SEASONED BROADCASTER, OLAIDE ABIOYE SPEAKS ON HIS PASSION FOR MEDIA AND AGRICULTURE
...Says I Enjoy Combining Both
Olaide Abioye, is a seasoned broadcaster with a track record in the industry. Having previously served as Head of Programs at Crest 106.1 FM, he now leads Crest 91.1 FM in Ibadan as General Manager. His 10 years career is characterized by strategic leadership, innovative content strategies, and a commitment to community engagement. Aside broadcasting, Abioye is passionate about agriculture and runs a charity farm, which reflects his dedication to both the media and community service. Recently, Olaide Abioye spoke with Event Diary Lifestyle on his 10 years journey in the broadcast industry. Enjoy!!!
Can we know more about you?
I'm Olaide Abioye, currently the Head of Station at Crest 91.1FM in Ibadan. I previously served as the Head of Programmes at Crest 106.1FM Akure. Alongside my career in broadcasting, I have a deep passion for agriculture, which I pursue as both a hobby and charity. This dual role allows me to contribute meaningfully to both the media and farming communities, blending my professional and personal interests to make a positive impact.
Take us through your educational background and how you started broadcasting
I grew up in Ile Ife, Osun State, where I attended primary and secondary schools. After my father's death, I moved to live with my maternal aunt in Ile Ife, Osun state and completed my secondary education at the prestigious Moremi High School in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state in 2003. I then pursued a degree in Physical and Health Education at the Obafemi Awolowo University and graduated in 2010. During my university years, I worked with the campus radio, Great FM 94.5 in 2008, as a Yoruba sports presenter and hosted a popular daily sports program called "Bo se nlo." It was a unique Yoruba language sports update that was well-received by the campus community because most people felt sports news are read in English, but I brought spontaneity to it using Yoruba language. From there, I started running Yoruba commentary on campus during sports competitions and other faculty competitions, which gave me lots of awards while in school.
After graduation, my mobilization for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was delayed until 2012 due to my involvement in student union activities. I was eventually posted to Kebbi State. I initially considered redeploying, but I decided to stay as I felt that it might be where I was meant to be. While serving, I joined OBS, camp radio station, and quickly rose to become the studio manager and head of the station. After three weeks in camp, I was posted to Waziri Umaru Polytechnic in Birnin Kebbi as an assistant lecturer and I assisted their sports team. Along the line, I became the President of the Editorial Committee of CDS. I was the editor of the Kebbi Corper Magazine and edited several magazines during my service year. Upon completing my NYSC, I got NYSC support grant in Agriculture called War Against Poverty Program (WAPP). We were empowered with the sum of three thousand naira to go into agriculture. Though I have no plan to go into agriculture, immediately I finished my service I moved to Ondo town, where I started my snail farm business in 2013. Although agriculture was not my initial plan, I embraced the opportunity. Months into the business, a former corps member in Kebbi State called me that he saw my post on facebook that I was selling snails and that the business was growing. Again, this corps member contacted me about returning into broadcasting, which reignited my interest in the field. After discussing with my elder brother, I decided to pursue a career in radio, which led me to Raypower/AIT in Ilorin, Kwara State in April 2014. That was how I started career in broadcasting at Raypower/AIT having passed their audition. I started as an indigenous OAP and I was the only Yoruba speaking staff member, which made me the head of the Yoruba unit. I worked there for two years before moving to Gravity 88.1FM in Igboho, Oyo State, where I initially served as the head of sports and later became the business development manager. My tenure at Gravity marked a significant step in my career, but in September 2020, I transitioned to Crest FM, Akure.
At Crest FM, I started as the Head of Yoruba Unit and I was later promoted to Head of Programmes. By December 2022, I was appointed as the General Manager of Crest 91.1 FM, Ibadan. Over the years, I have enjoyed substantial growth and responsibility in my broadcasting career, striving to deliver high-quality content and maintaining the station's reputation.
Do you have any any regret so far?
I have no regrets about my career in broadcasting. Although there have been challenges, I consider it a privilege to be part of a field where I've continually advanced. This month marks 10 years in professional broadcasting, and I’ve learned that success comes from being in the right place at the right time and executing well. Initially, my experience was limited to volunteer work at a campus radio station without professional guidance as my university didn't offer mass communication course. However, in 2014, I sought to formalize my knowledge and I trained under top professionals such as Sarah Osioriamhe at Raypower and AIT. Since then, I've embraced my role fully and consider myself a true professional in the industry.
10 years down the line, are you fulfilled as a broadcaster?
I won't say I'm fulfilled yet, but the journey has been fulfilling because I started my career as a member of the management team of my former radio station (Raypower/AIT Ilorin) and at every stage and work place, I have always enjoyed it and it has been fulfilling and at the same time challenging. Challenging in the sense that at every point, I try to challenge myself that this is the next thing to do and this is my new goal and I had to prepare for it. Every position that I have held till the current one, I can beat my chest that I got them not on a platter of gold and for my bosses to have found me worthy of this position, I think it's as a result of preparation. I will say I am living a fulfilled life as a broadcaster and I'm doing what I love to do. Again, it’s a job that gives me opportunity to do what I love doing on the other side, which is agriculture. The money might not be there yet, but everytime I wake up, I feel happy and fulfilled that we are getting responses and feedback from people, I am happy.
What can you say about crest FM?
Crest FM stands out as a hub of diverse talents, where a wide array of skills and expertise are harnessed across various domains. Unlike many other organisations, Crest FM is blessed with a team with multiple talents in different areas fostering a rich environment of creativity and innovation. The station is known for its supportive work culture, where management is attuned to employees' needs and strives to create a positive and familial atmosphere. Although it's not perfect, I would rate Crest FM's working environment 85-90%, reflecting a genuinely good place to work. At Crest FM, the hierarchy is informal, making it difficult to distinguish between bosses and staff, which contributes to a sense of equality and teamwork. The open-door policy allows employees to approach senior management easily, seek advice, and express their concerns. Since joining Crest FM, I have experienced three promotions within a relatively short time, which speaks to the station’s commitment to recognising and nurturing talent. Overall, Crest FM has proven to be an exceptional workplace, where personal and professional growth is highly valued.
How do you feel having three promotions within four years?
I feel great and it gives me a sense of belonging and fulfillment. And it also shows that whatever you are doing is being counted. There are places that you put a lot of efforts in your job and nobody will recognise you. I'm not saying I've done much, but counting me worthy for the offices gives me a sense of confidence that whatever I'm doing, someone is somewhere taking note of it. That is why I said I love to always do my best at every responsibility given to me because there is this consciousness that someone is somewhere watching and there is always a reward for loyalty and commitment. It is not about the promotion, rather the position gives you opportunity for more work and commitment and even at that, we all need something to keep driving us to the best, which is what Crest FM has offered.
Within the space of four years, you were promoted three times, how do you feel being named the GM of Crest Fm, Ibadan?
Being promoted three times within four years has been a humbling and rewarding experience. Each step in this journey has brought new challenges and opportunities for growth, and I'm deeply grateful for the trust and support I've received from my colleagues and mentors. Now, as the General Manager of Crest 91.1 FM in Ibadan, I feel a strong sense of responsibility and excitement. This role allows me to bring my vision to fruition and further elevate the station's impact within the community. I’m eager to lead the team towards new heights and continue delivering exceptional content to our listeners.
Where do you see Crest in the next five years?
Hmmm, I see Crest across the states in the South West of Nigeria. In the next five years, Crest itself will not envisage that, so, seeing Crest across the South West and on the global map is something great. We might not be in other countries, but I see them spreading across the world. I see their contents being shared and personalities that matter speaking about the brand globally in the next five years.
How have you been able to make impact in your new position?
I’ve made impacts by thinking creatively and understanding audience preferences. Broadcasting is more than just speaking on air; it requires having insight into what the listeners want and need. By talking about these needs and balancing them, I’ve been able to create engaging and effective program content. I also appreciate the support of Mr. Adeolu Gboyegba, our Chief Operating Officer, whose innovative mindset and collaborative approach encourage team input and creative thinking. This team-oriented environment at Crest FM has been the key to our success and achieving our goals.
How have you been able to make impact in the radio station as GM?
As the General Manager of a radio station, my impact has been driven by a multifaceted approach. I have established a clear strategic vision, aligning the station’s goals with industry trends and audience preferences to enhance programming quality and expand our listener base. Investing in team development through training and mentorship has been crucial in fostering a motivated and innovative staff. By continually refining our content based on audience feedback and market analysis, we’ve ensured that our programming remains engaging and relevant. Strengthening community ties through local events and outreach initiatives has enhanced our station's presence, while improving operational efficiency and embracing new technologies have optimized our performance and kept us at the forefront of industry developments. This comprehensive approach has significantly contributed to the station’s growth and effectiveness in delivering valuable content.
How do you manage as a farmer and broadcaster?
Balancing my roles as a farmer and broadcaster requires meticulous time management. I’ve always valued organization and time management, which helps me to efficiently juggle both professions. Though the day is only 24 hours and the week has seven days, I ensure I don’t spend all my time at work. I use my free time purposefully, driven by my commitment to food security in Nigeria. Agriculture provides a way for me to contribute to the community, especially the less privileged. For instance, before heading to bed each night, I visit my onion farm in Alagbaka, which has 20,000 seedlings. One of our farms is conveniently located next to Crest FM, aiding in managing my dual responsibilities. I usually wrap up my broadcasting work by 6 pm and then shift to farm tasks with the support of my understanding wife, who helps me balance these demands.
.png)
0 Comments