NTA presenter: ‘I’d have been a radio presenter or novelist’

Weekend Magazine: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?Motunrayo Ojo Adediran: Well, I grew up in Kaduna in a family of five children. Being the last, I was pretty spoilt, maybe I still am. I have three brothers and a sister. We all share a great love for books, thanks to my mum. This […]

Weekend Magazine: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Motunrayo Ojo Adediran: Well, I grew up in Kaduna in a family of five children. Being the last, I was pretty spoilt, maybe I still am. I have three brothers and a sister. We all share a great love for books, thanks to my mum. This greatly contributed to the development of my diction and vocabulary. I had my secondary school education at Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Bwari, Abuja, then studied Urban and Regional Planning in ABU Zaria. I served in Abuja and decided to settle here.
WM: What inspired you to start TV presentation?
Adediran: To be honest, it wasn’t the career I envisioned, though I loved the media world. I tried to pursue a job in radio because I felt that would give me the opportunity to interact with people on a large scale while maintaining my privacy to an extent. That didn’t work out but a spot on a live TV programme did and I was really excited. It was a real adrenaline rush knowing you couldn’t afford any mistakes, well after that I was hooked and delved into the wonderful world of television.
WM: What are the challenges you face as a presenter?
Adediran: I had to get used to criticisms, which wasn’t easy at all. Viewers pick at your hair, make up, clothes, laugh at the way you tilt your head, the list is endless. And the producers also have a say too. So that can be really frustrating. Also, it was a bit difficult memorising lines with the right inflections and all but that got easier with time.
WM: Where do you see your entertainment programme in the next five years?
Adediran: Hopefully, expanding to more channels, reaching more people; also, not having to work so hard to get interviews with the huge celebrities because I’ll be a celebrity myself.
WM: What price have you had to pay for being an anchor?
Adediran: Every career has its ups and downs and you can’t please everyone no matter how hard you aim at that. I just like to be myself always because happiness is my priority. Anything I missed out on, I gladly gave up. I am content just the way I am.
WM: If you weren’t an anchor, what would you have been?
Adediran: I believe I would have been an on air personality or a novelist.
WM: Who are your favorite celebrities?
Adediran: I have huge respect for those that started the game like Omotola Jalade Ekiende, Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva and Richard Mofe Damijo. They are wonderful actors and so well spoken, I trip anytime I watch them. Music wise, I like Tuface, Asa and Lagbaja; people whose music drags a response out of me, be it laughter or tears.
WM: What does fashion mean to you?
Adediran: Well for me, fashion means freedom. It also means being comfortable in whatever I wear, which I believe is the most important thing. It shouldn’t be slave to any trend or body type. It should look and feel good.
WM: What is the turning point for your career?
Adediran: I am still working on getting there, I have done quite some achievable things but I don’t think I have reached my turning-point yet. It is a gradual process and I look forward to that. I will let you know when I get there.
WM: Have you had embarrassing moments in your career?
Adediran: So many, especially with my kind of job. It is natural for me to have embarrassing moments because I work with a mainly male crew. Most of the embarrassing moments I had were mainly wardrobe malfunctions. Sometimes, working with male crew could be awkward.
WM: Have you ever thought of quitting?
Adediran: No, I really enjoy what I do and like I said earlier, I am content so there is no point quitting. Besides, it is difficult to quit something you have developed interest in. I might take a break, but never quit. I love it. It’s a rare thing to do what you love.
WM: What advice do you have for youths hoping to go into broadcasting?
Adediran: It’s not all glitz and glamour and you don’t hit the jackpot immediately. But patience, willingness to learn and the ability to take advantage of opportunities would take you a long way.