In a candid revelation, Olamilekan Agbeleshebioba, popularly known as Laycon, opened up about the hardships he faced before achieving fame.
Through his X handle, on Friday, the Big Brother Naija reality star winner shared a poignant memory from 2013 that left a lasting impact on him.
Laycon recalled a weekend when he found himself alone in his hostel wing, battling hunger pangs.
He stressed how his stomach gnawed at him relentlessly, describing it as starvation, much higher than hunger. The kind that hollows out your insides and leaves you weak.
With no other options, Laycon turned to garri, a staple food made from cassava. There was no sugar to sweeten it, no milk to soften its edges. Just plain, unadulterated garri.
And to quench his thirst, he resorted to a source most would shudder at: toilet-tap water.
As he soaked the garri, “water dey commot for my eyes,” he said.
Fast forward to today, Laycon stands as a testament to the power of perseverance.
His journey from those desperate moments to winning Big Brother Naija Season 5 has inspired millions.
Olamilekan was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, but is a native of Odeda, Ogun State.
He attended Lagos State Model College Merian and later pursued Philosophy at the University of Lagos, graduating with a Second Class Upper degree.
In April 2023, he completed his Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations from the University of Portsmouth, England.
Laycon’s journey wasn’t always glamorous. He started as an intern, worked in sales and business development, and even freelanced as a writer.
On 6 October 2020, he was appointed the youth ambassador by the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun. He also received a chieftaincy title as the Akeweje of Ipokia Kingdom, Ogun State.
Laycon’s passion for music began early. He performed at various events and was part of the top ten finalists in the 2017 MTV Base LSB challenge.
Signed into Olugbenga Jackson’s record label “Fierce Nation,” he released tracks like “Fierce” and “Senseless.” His verse in the remix of DJ Neptune’s “Nobody” garnered attention after his Big Brother Naija stint.
Laycon’s journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams.
