The inspiring story of Bayo Omoboriowo, the official photographer of President Muhammadu Buhari, has been told countless times.

The rise of the 28-year-old Mushin bred photographer from impoverished circumstances to the flashing lights of fame and success is nothing short of inspiring.

Bayo, who discovered his passion, tuned into it and turned it into a profitable business, was honored at The Future Awards Africa in 2012 as the Creative Artist of the Year.

YNaija caught up with the talented photographer on Sunday, at The Future Awards Africa 2015 which held in Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos and he had a lot to say about youth participation, self motivation and the strides he’s made since winning the award.

Bayo, who refused to let the simplicity of his background distract him from the real purpose of his passion, shared the secret to being successful as a youth in this contemporary time.

“Excuse is no longer in the dictionary, buckle up, sit tight, be the change and make a difference. Go out for something and stand for it.

“It might be challenging but if you are consistent and dedicated to it, it will yield result. It doesn’t have to be acceptable by every other person’s standards but as long as you believe in a cause, stand by it.

“Push for it and you’ll find yourself succeeding,” he quipped.

He also opined that awarding youths who have excelled or are making efforts in their respective fields or career, would further catapult them to success.

Citing The Future Awards as an example, Bayo said: “I was once awarded and I know what it did to my career. It inspired me and made me strive to be better”

However, recognition and awards should not be the standard of success, says the presidential photographer.

Bayo added that getting recognition for excellence should only drive Nigerian youths to want to do more rather than rest on the crest of accolades.

“For me I think it’s about inspiration. It’s not just about collecting a plaque.

“It’s an opportunity to do more, not an opportunity to sit back or relax because the more you do the more you get recognized.”

He also sees the Future Award Africa as a platform for people to see and know what youths are doing well in the continent.

“The Future Awards is a platform for you to know that people are seeing what you are doing and that would inspire you to do more”

The photographer was in the 20 man delegation that accompanied President Buhari to Germany for the G7 summit on June 7 and has been a regular feature in the travel-delegation of the president.