Ogun Popular Broadcaster, Iyalode Pedepede Speaks
Hers is one of the house-hold names in the Ogun State broadcasting industry. Eniola Anike Shodiya who is better known as Iyalode Pedepede is a thoroughbred broadcaster who has remained committed to her choice of career since she found her way into the media terrain sometime in 2007. After going through the crucible of training from the bosses her path crossed theirs while making efforts to hone her broadcasting skills, Iyalode Pedepede refused to rest on her oars as she made sure she improved on previous efforts whenever she had rare opportunities to go on air with her bosses, at different points in time, as either a co-presenter or fully standing in for them when they were not available to present their programmes. And all the experiences she garnered along the line are what have made her tick as an independent presenter of note today. Meanwhile, the dark and beautiful on-air-personality has also chosing promoting the Yoruba cultural heritage as part of her professional calling with her Adayeba Cultural Foundation with an annual event/project in Abeokuta. As she is about to hold another edition of her event this week, she told SAHEED OJUBANIRE in Abeokuta why she is passionate about promoting the Yoruba cultural heritage and the details of the upcoming event on Thursday, 5th July, 2018, at Adayeba Cultural Foundation Centre, NATA Village, Beside Adonai Filling Station, Kobape Road, Abeokuta, by 11 in the morning. Excerpts:
How did the journey into the broadcasting profession start for you?
Well, I started the journey in 2007 under the tutelage of my bosses who were already making waves in the broadcasting industry then. And in this regard, I'm talking about the man that gave me the first rare privilege of cutting my teeth in presentation, Aderoju Adejare who is popularly known as Osila Production. I was with him between the years of 2007 and 2011 here in Abeokuta with programmes on different radio stations. And to further broaden my horizon in the nitty-gritty of the profession, I had to proceed to the fountain of knowledge of another boss, Olusoji Omotayo, Baaroyin Apede Ara, under the banner of his Soji Omotayo Productions. He was having (and still having) programmes on radio stations both in Lagos and Abeokuta, so under him, I had the opportunity of taking my training beyond the ambit of Abeokuta. I was with Baaroyin Apede Ara from 2011 till 2013 when I decided to stand on my own.
What are some of the programmes you presented with your bosses back then?
Some of the programmes were: Adun Ife, Ise Logun Ise, Oyato on OGBC 2 and Faaji Repete on Faaji 106.5 F.M. Lagos.
Now as an independent broadcaster, what are some of the programmes you are involved in, in Abeokuta here where you are based?
Some of the programmes I am currently involved in their presentation are: Akakatan Iroyin, Gbangbalawa, Ile Ewa, Ikorita Ife, and Adayeba on Rockcity 101.9FM Abeokuta.
Who is or are your role models in the broadcasting profession?
Well, I have 3 personalities that I admire so deeply and look up to in the broadcasting profession and they are: Chief (Mrs.) Anike Agbaje Williams, Olusesan Ekisola and Dr. Ambrose Olutayo Somide.
Now let's talk about your passion for promoting the Yoruba cultural heritage. Where is the inspiration for that coming from?
Well, it is no longer news that the incursion of civilisation into our tradition has negatively impacted on pratically every aspect of our way of life that is dressing, religious, language and so on. So, it is indeed unfortunate that all what Yorubas were known for have been relegated to the background while foreign culture took the front burner. I find that quite appalling, and that is why I came up with the idea of Adayeba Cultural Foundation to promote and tackle the continued errossion of the cultural heritage of the Yoruba race.
And how has the journey been for Adayeba Cultural Foundation?
Well, I give glory to God because He has been their for me. Our first edition of annual event/project came up in the year 2016 with 80 participants. And we left 2017 to plan and better strategize as we wanted to go to greater height. So, this year we thank God because our expected participants are now almost 200.
Who are some of the personalities that have been part of the event?
There are lots of people. And that include: Alayeluwa Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, (the Alaafin of Oyo), Oloye Afolasade Tinubu Ojo (the Iyaloja General), Alhaji Ayo Ogunsolu (the G.M. of Parks & Garrages in Ogun State), Prince Samsideen Apelogun (the Chairman of Accomoran in Ogun State), Alhaja Fatimah Ejide, Basorun Muyiwa Oladipo (the Commissioner for Culture in Ogun State), and by extension, the Ogun State Government.
What are some of the activities we are going to be witnessing at the event?
To start with, our chairman of the day is High Chief Gani Ige Abiodun Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Alhaji Alabi Pasuma is our main artiste and we have other guest artistes including Sir Shina Akanni, Alhaji Bukola Alayande Ere Asalatu, the Innovator 1 and many more. White colour with teal grean would be the colours of the day and we are going to be eating local food served in Awo Sobi (local plates and utensils) and the foods would include Eba Inu Ewe, Iyan, Amala, Ofada, Asaro, Akara and Eko, Gbure Oloboro, Ewedu, Gbegiri, Efo Riro and so on with fresh palmeine (Ogidi Emu). No jollof rice or any English food.
Apart from those you've mentioned already, can you name some other personalities being expected at this year's event?
That is good. The Mother of the Day is the First Lady of Ogun State, Dr. Olufunso Amosun, The Father of the Day is Alhaji A. Abidoye Amosun(Alhaji Agba), and the Launchers are Oloye Ayinde Koiku(Jaguna Akiode), Alhaji Abdul-Ganiyu Ajibade Akewusola, Alhaji Abdul-Rasaq Ayinde Adeleke( Agba Awo Akeweje of Iseyin Land),
and Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun. We also expecting the likes of Dr. Seye Kehinde, the Publisher of City People Magazine and Dr. Ambrose Olutayo Somide, the Managing Director, Radio Services, DAAR Group, to mention a few.
What is the idea of foundation stone laying at the event all about?
The idea is to build our own ADAYEBA CULTURAL FOUNDATION Vocational & Museum Center in order to be teaching people on how to be making our local product such as Adire, Aso Oke, Irun Didi, Igba Fin Fin, Ikoko etc.
And what is next after the foundation stone laying?
Like the Yorubas would say, Ibere o kii se onise (the ones who deserves the glory are those who are able to finish what they started), May the Almighty God bless us to finish the project.
Finally, what is your message for the teeming fans of your programmes on air?
Well, I have nothing much to say other than to be thanking them and I promise not to disappoint them in any way.
