AN INTERVIEW WITH TOLANI ALADELAJA CHINOYEREM

On the 7th May, 2021, an interview was conducted for Mrs. Tolani Aladelaja Chinoyerem who is currently a news caster at Splash 105.5 F. M. And an anchor of the programme, ‘Isinmi Alayo’ every Sunday night between 10:30pm and 1:00am. Everyone you think is doing well has a story to tell even if it is short. Read further as you will learn from the interview.
May I know your name please?: TOLANI Aladelaja Chinoyerem
Do you have a nickname: ‘Ye’royin’ or ‘role model’
What is the name of the institution you attended: Osun State Polytechnic, Ire where I got my OND certificate and The Polytechnic Ibadan, Ibadan where I earned by HND certificate
What was your course of study then in school?: Mass Communication
Since when have you began journalism: since 15 years ago
Which radio/television station have you worked with before: I started from Amuludun F.M. 99.1 as a presenter of the programmes Feyikogbon on Wednesdays by 3:00pm, ‘Eko L’agba’, ‘Ale Erebe’, ‘Etioba Nile’, ‘Etioba Loko’ and so on before I moved from the programme department to news department and that was how I started news reading. In 2008, Premier F.M. 93.5 invited me as a presenter of ‘Se Beeni, Se Beeko’ with Seun Ajayi. In 2009, I moved to MITV on the programme ‘Akoko Isinmi’ before I moved to Petals F.M. After Petals F.M., I moved to Splash F.M. in December, 2015 and I am still there.
What are the challenges you have faced so far as a journalist: Concerning the programme I anchor ‘Isinmi Alayo’, my former co-presenter Akin Akinyemi got a government appointment in Osun State and we had to get a replacement and that is why I have Alhaji Aresa on the programme and myself now. Another challenge is that anywhere I get to work, I help them train their staffs and this leads to envy. I have had an experience of provocative boss, making everything difficult for me because he wanted my body. I have had to cover some events that are full of chaos and riot that it took the grace of God to return home. There are many challenging situations but I give God the glory.
No matter how challenging this work is, there are some things that will keep you on the move. What are the achievements you have gained that kept you on the move: To God be the glory, I have trained over 120 students in this profession even staffs, I am happily married to a loving husband who is so understanding, I have children, I have a car, I have won awards and other things. God has been so faithful.
What can you say about Nigerian journalism. Are journalists doing the right thing: Some laws in Nigeria do not support media personnels to perform appropriately. Some truths are left untold. When you see some news in the newspaper but the ‘don’ts’ of the National Broadcasting Commission will not let you read the truth out. If you do, before the end of your programme, you will receive a letter, penalty of a huge amount of money of may be #500,000, #1,000,000 or #1,500,000. Journalists are trying to bend to the laws.
In this field of journalism, what can you say about indiscipline and integrity?: Integrity is not easy based on the NBC laws that are quite challenging and indiscipline is just everywhere in Nigeria even in police stations.
What are your plans for better journalism in Nigeria and how optimistic are you?: The laws should be adjusted. If the National Broadcasting Commission NBC can adjust their rules and laws, journalism will be better. Moreso, I am not an official.
I will like to ask, do you enjoy your job?: Yes, I do. So far I have been enjoying it because I have a darling husband who understands. If I am at work, it’s time to work and if I’m at home, I’m a responsible wife too.
You must have read this to the end. It’s sure by now you know that no good thing comes easily. If you want fame and popularity, work for it.