A lawyer turned radio talkshow presenter, Angela Ochu-Baiye is the host of ‘The Conversation’ and ‘Jela’s Clinic’ on WE FM 106.3. In this interview with LEADERSHIP, she gives her fans a peek into her life.
Background…
I am a graduate of Commercial Law from the University of Westminster London and I also obtained a Masters Degree in Commercial & Corporate Law at Queen Mary, University of London before going on to the Nigerian Law School after which I was called to Nigerian Bar in 2010. I am an ambidextrous person, who finds expression as a solicitor, entrepreneur, a recording/performing artist and a Radio Talk Show Presenter/ Producer. I am also married, a mother of 2 lovely children, the second amongst 5 siblings.
How was growing up like?
Growing up was pretty much normal for me. My childhood memories were full of fun with my siblings, family and friends even though they were often within a shielded home setting. While in secondary school, I was known to be the teacher’s pet simply because of how I carried on responsibilities placed in my hands. I however struggled a lot with trying to fit in so I could be loved by students even when I didn’t agree with what they stood for, until I gave up and decided to stand out from the crowd. I was often misunderstood while growing up because I didn’t have the same mind-set as my peers. I always seemed way ahead and behaved more maturely which made me appear too ‘serious’ in their word.
Your parents and the influence they had on you…
My parents are Phillips and Grace Salawu. They are both loving and have been extremely supportive right through my growing up days. They raised me to be independent and to function and think like a solution provider – to always look for ways to offer value and to engage my mental capacity in the quest for excellence. They instilled the values of prudence and humility in me. My father would often say, “Don’t focus on looking for a job, instead focus on being an employer of labour.” My father was a major influence in making me believe in myself. I still remember his voice echoing these words, “You are the daughter of a Lion.” (Ebira Language-Ozi-Idu) He exposed me to investment opportunities (especially in the stock market) as a chartered accountant and also educational excellence because he was a first class student all through his studies. My precious mother also influenced me more in her entrepreneurial abilities as I have watched her set up SME businesses which I have watched grow over time. I have seen her take advantage of opportunities with the determination to grow her business even against all odds. She has also influenced me positively in her money saving culture.
Your first time on radio and what the experience was like…
I started off as an intern for a period of six months and functioned as a production assistant on the Morning Mojo show with Stanley Bentu. Within that period of time, I grew to co-produce the press room where I got the chance to read short summaries of stories making news while gentlemen of the Press gave their analysis of the stories. Working in production as an intern was tough especially being a mother of two. It meant that I had to wake up 4am every day in order to make certain preparations so as to be at the station for 5.30am. It was a tough period, but I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything because it helped to develop my skills, competence and capacities which has made me the presenter and producer that I am today. I learnt to appreciate the amount of work that goes into producing great shows, the behind the scenes elements, the consistency in keeping a standard of excellence in broadcasting in order to carve a niche ‘in the broadcasting industry.
Your mentor (s)
Shola Adesoye, Bestman Uwadia, Mathew Igbalajobi. Radio Broadcast Mentors – Steve Gukas, Solomon Izang Ashoms & Stanley Bentu
Tell us about your programme
I present The Conversation on WE FM 106.3. This is a show where I talk about real life issues that affect you and I. I speak about these issues with 3 to 4 guests in the studio in a light and free studio setting. My approach is to look at issues from the human angle while encouraging listeners to participate by also sharing their thoughts on same issues and how it affects them. The conversation airs on Mondays Tuesdays and Thursdays by 10.30am. I also present ‘Jela’s Clinic’ a show that involves the participation of four carefully selected experts in various fields called Jela’s Clinic Doctors (JCD). The show provides the opportunity for listeners to call in and ask any question in the bid to finding answers. The doctors and set then provide advice, insight, suggestions or a referral to an expert off air to help deal with the personal problem which their question covers. The caller’s question may fall under any area of their lives they need help with hence it is ideal to say Jela’s Clinic is LIFE clinic on WE FM 106.3 every Wednesday and Friday by 10.30am
How do you connect with your audience?
I connect easily with my audience because I am an open-minded and honest person. I do not have any known prejudices and like to show people who I am while staying as real and true as humanly possible. This way I draw those who really want to get to know and connect with me, my work and my world, my passion, motivation and inspiration. My personality on air is the same off air which is why I love the shows I present on WE FM 106.3. Both shows reveal my heart about my desire to see people maximise their lives.
Most memorable moment as a presenter…
I would never forget the day I got a call on Jela’s Clinic over a rather sensitive matter. A friend of a man who had been imprisoned for over 14 years, released and found not guilty for the crime he was accused of called in. As I tried to deal with the matter, a pro bono lawyer who was listening to me contacted me and requested to take his case and sue the State for damages on his behalf. However on the day I was to link him up live on air with the lawyer who had offered his services, I was told that he had just committed suicide. I felt so horrible. I was late! I would always remember that day because I kept wondering what could have happened, if I reached him just a day earlier, he just might have been alive today.
What gives you fulfilment?
When I see significant progress, no matter how little it is on whatever I set my hands to do, it gives me great fulfilment. This is because I believe in excellence. Excellence in what I do, excellence in my life style, quality of life I should have and also the quality of life others should have around me. I approach everything from the standpoint of excellence. In my pursuit for excellence my fulfilment comes when I see that the rewards are gradually bearing fruit which in return gives me the encouragement to keep pushing the bar and setting new standards for myself.
Weirdest thing you ever did…
Hmmm I am not sure weird defines me in anyway. I am rather very ordinary and normal.
Your bucket list….
I have never made one before, I am not consciously making any at the moment but I may consider writing one soon.
If you could change one thing, it would be…
To change the way we limit ourselves from being the best specimen of humans in order not to short change the world of the benefits of our birth, existence and life