The General Manager of Voice of the People (VOP), 90.3 FM, Lagos, Segun Bailey Adeniji, has described himself as accidental broadcaster. Speaking in an interview with News Express, the veteran broadcaster said that before venturing into journalism, he was working with Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), and was among those that were selected to go to Hague in Netherlands but fate had a different thing in stock for him.

He said that his plan to complete his degree course in Engineering at Lagos State University and return back to SPDC was thwarted by a very long ASUU strike and before he knew it, he was in broadcasting.

In this interview, he also talked about the challenges that the main stream media is facing with regards to social media and on other pertinent issues.

Excerpts.

Who is Segun Bailey Adeniji?

Well, Segun Adeniji is a Nigerian, from Lagos State to be precise. I began my career at 19, shortly after my secondary school education. My first job was at Shell Petroleum Development Company headquarters here in Lagos. Within five years of working with the oil company, I bagged four Health Safety and Environment Awards. But in 1995, I resigned to pursue a degree in the university. I got admission to Study Engineering at Lagos State University with the intention of returning back to the company for my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and continue with the company. Everything had been arranged. However, a prolonged ASSU strike changed all the arrangement.

How did you get into broadcasting?

I was discovered by two veteran broadcasters, late Dr. Levi Ajuonuma, who until his death, was the Group General Manager, Corporate Affairs of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, and Monsuru Karounwi, who took interest in me because of the way I pronounce words and again because of my analytical skills.

According to them, coupled with my energetic attributes at always desiring to conduct research and investigative work beyond the limits of others. So, their recommendation gave me the opportunity to begin my career at MITV/Star FM, Lagos on the show, ?Campus Life.?

It was Dr. Ajuonuma that invited me to join the popular Daar Communications Plc; where I made my debut on Raypower 100.5FM, Alagbado and later BBC/Raypower 2 (106.5FM) Lagos respectively.

How many years have you been in the broadcast industry?

Well, I have almost 30 years? experience in radio, television, advertising, public relations and media production. I have also served in different broadcast organizations in different parts of Nigeria, West Africa, East Africa and also in South Africa respectively. I guess that I am well known for my resourcefulness and zest in proffering clear-cut industry-based solutions to issues of station management, broadcast content, media strategy, marketing, advertising, public relations, policy formulation, trainings and implementation for almost 30-years.

Apart from a degree in Engineering from Lagos State University, are there other academic attainments, over the years?

I strongly believe in education and self-improvement. So, I can say that I have impacted myself with a lot of knowledge. I have Master?s Degrees in Information and Communications Technology, Business Administration and in Mass Communication from highly rated tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Additionally. I have also earned numerous professional certifications from the National Broadcast Academy in Broadcast Presentation and from many other revered institutions in the fields of Studio Works, Management Consulting and Advertising for over 20 years and still counting. With self-development and educational attainments, I have been able to serve meritoriously in different capacities across different popular media organizations like MITV/Star FM,AIT/RayPower, Alaro Times, Radio Nigeria (Metro FM), Inspiration FM,SOBI FM, Hip TV, Radio Now, Women Radio, Mainland FM and currently Voice Of the People 90.3 FM, overseeing Lagos and Abuja.

Very soon, you would be clocking 30 years in the broadcast industry, what would you say are your achievements?

Well I can humbly say that I have paid my dues in the industry. I have served as Head of Programmes, Head of Content, Head of Strategy, Head of Marketing and Business Development, Member - Board of Trustees, Deputy General Manager, General Manager and Group General Manager respectively. Without sounding boastful, I have in my kitty, almost 30-colourful years of professionalism, dedication and meritorious service. I have decades of unblemished record of excellence in broadcasting, content curation, station management, advertising and associated media services.

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