Aanuoluwapo Omorinde is fast becoming a household name in Ibadan and by extention, Oyo State. He is the host of one of the leading political programmes on Radio in the state – BOTTOM LINE.
Omorinde is the Anchor of IMPACT POINT and a co-Anchor of the leading magazine programme – Rise and Shine. All on Impact Business Radio (IBR 92.5 fm) Ibadan. He also co-presents AM CAFÉ on IATV.
Aanu as he is fondly called is an experienced Broadcast Journalist with a clear vision, good sense of reasoning, keen on motivational speaking. He asks questions that exposes the innermost thoughts of his guests on Political and Current Affairs programmes.
He is currently the Acting Head of News and Current Affairs Department at IBR 92.5fm and Impact Africa Television (IATV) Ibadan.
In this exclusive interview with InsideOyo.com, he speaks on his career and other issues.
Excerpts
Who is the man Aanuoluwapo Omorinde?
Aanuoluwapo Omorinde is a man who enjoys the grace of God. As the last born of the family, growing up was with a mixed feelings. I am passionate about my job (Journalism) and I detest insurbodination. I am a Reporter, Editor, Producer and Newscaster.
How do you combine all this?
The most important thing is passion. If there is no driving force from within, you cannot succeed in this profession. It’s been God all the way.
Did you Study Mass Communication?
No I studied Englsih and Literature at the famous University of Benin. But before then, I had a stint in Law. I spent some years at the Lagos State University. I had wanted to be a Professional and all thanks to God for the journey so far. I have no regret being a Journalist today.
How rewarding is Journalism?
Different strokes they say is for different folks. It (Journalism) means different things to different people. To some, it is a means itself, to others it is an end to a means. To me, I have no regret.
What inspires you?
I get inspired when I know I am the voice of the voiceless. It gives me joy to fight for the course of the masses. Unfortunately, some people get rewarded for unprofessionalism. But it takes perseverance and discipline to stick with the people. The end they say justifies the means.
Who is your mentor in Journalism?
Come what may, there are people who earns my respect but there are many people you do not want to take after. Ironically, in terms of material wealth, these are the people who are highly gratified. Audience, without a sense of quality celebrate them. My Brother, it could be tempting, but godliness with contentment, is great gain.
I would not want to mention names because many of those I admire, do not even know. At the International scene too, there are those I look up to. But these people are not noisemakers. I naturally detest noise and so, if all you do is to make noise more than your impact, you cannot catch my fancy.
There are people who look up to me too and I do not want to leave a culture of noise making with them. Afterall, music they say is not about noise. Let your work speak for you. Earn respect with data, facts and figures as Journalist. You must be ahead of your audience. You must read wide.
The unfortunate thing however is that most times, the people enjoy Broadcast Journalists who are noise makers. But I wish to stand out.
Tell us about your programmes
What’s your advice to those who aspire to be great Journalist
They should choose a path to follow. Pick a mentor and ensure that anyone who will mentor you is an embodiment of what you yearn for. Believe in yourself and eraze the world “impossibility” in your dictionary if at all it exists.
