“If there is anything that is important to a reporter, it is her integrity and her credibility". This quote best describe Mrs. Olufisoye Oluwafarakemi Adenitan who had in the last 14 years pitch a tent for herself in the media industry in Ondo and Ekiti state.
She is one of the female journalists in the sunshine city of Ondo state and she works with a foremost radio station in Nigeria, Positive FM, Akure as Editor / Reporter. She is the founder of Action for the Advancement of Women and Girls, a non- profitable organization with focus on women and girls issues. She is also the CEO of Triple F Concept. EventDiaryLifestyle News recently spoke with Mrs. Adenitan who is also the State Auditor Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ondo State Chapter on her Career, Marriage and her NGO. Happy Reading!!!
For the benefit of our reader, Can you briefly tell me who is Mrs. Olufisoye Adenitan?
Thanks for this great opportunity, I am Mrs. Olufisoye Oluwafarakemi Adenitan (nee Areola). I was born into the family of late Chief Olusola and Mrs Bosede Areola of Odo Ayedun Ekiti, in Ikole Local Government area of Ekiti state. I acquired my Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication from Universal Tutorial College, Ile- Ife now The Polytechnic Ile Ife a private polytechnic in Osun state, after which I proceeded to Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti where I bagged B.A (Hons) History and international studies after which I did my Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the same University. I started my career as a broadcast journalist at the Nigeria foremost Radio station, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN and rose to the position of Editor / Reporter with special focus on issues relating to women and girls. I am happily married to a Prince from Ikere Ekiti, Prince Akinola Adenitan and our union is blessed with lovely children.
What inspired you into the pen profession?
The journey started way back while I was in secondary school, the school had a tabloid where we collated and disseminated information to fellow students. I used to cast news of event that happened in school on the assembly alongside my friend, Folasade Ayegbusi, now Mrs. Afolabi. We received a lot of accolades and that inspired me to pursue a career in Mass Communication. After my SSCE, I gained admission to the polytechnic to study mass communication for two years after which I had my industrial attachment at the Radio Nigeria Progress FM, Ado Ekiti for one year and I eventually secured an employment with the station in 2007 and this year marks my 15 years in the industry. Presently, I am on transfer to Radio Nigeria Positive FM 102.5 Akure as an Editor and Reporter. I am a member and elected officer of NAWOJ. While in Ekiti, I was a two term Treasurer of the association and the current state Auditor of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ) Ondo state chapter.
Going by your years of experience, is there any time you feel like quitting your job?
I have been in this profession for fifteen years now and I love what I am doing so there has never been any reason for me to give up on the job. The journey has been worthwhile. Few months after I got employed in 2007, I was posted to Ekiti state government house as a correspondent and I was privileged to work as correspondent to three Ekiti state first ladies in person of Her Excellency Mrs. Olukemi Oni wife of former Governor Engr. Segun Oni. Her Excellency Erelu Bisi Fayemi wife of Governor Kayode Fayemi and Her Excellency Mrs. Feyisetan Fayose wife of Former Governor Ayo Fayose. Aside working with these three first ladies of Ekiti state, I have met and interviewed bigwigs in the society, these really broadened my knowledge and exposure. I am also actively involved in union matters.
I was elected two term State Treasurer of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Ekiti state council under the leadership of Mrs Oluwayomi Osuntokun.
In the course of my career, I also worked with different developmental agency, partners and NGOS on issues relating to women and girls, and this inspired me to establish an NGO of my own which addresses issues that has to do with women and girls, particularly the less privileged.
I have attended so many trainings that have assisted my journalism career. I am also a journalism fellow of UBA/Tony Elumelu foundation.
You are married to a Journalist just like you, what attracted him to you?
I met my husband in 2007 and the journey started as friendship but few years later we consolidated on our friendship and got married in December 2010 and the marriage is blessed with children. Come December this year we will be celebrating our 14th marriage anniversary, it has been God all through and I also want to appreciate my husband for his love and understanding in the journey so far.
On what attracted me to my husband, a lot of things attracted me to him but above all his level of understanding is second to none. He is a caring father and husband and very supportive.
What had been the secret of your 11 years in marriage?
Woah! the secret had been God and the mutual understanding we both have for each other. I am a journalist married to a journalist, we have our ups and downs but the grace of God has always been our strength.
How do you manage your home front as a mother, wife and a Journalist?
It has not been an easy journey anyway, but it is quite interesting combining the three duties because I have a very understanding and tolerant husband who is always there for me. Journalism is a profession that is quite demanding for women but in my own case, it has been very interesting for me. Most times when am away on official duties or union matters, my husband is always there to handle the home front for me with the support of my mother.
What inspired you to have an NGO?
I have always been a passionate person especially when it comes to issues of women and girl child and so my major focus in journalism is on women and girl child issues, their health, education, rights and privileges. Because we are in a society that relegates women and girls that is why my husband and I decided to create a platform (NGO ) to reach out to women especially the less privileged ones in the society .
To the glory of God, we have been able to mentor young girls and give little aids to elderly women in Ekiti state and it's environ. The last outing we had was a visit to the Ekiti state school for the physically challenged at Ikere Ekiti where we presented items to the students to commemorate our tenth wedding anniversary. Less I forget, our platform also handles issues of abuses in marriage and we report to necessary authorities for action.
Aside being a journalist what other things do you do?
From childhood, I have always loved business, I am an entrepreneur, I have a brand called Triple F concept, we deal in the production of quality leather bags of different sizes for school children and party souvenir. I also sell fabrics, jewelries and other fashion accessories.
Finally, how do you unwind?
Sigh... I am a workaholic, but at the same time, I usually have a timeout with my lovely family, we do go on picnics and vacations and I also like attending partes. But most times, I relax reading inspiring books, particularly memoirs of outstanding women.
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