I lived a reckless life after my secondary education - NAGAFF Scribe

Mr. Dipo Olayoku is the Secretary-General of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF). He is also one of the foremost journalists with several years experience in electronic and print journalism.

Olayoku has cut his teeth in journalism even as he is still relevant. He gives analysis on national issues on television and radio stations.

The journalist turned freight forwarder bared some information which hitherto most people did not know about him.

It will interest you to know how he broke the jinx of stage fright. How he cut across the three genres of media practice. That is, television, radio and print media.

These and many other information about our guest this week will catch your fancy.

Please read on.

What is your full name?
Dipo Olayoku

What is your designation in NAGAFF?
Secretary General

What’s your favourite food?
African food

Tell us your favourite colour.
Blue

How do you relax?
Listening to Nigerian Traditional music and country music

Where are you from?
Abeokuta, Ogun State

Names of schools you attended.
Lisabi Primary School, Abeokuta. Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta. Ogun State University, Ago Iwoye.
University of Lagos. Training Programmes on Maritime and Transportation.

UNFORGETTABLE SCHOOL DAYS EXPERIENCE.

Naturally, I am a very shy person. I always experienced “stage fright” when I was called upon to address a crowd. That fateful day, our Geography Teacher called me to address the class on a topic. That singular experience broke the jinx, as after that I got the boldness to address an audience.

How did you find yourself in freight business?
I got into Freight Forwarding through the founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam .

HOW WAS YOUR GROWING UP LIKE?
I grew up with my parents. I am the last born of my parents. My Dad was a disciplinarian. I was very small when my father died. After my father’s death, I became spoilt a little. It affected me in the sense that after my secondary school, I became wayward, but thanks to my sister, Mrs. Gladys Olabisi Adelabi, who made me to realise I was going astray.

I entered University, 10 years after I left secondary school. However, I picked up later to realise that my future had to be secured. We enjoyed then. Things weren’t this tough in Nigeria. Things were easy. I enjoyed my growing up. I had fun to the fullest. My Mum was comfortable and was able to provide most of my needs and even wants.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
Mostly, Ijemo Agbadu, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

ANY REGRETS?
Yeah. The delay I had after my Secondary School before going to the University. If I knew then, I would have faced my studies squarely.

ARE YOU A SPORTS LOVER?
Yes. I love Sports generally, but with heavy bias for soccer. I was a fantastic footballer when I was young.

YOUR VIEW ABOUT LIFE
You are the architect of your fortune or misfortune. Do your best and leave the rest.

ADVISE FOR YOUNGER GENERATION OF MEDIA PRACTITIONERS
They should strive to restore the lost glory of the profession. Professionalism is key and uphold the ethics of the profession. All these have departed our noble profession. I know its going to be difficult.

SHORT HISTORY.
I cut my journalistic teeth at the OGBC,as Reporter/Editor. I won the EDITOR OF THE YEAR award in 1994. From there to DBN TV, as a Reporter/Editor. Later, Head of Reportorial and rose to the position of Head of News. Joined MBI TV later and left as Head of News. Moved to the print, ALTERNATIVE VIEW MAGAZINE and left as Managing Editor. I was honoured to practise at Radio, TV and Print arms.

THEN AND NOW
We experienced the harsh realities of practicing under military regimes. It was not easy as things are now under democracy. Professionalism and upholding the ethics of the profession were very paramount.