Meet Oladipupo Joshua Dunmininu, a resilient and determined individual whose journey in the world of presenting and radio journalism is nothing short of inspiring. Overcoming numerous educational challenges and setbacks, Oladipupo’s story is a testament to his unwavering determination and passion for his profession. From facing difficulties in pursuing his higher education to navigating the intricate world of broadcasting, he persevered with an unyielding spirit. Rooted in humility, persistence, and a commitment to delivering exceptional content, Oladipupo aspires to be one of the finest presenters in the country. Excerpts
Can you share your journey of overcoming educational challenges and getting back on
track in a new school?
One of my favorite watchwords says, Determination is the key to success – Enigma. Do you know what I passed through in Osun state polytechnic, Iree, while trying to run my higher national diploma (HND) programme was not the first challenge I encountered? I have been passing through academic hell before I came for the programme. Let me quickly share the story with you.
In 2017 after I concluded my one year industrial training (IT). Then, I was supposed to proceed for my HND but I didn’t want to go back to the polytechnic. This made me process direct entry admission into Kwara State University (Kwasu), but all my effort to succeed in this process proved abortive. This past experience really helped me not to quit when I encountered other issues in school, like Osun state polytechnic, Iree, during my HND programme. I had to go to another school and glory be to God. My dream will come true. Though, I still experienced a lot of challenges there but that is a story for another day. In a nutshell what brought me back on track was determination.
How did you find the strength and determination to continue your education despite being suspended from your previous school?
I think the previous answer has settled this question but let me add this.
Jerry Brassfield said and I quote “Every experience, every failure, every success, is a learning opportunity that compounds on top of what you already know and, if we keep going and keep persevering, the rewards will follow.”
What role did your passion for presenting and journalism play in motivating you during this difficult period?
If not for the passion I have for my profession, I would have forgotten I was a presenter. Did you know, my motorcycle was also stolen just a month after I had an issue in school. While I was trying to solve a difficulty, another one arose. Then I tested the problem, and I understood the true meaning of the problem. Things turned upside down, as a matter of fact, I tried to commit suicide then because I’m the only individual who felt the pain but what will I do, when there’s life, there’s hope. I had to buckle up my belt and continue.
Can you describe a specific moment or experience that made you realise you wanted to pursue a career in presenting and radio journalism?
During the COVID-19 lockdown. I had the chance to travel and move from one state to another, despite all the tough authorities. (Nigeria Army, Police, NSCDC etc.) on every highway . Once I introduce myself to them as a broadcaster, they will just pass me without any issue. That made me desire to become a successful broadcast journalist because the pride in this profession is unspeakable.
How has your background and the challenges you faced shaped your approach to your worK as a presenter and radio journalist?
I have a very tough and rough background, as an innocent boy and the first child of my family. I lost my Dad when I was in primary school. This caused me to experience serious difficulty. I’ve once had to hawk fufu, bread, ekuru, soya beans, vegetables etc.Though, I have not gotten there yet but now it is a little bit better than the past. Most of the time when I present a programme I use myself as a case study to motivate the audience.
What advice do you have for others who might be facing similar challenges in their education and aspiring to pursue their passions?
Your downfall is a preparation for your rise. If you don’t know this secret, you will remain on the floor, blaming your legs instead of your head! Assuming I didn’t continue immediately I had the challenges in school then, maybe I would have joined the society bandwagon. My advice for anyone who might be facing a similar issue is that, don’t hold onto your past, don’t blame yourself and see anyone as the architect of your misfortune because the downfall of a man is never the end of his life. This should give you inner strength, a desirable will to rise any time you fall.
Could you share some memorable experiences from your journey as a budding presenter
and a radio journalist in Osun?
Sat, Jul 15, 2017. That was the day I officially started my own personal programme at Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC). I was extremely happy on that day.
Fri, Feb 12, 2021, the day I had an issue in the exam hall. It was a black Friday for me. Likewise, Sat, Mar 20, 2021. The day my motorcycle was stolen. I almost got mad on that very day.
What do you believe are the key qualities that make a successful presenter and journalist especially in a challenging environment?
# Humility: Any journalist that wants to succeed in journalism must be humble, total humility.
# Persistence: Any presenter that wants to make it in this field must keep producing to sustain relevance because people easily forget what they don’t hear.
# Good content: A presenter must always desire to deliver a very good and uncommon content that will make the audience fall in love with the kind of presentation.
# A good broadcaster must also be skillful and dynamic.
Are there any individuals or experiences that have inspired or influenced your career in presenting and radio journalism?
Yes, there are many individuals who have influenced my career positively. The number one is my mother, she has been my back up since I started. She has never let me down. Anytime I feel like I should stop, she will encourage me to keep going. Another personality is my mentor in the field. Mrs. Folusho Ojo Olugbemiga. Dr. Adebayo Faleke. Anytime I listen to them on the radio, I discover myself through their voice.
How do you see your future in the field of presenting and journalism, and what goals do you hope to achieve in the coming years?
Well, I’ll say, I haven’t started the race yet because all the little years I’ve spent in this field I regard as years of learning. Therefore, anytime I want to fully start, I wish to become one of the best presenters in this country.
