationships with your children and loved ones?

Kelvin is a sweet guy. Don’t worry, my people love me.

What comes naturally to you—performing on screen or working as security?

Wherever I’m paid to work, I give my best. It doesn’t matter the job.

Has your experience as a bodyguard helped your acting, especially in action roles?

Yes, it has. My security experience helps me perform action roles more convincingly.

How do you prepare your body and mind to stay in top shape?

I stay ready at all times. Whether for acting or protection, preparation is key.

What values from your heritage do you carry into your professional life?

We are strong people who hate to be cheated. We are stubborn but not lazy or wicked. I embody these values daily.

Do you see yourself transitioning fully into acting, or will security remain part of your identity?

Yes, I see myself acting more, but being a bodyguard will always be part of who I am.

Do you have any desire to settle down, since you’re a lover boy with kids?

I don’t want to talk about that, but I’m already settled (laughs).

There was a rumour about you and Portable in the ring. What happened?

It was an advert for a real estate company. People said Portable beat me (laughs). When he saw he was supposed to wrestle me, he refused and said I should fight Anthony Joshua instead. I fell and pretended he beat me. We were both paid.

You’ve spoken a lot about spirituality. When did you embrace God fully?

Around 10 years ago. After leaving Adenuga’s compound, I was going to bury my mum. I had spent all my money and felt empty. I went to a (prayer) mountain to clear my head. That was the best decision I ever made. God has always been at the centre of my life, and He saved me.

How did you lose your job with the Adenugas?

I was working with Adenuga’s daughter, Bella, but it seemed nothing I did pleased her. One day, she sent me back to her father’s compound. I then started working with (Mike) Adenuga directly. But, she still had issues with me, so I eventually had to leave.

Mention three things you love that people may not know about you.

I read, watch movies, and listen to music by my boss, Kizz Daniel.

What is your favorite food?

Pounded yam and egusi soup.

How do you relieve stress and relax?

I sleep.

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Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has said that at 89 years, he won’t die anytime soon.

He condemned those circulating a fake letter in which he was purportedly speaking about his death, saying they were only wasting their time because “I dey Kampe.”

The former president disclosed this on Wednesday while delivering a colloquium titled “Burden and Blessing of Leadership: Reflections from Global Africa to the World” held as part of the ceremonies lined up to mark his 89th birthday in Abeokuta.

Obasanjo was born on March 6, 1937.

The former president said at 89 years he had no doubt that God did not make a mistake to keep him alive and reasonably healthy at his age.

He slammed those wishing him dead, saying he would remain on the earth surface agile and healthy for as long as his Creator wanted.

“For my final note in this address, I want to point your attention to the work of some never-do-well.

“They publish and circulate a fake paper credited to me that I am writing, giving notice of my death, pafuka.

“That is their wish and surely not God’s wish for me. God has assured me that He has more for me to do on earth, and He has given me the wherewithal to do it.

“And those who wish otherwise are going to be dealt with by God Himself. I dey kampe as usual,” the former President said.

Earlier, the former President had lamented the leadership crisis that he said had, for decades, stifled Africa’s development, growth, and economic prosperity.

“Africa is not a problem to be managed but a promise to be fulfilled through honest, courageous, selfless, incorruptible and transformational leadership,” he said.

He explained that genuine leadership carried immense burdens, citing his own incarceration and near execution under the military junta of the late Gen Sani Abacha as part of that burden.

Highlighting Africa’s unrealised potential, he said, “By every measure of natural endowment, Africa should be a continent of prosperity, stability, peace, security and global influence.

“Instead, a major part of the continent remains a theatre of preventable disease and suffering, starvation, conflict, insecurity and poverty.”

Obasanjo identified leadership failure, not geography or history, as the primary cause.

“The primary cause is the failure of those entrusted with power to lead for the people and serve them rather than against them; to build institutions rather than subvert them; to welcome accountability rather than flee from it, to ensure equity and justice rather than enthrone injustice, inequality and inequity.”

He warned that many leaders arrive with promises but soon govern for personal or familial gain, undermine democracy, and erode institutions.

“The same young reformer who promised accountability begins to silence the press, harass the judiciary, and intimidate civil society.

“All institutions become perverted only to serve the interest of the leader, his family, political accomplices and business interests,” he said.

To close the leadership gap, Obasanjo stressed the need for leadership formation, not just training.

“We must invest not only in teaching leaders what to do, but in forming leaders who are constituted and imbued with attributes and values to do the job the right way,” he said.

The former President urged young Africans to take democracy seriously and commit to governance that is accountable, transformational, transparent, and oriented toward the common good.

“A continent that fails its youth does not merely waste a generation; it plants the seeds of instability that will haunt the next several generations,” he said.

Reflecting on personal leadership experiences, Obasanjo described the loneliness and moral weight of decision-making, from commanding troops in the Nigerian Civil War to serving as Nigeria’s President from 1999 to 2007.

“The loneliness I speak of is the loneliness of final decision… your decision will affect millions of lives. That weight settles on one pair of shoulders – the leader’s shoulders,” he explained.

“I remember a few days before the Nigerian Civil War ended in January 1970. I was commanding the Third Marine Commando Division.

“My troops were positioned for the final push. Hundreds of thousands of Igbo civilians were trapped, starving, dying. On one side was the imperative of ending the war quickly to stop further suffering.

“On the other was the risk that a military advance would deepen the humanitarian catastrophe. No textbook told me what to do. No senior officer was going to make that call. It was mine alone. I made it. We saved lives by not shelling Owerri.  History has rendered its verdict,” he said.

He stated that a leader also carried the burden of being the repository of other people’s hopes — hopes that are often larger than any human being can satisfy.

Obasanjo said that “When I was elected President in 1999, the Nigerian people had endured years of military dictatorship, economic stagnation, and institutional decay.

“They did not elect a president, some of them thought; they elected a miracle performer. And when the miracle did not arrive in full measure overnight — as it never can — I could hear the murmurs of some of them. This is the burden: to be elevated by hope and measured by time, often simultaneously.

The former President said that with leadership also comes the burden of principle, adding that “True leadership requires the willingness to hold a position when it is unpopular, to say no when yes would be more convenient, to name a truth that powerful interests wish suppressed.

“This costs friendships. It costs alliances. It sometimes costs your freedom — as I learned in the prison under Sani Abacha, where I was held for three and a half years, tried before a kangaroo tribunal, and very nearly executed.”

He also highlighted the blessings of leadership, citing achievements such as Paris Club debt relief and the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to recover stolen public funds.

“The blessing of having done the right thing when doing the wrong thing would have been easier. That is the first blessing of leadership: the opportunity for moral self-definition. Not who others say you are,” he said.

On his personal well-being, Obasanjo affirmed that he remained strong at 89 and condemned those spreading false news of his death.

“God has assured me He has more for me to do on earth, and He has given me the wherewithal to do it. I dey kampe as usual,” he added.

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The Niger State Government has decried the paucity of data to aid research in health conditions affecting women.

It urged health-related agencies and the federal government to deploy resources as well as funds to build up a database to enhance research into the health conditions of the black woman.

The Niger State Commissioner for Health, Murtala Bagana, made this known during a stakeholders’ engagement and media interaction on the need to prioritise women’s menstrual and reproductive health through evidence-based research and policy leadership put together by Youterus Health in collaboration with White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria

In a chat with newsmen, Bagana lamented what he termed “years of inadequate attention to women’s health by policymakers and government institutions”, and stressed that the research conducted by White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria would help policymakers better understand and address long-standing health challenges faced by women.

“Niger State will be part of the entire exercise of the White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria. As a commissioner and with my team, we want to be involved in field research because we are the ones who will ultimately implement the findings.

“The state will advocate for the adoption of the research findings at the National Council on Health meeting scheduled for November 2026. I hope to champion discussions on the outcome of the study,” he said

The Commissioner commended Youterus Health and White Ribbon for their engagement with the state and for raising awareness on women’s reproductive health challenges.

The Chief Executive Officer of Youtherus Health, Dr Fatou Wurie and the Executive Director of White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria, Chief Tonte Ibraye, in their remarks, noted that issues related to African Women’s health are being shrouded in secrecy due to inadequate data.

“Because of the inadequate data on African Women’s Uterine health burden, issues related to African Women’s health have been shrouded in secrecy,

“However, an African-led company, Youterus Health and civil society White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria are calling for tailored research on African women’s womb health. It is past time to unmute the womb, they said.

The Youtherus Health boss added that women’s health should be given priority as it concerns developing data to aid research

“Nigerian women tend to develop fibroids at a younger age compared to women in Western countries. While the average age range in Western populations is between 40 and 46 years, Nigerian women develop fibroids much earlier, between 35 and 37 years.

“57.4 per cent of Nigerian adolescent girls experience heavy menstrual bleeding, and the average delay between the onset of symptoms and seeking medical care exceeds 20 years.

“The absence of a national screening programme, patient registries to track outcomes, and dedicated research funding for uterine health in Nigeria, women’s health remains under-prioritised, under-researched and under-measured,” Wurie stressed.