Our Ambassadors – Mrs. Olanike

Thank you very much for this privilege. I commend the good job you are doing at CCN and I am optimistic that not even the sky can limit you. Once again, am grateful to be here. My journey on the job thus far has been through career progression, by that, I mean, I rose through the ranks as a civil servant, or call it public servant in the service of Ondo State Government. Academically, my primary and secondary education can be said to be very interesting! I attended four primary schools and three Secondary schools; the reason then was because my Dad, of blessed memory was a secondary school teacher and once he was transferred, the whole family moved. So my primary education was in Ogun state Osun State, Oyo state, and finally Ondo state, while all the 3 secondary schools I attended were in Ondo state. Specifically, I passed out from Victory College, Ikare-Akoko, in the Northern Senatorial District of Ondo State. Then undertook A level’s (Higher School Certificate at Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure, -though boys only, but the H.S.C class was mixed.  I graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, with B.A Hons in English Studies (Humanities). I had my post graduate education in journalism @ the Nigeria Institute of Journalism. Going on, I also acquired certificates in NTA TV College Jos at various stages to boost my professional career.

In terms of achievements and recognitions, as a media personnel, I have transverse every length and breadth in the course of carrying out my duties; I have been able to impact on the society through my reportage of various issues ranging from good governance, social, economic and infrastructural growth of the society, constructively project the ills of the society and helped influenced solutions and justice where required.  I was for several years a presenter on local & national television, and God has helped me as I said earlier, to rise through the ranks, from being an editor on GL 08 to being a Director of News, but more gladdening is the fact that I am a reporter. Reporting is one field that spans the whole process of being a journalist. In reporting, age or status is not a barrier, it’s inherent and wherever you find yourself, you just want to do the job of covering and reporting news. On recognition, at different times, God has caused one to get awards of recognitions from our professional body, The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ondo State Ministry of Information and most recently is the award of Leadership and Excellence by the Ondo state Media Group, all of which I deeply appreciate

Passion for the job.

Like I enunciated, I have served for a long time now for the Ondo State government; Moving from the radio to the television, and then to the ministry of information, this all requires time. I also had the opportunity of serving at various committees set up by government to proffer solutions to burning issues in the state.

Being a career person whose promotion has been steady, I knew someday I would become a director if I didn’t deviate from the norms, but to be the director of News and Current Affairs @ the State Television, I never envisaged that. I was just doing my job and happily too, before I was called upon to serve in that capacity. One great lesson, it has taught me is, “whatever one applies oneself to do in life, just do it to the best of your ability, you never can tell”. I wasn’t and still not the best, nor the most qualified but some people, somewhere must have been watching, so when the time came, all things worked well and before I could comprehend I was and still serving.

It has been challenging but interesting. I have a boss who understands the job alongside other top management, they have made it a familiar terrain that needs little or no stress to traverse. I have also, people who are willing to ensure one does not fail in the task assigned. In the News department, we work as a team, leaving no stone unturned. Our job is daily, time- demanding and extremely sensitive but together we have been on a very good stead.

Simply put, to direct- (laughs)… but actually it is to direct and supervise operations in the News and Current Affairs Department of the State television. Activities at the newsroom are enormous and daily as I said, from morning till late in the night, news gathering packaging, production, casting alongside other current affairs programs that must be transmitted. These and many more I put my eyes as director. Of course, there’s the administrative aspect being a managerial post, memos to be attended to, meetings to attend and acting as an intermediary between the top management and the staff in the department. Like I said earlier, it has been interesting but challenging ride this far, but I won’t have it any other way.

None that I can think of.

I am happy and always willing to do all to ensure adequate execution of all tasks.

Together with the non- tiring, dedicated and fantastic staff in the department, ably supported by the top management, one has been able to break new grounds in the journalism profession; In the Media Group, we break the news you see, that’s the hallmark of any station, because News must be timely, it must be served hot and fresh, so we arm ourselves with that and ensure we get the News as it happens and broadcast. Permit me to use this platform to acknowledge the efforts of the present leadership of the Media Group in providing the facilities we need to enhance our performance, because if we lacked the facilities, we will only be wishing and wishing. I attest to the fact that the present government in Ondo State and the Leadership of the station have done a lot in transforming the face of broadcasting in the state-owned media outfit and this serves as an impetus to work hard.

Still answering your question, it is heartwarming personally that we are allowed to practice our profession, without being gagged. It’s not easy when running a state- owned media because of this age long maxim of ‘ he who pays the piper calls the tune’. For us, it has never been the case, so today in the state, people look to us for accurate, detailed and unbiased News. In a society where social media is taking the center stage, with all sorts of half cooked stories flying around, it is something to be proud of, if a station has credibility and high level acceptance. I equally take cognizance of us being on internet via our apps wherein you can just tap and watch our news wherever you are in the world. When we get feedbacks from our people in UK, USA, United Arabs Emirate, other African countries and across Nigeria, we are happy that we are able to connect them to their roots here. Staff welfare have also improved and self- esteem promoted. On and on but one is not yet there but aspiring for more. It is therefore pertinent to note that I am enjoying every bit of the journey and won’t change a thing except to things that need improving.

Ah! I can’t think of any at the moment, that is if there was ever such a situation.

Together with the non- tiring, dedicated and fantastic staff in the department, ably supported by the top management, one has been able to break new grounds in the journalism profession; In the Media Group, we break the news you see, that’s the hallmark of any station, because News must be timely, it must be served hot and fresh, so we arm ourselves with that and ensure we get the News as it happens and broadcast. Permit me to use this platform to acknowledge the efforts of the present leadership of the Media Group in providing the facilities we need to enhance our performance, because if we lacked the facilities, we will only be wishing and wishing. I attest to the fact that the present government in Ondo State and the Leadership of the station have done a lot in transforming the face of broadcasting in the state-owned media outfit and this serves as an impetus to work hard.
Still answering your question, it is heartwarming personally that we are allowed to practice our profession, without being gagged. It’s not easy when running a state- owned media because of this age long maxim of ‘ he who pays the piper calls the tune’. For us, it has never been the case, so today in the state, people look to us for accurate, detailed and unbiased News. In a society where social media is taking the center stage, with all sorts of half cooked stories flying around, it is something to be proud of, if a station has credibility and high level acceptance. I equally take cognisance of us being on internet via our apps wherein you can just tap and watch our news wherever you are in the world. When we get feedbacks from our people in UK, USA, United Arabs Emirate, other African countries and across Nigeria, we are happy that we are able to connect them to their roots here. Staff welfare have also improved and self- esteem promoted. On and on but one is not yet there but aspiring for more. It is therefore pertinent to note that I am enjoying every bit of the journey and won’t change a thing except to things that need improving.

I believe my choice as the DNCA, was purely taken by those who saw some things in me and were convinced that I could serve in the present capacity. As per association, I am a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists. (NUJ)

My family have been very helpful, they understand my job and have been there for me from the very beginning till now.

This is always a question for career people, especially women. I think the most important thing is ability to plan and arrange oneself amidst realities of life. God has given us the ability to multi- task, we only need to draw from this and things would definitely workout, because it’s important that one must not be left to suffer at the expense of the other. If one is thriving on the job, the home must thrive and flourish too. Patience, tolerance, openness and understanding are equally important.

(Laughs)…Career-wise, in the civil service, my present level is what will be described as the peak. To God be the glory!! In answering further, God is not limited, so, I am up to Him.

Dreams…I guess they are on, until our society and world become better.

(Sighs) COVID 19 came with a heavyweight on the Media, it never announced its entrance, so we weren’t armed on how to go about it. Normally, we discuss topical issues at our editorial meetings and how to tackle them….but here we were faced with a deadly disease and yet we must be out there to report all sides, all angles; While people were running and staying inside for health and safety, journalists in the newsroom were out there trying to unravel all that has to do with this novel pandemic, broadcasting to the people how to take safety measures, trying to douse tension and minimize panic. It’s a moment that one won’t forget in a hurry! The health workers of course got the first attention and understandably so….but I tell you, the media fought and are still fighting the most challenging battle, out in the street. You don’t know whether the person you are interviewing is infected, though we did and are still doing our best to adhere strictly to the COVID 19 health protocols set by the top management in carrying out our job, yet the risk is high; Only the passion for the job sustained and is still sustaining us. For us we see Coronavirus as an opportunity to serve humanity, to be at the forefront of crusading that we can and shall overcome this pandemic, trying to bring out the positives in almost hopeless situations. So while as you have said, the pandemic came to alter the very essence of our existence, we try to see how best the society can work on some realities threw up by COVID 19 to reset our minds, mentality, environment, institutions, governance etc., so that it would not all be tales of woes. For instance, on the social front in our society, we realize you can actually wed, bury loved ones, and perform a chieftaincy ceremony without borrowing to host people or buy aso ebi to a point of being in debt. This may not be easy but invariably people are adjusting. We discovered our government was as helpless as helpless could be in data, health, planning for emergency and the likes at the onset of the Coronavirus outbreak, incidentally none could travel abroad. Even health facilities abroad failed those over there. COVID 19 was actually as said, a world war being fought without a trigger being pulled or a bullet being shot. For us, we are still out there fighting with our microphones and pen…

At the family level, of course,  it has taken its toll, in that, you need to watch out the kids don’t rush to hug when you are coming from work, so you must go to the bath straightway, wash thoroughly, dump the clothes in there before entertaining hugs and  pecks…. It’s not easy but then we got no choice than to cope hoping that there will be ways out.

Government must overhaul our economic sector, it must be focused and allow sincerity of purpose to guide in appointing tested and trusted people to man positions in key areas of the economy. Round pegs must be put in round holes if government must achieve tangible results. We must equally diversify, which is being clamored for. The much touted Vision 2020 is here, wherein Nigeria was projected then to have been an “Economic Giant” in the globe. Where are we now? Nigeria is blessed and has indescribable potentials, we have abundant minerals and natural resources yet untapped, let’s pursue agriculture vigorously and seriously, let’s seek to produce and not be a nation that consumes alone. I believe if we think deeply and allow the present resetting of the world system, the nation’s economy can still be salvaged.

Unemployment is a big issue and very worrisome, government should endeavor to make our ailing industries work, agriculture must be made accessible and attractive if truly they want the youths to go into it. Government cannot afford to close its eyes to the teeming youths being graduated yearly and roaming the streets, something must be done as a matter of urgency and priority to rescue the situation….. On this, I will urge spirited Nigerians not to leave it to government alone, once they have the opportunity, let them engage as many as they can in gainful employment, it’s for the good and peace of all in the society. For our youths, you can’t afford to fold your arms nor get involved in social vices, none should be allowed to determine your destiny for you especially if it’s in the wrong direction. So I beseech you, put on your thinking cap, don’t be discouraged or frustrated, just a little push and more push. You will get there!

Do I really miss anything? Pardon me, I am of the opinion that the world was on the fast lane to nowhere before COVID 19 came. Humans were behaving in a most absurd and self-destructive manners -no one cared….So in a way if one looks at it reflectively, this Pandemic came to jolt us back to our humanity, to let us know we have degraded the environment, that we have created class and a wide gap between the rich and the poor, that we have placed gathering together in buildings on Fridays and Sundays above the true worship of God our creator and love for our neighbors and so on. For me, my regret and sorrow is on the several hundreds of thousands that died across the world on the heels of Corona, my heart goes to their families and I constantly pray God to comfort them and heal their wounds.

Secondly, we ( government and the people) won’t forget important lessons that we are supposed to take from this pandemic to engender necessary changes that will improve us in all facets, if not, am afraid that our society will continue to grope and rigmarole, and God have mercy that we won’t be jolted again!

Yes I do…The younger generation hold the ace, they have youthfulness and vitality. Under COVID, the adults are more at risk, from 60 and above were declared prone fatality-wise….That tells us something -the younger generation can’t therefore allow themselves to waste away, the world is waiting for their explosion, the kingdom suffers violence and ONLY THE VIOLENT taketh it and even they must take it not leisurely but forcefully……..Violence not in the negative but, dogged not lazy, focused, committed, God fearing, just, honest and people of integrity.

I was like “No way!”… Mainly because I am a very quiet and private person, I don’t like attention in any form. Aside from the professional recognition, I have always shielded myself from being in the limelight in any way.

I must acknowledge the efforts of the Coordinator of CCN, FUTA Campus, I call him Kenny, for not giving up on me. He was really on my neck. After a while, I had to interact with the Chairman of the Media Group, Mr. Kunle Adebayo, (in line with administrative protocols), he encouraged me all the way and asked me to go for it! And so I am here. – (laughs).

As the name implies ‘Ambassador’ I am to represent, be the face of CCN in the period of which I am chosen and beyond. I’m here to add value and boost the operations of the unrelenting, highly focused, goal getting young men and women that we have in CCN in any way I can.

More goodwill for CCN

Media cooperation to enable the organization soar higher in area of publicity and be there whenever I need to support the lofty ideals it stands for.

CCN has displayed an uncommon commitment and passion in shaping the lives of young ones through numerous platforms. I see young men and women who despite the many hurdles in the society are determined to carve a niche for themselves and be relevant in the society. Men and women who seek to make impacts on the socio- economic, political and infrastructural landscapes, whilst also driving same through ICT in conformity with the global trend.

Keep up the good job, brace up in spite of the challenges posed by COVID 19…use it as a stepping stone to revolutionize your immediate and larger environment. Continue to raise the bar. The world is waiting for your manifestation!

Belief in yourself, never take your eyes off your vision. Be level headed. Read wide to develop yourselves and keep your minds alive. Also keep networking, keep making worthy contacts!

You definitely will get there. 

Some of these can be found in early responses. As a journalist, I see my job as a call to serve God and humanity so, I am conscious of that in executing my daily job…I seek to make humanity better through news reportage, drawing governments attention to societal ills and  monitoring to ensure such are corrected. By and large, I seek always to transform the society and give back to humanity through strict adherence to the ethics of my profession.

At personal level, I try to weave my existence around humans so that we can all be who God has destined us to be while on this planet.

Some have used this period to make legitimate money by thinking up useful ventures…. some who were into tailoring started making nose masks, some started taking fruits & packaged food to organizations during lockdown, some started writing articles on public health and nutrition and once such catch attention on social media, it becomes a platform to leverage on for greater exposures and gains. Some started online businesses… all sorts…so we must check out opportunities in the gloomy situation to brighten the horizon.

1. Be happy
2. Be Healthy
3. Be positive in all life situation. Above all, put God first, last and at the center of everything you do! That’s the A, B, C of life!!!

Thank you so much for having me!