Working Lives – OAPs
The world is filled with mobile phones, tablets, and computers but the radio still has the widest audience coverage, reaching millions without access to the internet. As important as a radio set is, so are the content and the voices – the presenters or On-Air Personalities (OAPs). It’s our first Working Lives episode in the new year and in it, we explore the world of the voices on the radio, whose role it often is, to attract and retain the audience interest as well as distinguish one station from another through their shows. Enjoy!
Tobi
After my undergraduate studies, I started sending my CV out to multiple radio stations. I was super confident that I would get a call from one at least, which I did. I got two offers and went for the best one. My interview went so smoothly and I was told to resume immediately.”
Where are you from?
I am from Lagos State. Omo Eko ni mi.
Which school did you attend and when did you graduate?
The University of Lagos, where I studied Mass Communication and graduated in 2014.
Tell me about your family.
My dad is an accountant while my mom teaches French in a private school around Lekki. I am the only child.
Where do you live/ how much is the rent?
I live in a 2-bedroom flat in Maryland and pay N400,000 yearly rent.
Why go into the media industry?
Well, I would say my personality. Right from when I was in secondary, people have always enjoyed my company, discussing things, especially when it comes to football. I am very good with that, and as God will have it, that is my current focus. I have a sports show I host on the radio.
Nice. So how did you start working as an OAP?
After my undergraduate studies, I started sending my CV out to multiple radio stations. I was super confident that I would get a call from one at least, which I did. I got two offers and went for the best one. My interview went so smoothly and I was told to resume immediately.
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Wow. What did you have to do when you started working newly?
I started presenting on air right away. It happened that I applied for the job just when there was a vacancy. The old guy was leaving the country and they needed someone to fill the position.
Tell me what it’s like, being an OAP?
It’s fun I would say. There is this joy that comes to my heart when I know thousands of people anticipate listening to my voice on the radio. And then I analyse and discuss football matters. It is always fun; I enjoy being an OAP.
How many hours do you work in a day?
I work from 12 am – 6 pm on weekends. My show holds from Friday to Sunday, that’s my work schedule.
What’s your best day like on the job?
As I said, I enjoy what I do so much. So basically every day is my best.
Nice. How much do you earn?
I earn N275,000 monthly.
And how much do you spend in a day?
That’s about N2,000 or N3,000 at most.
Other things you spend on?
Just the necessities, that is, buying stuff at home, paying bills, and then what takes a chunk of my money is ‘black tax’ – sending money to family and friends every now and then.
With the black tax and the rest, do you get to save monthly?
Yes, I have savings. I always try as much as possible to save N100,000. But sometimes I’m unable to meet that quota, especially when there’s a lot of bills to take care of.
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Are you married or looking forward to that?
Yes, I am happily married with two kids.
Okay. For how long have you been working as an OAP?
I have been working as a presenter for 5 years now.
Seeing as you’re loving life as an OAP, are there plans to try something else apart from that?
Not really. The only plan is to grow career-wise. Go up the ladder of management, so I can have my own sports radio station one day.
