Femi is one of the sons of the first Nigerian representative, Macmillan Publishers, Mr. Olu Anulopo. He talks about his father’s success story with MOTUNRAYO JOEL
Briefly introduce yourself
My name is Femi Anulopo. I am a publisher. I’m married to Adenike and we have three lovely kids.
Where did you have your primary, secondary and tertiary education?
I had my primary education at Orita-Mefa Baptist Nursery/Primary School, Ibadan. My secondary education was at St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Orita-Basorun, Ibadan, after which I moved to the University of Ilorin for my tertiary education. I obtained a Masters in Business Administration at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
How was your childhood?
It’s difficult to describe exactly what it looked like; not only because it was a long time ago, but because there were many events that shaped me as a youth. My childhood was fun and memorable because there was peace, stability and security of lives and property. Back then, Nigeria was a loving place to be, everyone lived happily together, not minding their religion and the economy was in good shape.
Did your father visit you often in school?
My father always made time for us despite his busy schedule. Anytime he was around, he would travel down to the University of Ilorin and he also visited a few times when I was at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Did you follow him in his line of profession?
Yes, I guess it’s because I grew up loving his profession. I still remember those days he used to take me to his office, it was fun.
What career paths did your siblings choose?
My eldest sister decided to go into business, she is based in Lagos. My brothers and I all work together in the family business. I have another sister who is an educationist in the United States.
Did your father impose any career choice on his children?
No, he didn’t. My father believes children should be free to choose their career paths. I consult my father for advice during times when I find it hard taking a decision and he has always been supportive.
How has your dad’s name helped you?
I can’t begin to recount instances when his name helped me, but bearing the name ‘Anulopo’ has helped me in many ways and I’m really grateful.
What kind of father is he?
My father is very jovial at home. He is a friendly and listening father, highly principled and approachable man. He is a very wonderful man.
What are the values you have learnt from your father?
The first and major one is to be good to people regardless of their status, religion or ethnic leanings. He always says it pays to be good to others. I have imbibed this and I try to be good to anybody I encounter in my daily interactions. He has also taught me patience and honesty. These are the core values I appreciate in him and do thank him for instilling them in me. I am also trying to make sure those close to me exhibit same to people around them.
I think I’ve learnt so much from him. However, the values I’ve imbibed and cherish include generosity, hard work and humility.
What is that thing Nigerians don’t know about your father?
He likes to sing.
Has his name given you special privileges you would not have enjoyed if you weren’t his son?
Coming from a family with a popular name, it tends to affect the way people see and treat you. But for the most part, I think it’s a point of pride for me that at some critical points in my life, a lot of the decisions I made were done independently.
What were the challenges your dad faced when he started the Macmillan brand?
The challenges were humongous. According to him, Macmillan Publishers started from inside the Ford Cortina station wagon which he cleared from the ports upon his appointment as the Nigerian representative. The car contained samples of books and catalogues. Meanwhile, there were other publishers such as Learn Africa (then Longman) and University Press Plc (then Oxford University Press), Heinemann, Evans Brothers and Thomas Nelson (with Ogboju Ode) that were already fully established in the country by 1962.
Macmillan Publishers is a big and popular brand, how was your father able to maintain that standard?
In his time, he laid strong ethical values and he had teams that were committed to his vision for Macmillan.
How would you describe your parents’ marriage?
The marriage was first solemnised in heaven; I can proudly say that they are like Siamese twins.
How does he handle disagreements with your mother?
Calmly and respectfully, we (children) don’t get to know about their quarrels. Growing up, I used to think my parents never argued because I’ve never seen them have an argument. But I think they have a good form of communication and they talk to each other a lot. Their faith too has played a big role in their successful marriage.
Did your father advise you on the type of woman to marry?
Yes, he did, and his constant words of advice paid off. I’m proud to say that he is the best father.
Who were the famous faces you saw at home while growing up?
The Rt. Hon. Harold Macmillan, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the late Dr. Taiwo Solarin, the Oyewole Twins and many more.
How sociable is your father?
My father isn’t the partying type; he enjoys his private time.
What is his favourite food?
His favourite food is pounded yam with egusi soup.
What is his favourite drink?
He likes to drink water most of the time.
How do you feel being his son?
I feel proud and honoured. It is my prayer that people will speak positive things about me more than they speak about my father.
Are there things you think people expect from you as his son and as a publisher?
There are some people who think that having served my father; they should reap the gains from me. I try to be diplomatic in my approach. The ones that I can handle I do and those that I cannot, I stay away from.
What pieces of advice does he constantly give you?
My father appreciates the fact that I am respectful but he constantly reminds me to remain so. He also advises me to be tolerant of people and be honest in whatever I do. I do not forget any of them. I continually remember them daily.
How is his temperament?
It takes a long time to really get him angry. He doesn’t get angry, he is a calm person.
What do you cherish most about your dad?
A lot of things, I cherish the fact that he is still alive and he has been a very good father. What’s there not to be happy about? I cherish everything about my dad.
And what don’t you like about him?
As a pacifist, people tend to take him for granted.
How close are you to him?
He is my good friend. We are very close. In fact, the love between us is so strong that my siblings are aware of it. Till date, our relationship is like that of brothers and friends.
How does he discipline his children?
He prefers to admonish than spank. He isn’t one that beats his children.
But growing up, did he ever spank any of his children?
He very rarely spanked us.
Did he have time for his family?
He always had time for his family, he doesn’t joke with his family.
How does he handle criticisms?
He likes constructive criticisms but resents those that are baseless. He says everyone has an opinion and is entitled to his or her opinion. However, he listens to advice and criticisms from people who are much older than he is. He usually gives their advice a second thought, and doesn’t just brush them off.
Who is his favourite president?
Dad’s favourite President is General Gowon (retd.)
Who are his role models?
Every upright and modest leader.
Is he jovial at home?
Yes, he is very jovial and interesting.
What is the first thing he does when he wakes up and the last thing he does before going to bed?
He says his prayers.
Does he read what people write about him in newspapers?
He is a very private person.
What has been his lowest moment or most trying period that you know?
Perhaps when he lost his first child at birth and also when he lost his head of marketing at Macmillan in 1981.
Did he fight in the Biafra war?
No, he didn’t.
How does your father like to dress?
He dresses mostly in native-buba teamed with agbada.
Concerning religion, who are his role models?
I think it was the late Pope John Paul II.
What is his advice to you when it comes to money?
I guess his ambition was not to be the richest publisher of his time and he had always advised us not to chase money at the expense of our good name, credibility and integrity.
What does he say about President Goodluck Jonathan?
President Goodluck Jonathan is a lucky person to be President after the death of President Musa Yar ‘Adua. One is, however, sad that his government cannot conquer Boko Haram not to talk of saving the lives of the over 200 Chibok girls.
What does he do to keep himself busy?
He spends most of his time in church; he is always engaged in church activities.
Macmillan Publishers produced educational materials majorly, was your father ever a teacher?
No, but he trained as a marketer in the United Kingdom and developed himself further in the course of his career.
What is his view about the education sector?
The government of Nigeria is doing its best to ensure that there is education for every child of school age in Nigeria. If there is going to be free education for every child of school age, let it be quality education by providing textbooks and the entire infrastructure. Also, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council is doing a lot to produce adequate curriculum for every level. Yet at the end of the day, maybe at West African Examinations Council or National Examinations Council, there is mass failure in examinations due to inadequate teaching and learning. I commend government for its efforts, yet, there is room for improvement on future policies. The stakeholders should be involved and teacher training is very important.
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: editor@punchng.com