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Wazobia FM’s
on-air personality, Omotunde Adebowale David, popularly known as Lolo
1, is as engaging in real life as she is on air. Though a lawyer by
training, she has always had a leaning towards the art, especially
entertainment. Being on radio, according to her, is a thrilling
experience she won’t trade for anything. In a little over two years at
the station, Lolo 1 enjoys a large listenership on her mid morning
show, ‘Oga Madam Office’.

How did you come about the name, Lolo 1?

I am passionate
about Igbo culture. I did a show some time ago and asked people to give
me a name. Lolo was the cutest and nicest I got so I just stuck with it.

How long have you been on radio?

I’ve done radio
for some time. At first, I was with Radio Nigeria. I later moved to
Metro FM before I came to Wazobia FM. I started doing radio in 2004. I
studied Law and was practicing at a time but I got to a point when I
knew that a career change was needed. I looked around and since
entertainment has always been something I wanted to do, I just closed
my eyes and switched.

Was it easy transiting from Law to entertainment?

It wasn’t easy
because I had to drop everything I knew and learn something new. I did
not just pick radio; I did a little stage drama at a time in school
[Lagos State University].

Most lawyers claim to still have the Law streak after they switch professions, was this the case for you?

Yes, of course.
There is no way it won’t affect anything you do especially since it is
something you have learnt over time. For example, if am presenting a
political programme I know what the law says about a certain issue.
This helps me deal better with an issue because of the exposure I have
had.

What programmes do you anchor at Wazobia FM?

I joined Wazobia
in 2008 but I started out as a news anchor until last year when I
started my own show, ‘Oga Madam Office’. It’s not Law inclined but we
have the assembly where we all come out and discuss all kind of issues
from political to bizarre. I also anchor ‘Love Kill me Die’ almost
every day because I believe that relationships should be nurtured and
people love songs and love related issues. I guess my most popular show
is ‘Office Palaver’ where people just like to talk about what happens
in their offices because it relaxes them. It’s just a fun time on
radio.

How has the experience been so far?

At first, it was
like a learning process because I was transiting from English to
Pidgin. It was like a struggle because every day I had to keep looking
into myself to bring out new stuff. Pidgin is an evolving language
which requires personal creativity in your delivery and in everything.
I just had to keep trying and exposing myself to anyone who speaks
pidgin because I don’t really want to sound colloquial except by choice.

It was not easy
but Wazobia is such a lovely place to work and everyone learns from
each other so it naturally helps your creativity. You have to research
before you come on air because radio presenters cannot just come on air
and open their mouths. You have to know a little a bit of everything
because your job requires ‘infortainment’.

What do you like best about your job?

I love the fun
part of it because I’m a fun loving person. It’s a rare privilege to be
on the other side giving fun to people because that’s my goal on radio.
You know life in Lagos can be very tough so after all the hard work you
need something to soothe you.

What remains your most memorable day on air?

The very first
time I read news in pidgin on Wazobia FM, I was so terrified. In fact,
it was obvious and you could hear my heart thumping through the
microphone. It wasn’t really a pleasant experience and then someone
made a comment on air saying “where did you get that lady from, abeg
she’s not good.” I felt so bad but it helped me because it stuck and I
kept psyching myself that I could do better. It really spurred me on. I
have also met and interviewed a lot of people on the job and it makes
you feel real good.

Interest in charity

I founded an NGO
called ‘Sisters Concern’10 years ago when I finished Law school. The
NGO deals with women issues and though we have a president, I am the
programme director. I know a lot of people will say I run the charity
because I’m on radio and it is a trend with celebrities. But in my
case, I’m somebody who loves to reach out. Our goal is to meet less
privileged people and do the seemingly little things that are
insignificant to some but is everything to them. Over time, the
ministry has grown so it’s not all about me again.

I also organise a
yearly talent show called ‘Song Outbreak’ which is another opportunity
to give, especially since music seems to appeal more to young people.
So, if I’m giving them the platform to explode, I am taking their minds
off crime, delinquency and drugs. I am also involved in the Lolo’s Cup
and recently donated a cup to the youth in Ejigbo commuinity. I’m not
just a woman who says, ‘change’ but one who helps you change.

What is your biggest challenge being on radio?

Radio is a medium
that once something goes out, you can’t take it back. It can be very
challenging because you have to deliver every time. If you disseminate
wrong information it can’t be withdrawn. I can’t just stay at home and
sleep. I have to watch the news and read the papers to know what is
happening because I have to be on top of my game at all times.