Dr (Mrs) Kemi Wale-Olaitan, a media consulant and author in this interview with TOLUWANI OLAMITOKE relishes her experience  as a broadcaster, adding that she had fulfilment on the job, while describing  how she has embraced her  new role as the wife of the Vice Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State. Excerpts:

CAN you recall your most challenging experience while you were  a broadcaster?
Every programme was a challenging one, you are expected to put in your best. But I remember that of the opening of the Premier F.M.Station in December 2001. It was opened by the late Chief (Mrs) Stella Obasanjo. I had to do an interview with her. It was a bit challenging with the protocols and securities. But it was an interesting experience. I cherished it a lot.

Can you mention  some of the programmes you presented?
I presented programmes both in English and Yoruba languages.When I entered the service, in my early years I presented programmes like Chit-Chat, E ma yase, Sisi Eko. I later presented  more captivating ones like Women of Repute. Then, I interviewed a large number of notable women across the Lagos, Ibadan and Ogun zone. These were the likes of Professor Bolanle Awe, Professor Adetoun Ogunsheye, first female professor in Nigeria,  Chief (Mrs) Folake Solanke, first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria and others. At Premier F.M, I presented Tender Flame, a music programme where love issues were treated. Fans call in and talk about issues.  Another programme was Girls’ Avenue. Here I worked with young girls in secondary school and undergraduates in the University of Ibadan. The focus was  helping students  open up and letting parents know what they were going through. What I did then was to go to schools, speak with the principals and request for intelligent students who I took  to the studio and arrange  discussions and debates  for them on diverse topics. Later, undergraduates from the University of Ibadan joined  the programme. I will say I love broadcasting.

Why did you then opt out of broadcasting?
I wont say I’ve left broadcasting because I’m still doing things  related to media. I planned spending 5 years but I later  spent 11 years.  There were certain policies brought up. One was  contributory pension. I didn’t like the idea.  Interestingly  after I left, I was still going back to present programmes and these was free of charge.

After leaving service I went into business I went into plastic recycling business and also export farm produce. And because of my love  for broadcasting, I also went into media consulting. I produce jingles and consult generally on media issues. I have a big project on now-I’ve built massive website to get women across Africa together, talk, exchange views and compare notes and bring up projects or proffer solution to issues together. It will soon be fully on screen. The websites are Africanrubiz.com and Africanrubys.com

What spurred this idea?
Right from my undergraduate days I have been interested in gender issues. My B.A., M.A. and Ph.D theses were on gender. I have had cause to meet with several women across Africa. I believe if women are united, we can pull our weight in Africa. I have once met with the former first lady of Ghana, Mrs Nana Rawlings after leaving service. If we can get the likes of these  wo-men together for a kind of foundation to project women’s image, it will be nice. Last year December, I launched a  book, ‘Brain Has No Gender,’ the foundation and websites. The book is a collection of interviews I had when I was in service. I believe such  interviews shouldn’t be left in the air, upcoming  women should read and learn from these women. Each woman had interesting experience to relate.  I selected interviews by 25 of the women, one of them is that of the Minister of State Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Olajumoke Akinjide.

How did you receive  the news of your husband’s appointment as a vice chancellor?
I was scared. It was with mixed feelings. It’s not easy to head a big institution like that and considering the situation andmess he met in the school. The school had degenerated so  much. We are both alma maters of the school, we actually met there.   And this is a young man, quiet, unassuming, easy going, how was he going to cope with the mess and all kind of politicking. Not that I doubted  his ability of bringing it out of the woods, but with the  politicking and bitterness,  I was scared.

Did you expect he could go this far in his career?
No. Not that I doubt the impossibility, but having the feeling that such position will have a political touch.

He was the best graduating student of his set, the first set. He  studied political science.

What have you been doing to contribute to the succees of his office?
By keeping the homefront going. When you  have a position and you don’t have a home to retire to at the end of the day, you can’t function well. Most of the time we discuss issues  and  I calm him down. One of those things keeping him going is prayer.

What has changed about you since your husband assumed office?
Nothing, we are very simple and quiet persons. But I now have to relate with people I wouldn’t have  in the first place. I  have to smile and I have more staff to cater for–cook for them and look after their welfare. The truth is I like to be myself.

Now that your spouse has got to the peak of his career will you advice him to go into an area like politics?
No, I won’t

Why?
As Jehovah Witnesses we don’t take active part in politics. Again, being  a down to earth and easy going person it will be courting  trouble if you  decide to climb  such a ladder.

Don’t you think the act of choosing a vice chancellor these days is rooted in politics?
These days in Nigeria there is always a tilt  towards  politics in everything done. But I will say my husband was chosen on merit. He had to go through  the normal procedure. Many professors  applied for the post and were interviewed and he came out tops. Everything is on record and clear.

How do you cope with pressure from people seeking  your husband’s assistance through you?
It has been difficult, the pressure has been much. But I’m happy my husband is a  stickler for rules. He will never bend, break or modify rules. If your request is in line with the rules, then there is no problem, but you will still have to go through  due  process. But  if your request is not in line with the rules, then don’t go to him. This has made it easier.

Your spouse no doubt has fared well  in  his career. Will you then encourage your children  to go into academics?
I don’t like legislating for children  on their choice of career and profession. I believe  children should be given the free will to choose where their interest lies. As passionate as I was with broadcasting and brought up my daughter to be interested  and familiar with the profession, today  she’s  insisting on been a teacher. Not being a lecturer but  a teacher.