I’m comfortable with my body —Honey Pot

Awarding-winning on-air personality, Olayemi Ogunwole, popularly known as Honey Pot, is famous for her radio and television programmes that have earned her recognition from within and outside the country .
The thespian speaks with SEYI SOKOYA about her career. Excerpts:

You are one of the popular on-air personalities, what has been your staying power?

I don’t have any special or hidden might. I would say it has been God. This is my passion and it has been giving me joy. I didn’t rate myself to be a popular air personality; that compliment was from people. I only concentrate on pushing myself forward through serious works in order to carve a niche for myself and I am not getting tired, because the work has been rewarding. Though, it has not been easy, I feel fulfilled. I love doing this, because people are feeling the impact through my programmes. Radio is exacting, but it is still fun and has depth.

You are also a voiceover actor and a compere. How have you been able to combine all these?

The strength comes from God. I am naturally restless and I do not even think my hands are full. This is what I love doing and I am delighted that all these fields are shaping me and also tasking me to raise my game.

How did you discover your passion for this job?

I love to talk, read and share insightful information with people. Different people ask if I have ever considered being a broadcaster when I was in school and a friend told of an audition in the university, I missed it though. She told a staff at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Ife, Osun State, about me. I wrote a proposal and I was called to start a show. I was in the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), at the time and the rest is history today. I actually started with TV and I am glad to return to TV now, even as I do radio.

Why did you switch to radio at first?

Radio and TV are both electronic media. It was because I wanted the radio experience. Radio requires more work; your listeners didn’t see you; no pictures whatsoever. This is one of the things that fascinated me, because I love challenges. So far, the experience has been interesting. It is not strange to me and I am glad to be one of the air-personalities that has transformed the profession.

Now that you juggle the two, what is the experience like?

It has been beautiful. Now, the audience can put a face to the voice they hear on radio. You will agree with me that radio needs painting a picture of the situation, but the images are there already for TV. And, as my boss would say, TV is 90 per cent glamour.

How have you been able to enjoy the glamour?

I savour every moment. My job is one thing I enjoy and that comes naturally. For TV, beauty, presence, outfit, accessories, brains are important. These features are one of the major things that determines the span of any TV programmes and even the stations. Any practitioner that desire, to stay long in this industry and wants to command respect must always be on top of his or her  game.

What is your take on the ‘proliferation’ of the electronic media, especially radio?

It is a welcome development, because competitors make you better. It is a way to constantly keep people on their toes and also open doors for more initiatives. Personally, I have no problem with the expansion of the industry. I believe it also constitutes to the progress of the the media industry.

If not broadcasting, what would you have ventured into?

Acting; I love stage play. I act every day. I have done a stage play before and people commended me. I am currently working on my masterpiece. I believe the world is a stage and what we do every day is acting. My job too is acting; hosting shows on radio and television, as well as compering events.

What is your assessment of the industry?

It is satisfying. The viewers and listeners have choices, which is a good thing. I have been able to contribute my quota to the development of the industry by presenting unique programmes that are adding values to people’s lives. My programme: Chat Hour is presented in a breezy way. We have fun and learn at the same time. I engage people on socio-cultural issues and they always take away something new. I receive feedback every time and it has been encouraging. Recently, a woman told me that she prescribed the show to a friend who has high blood pressure, that if she listens to the show regularly, she’ll be fine. It gladdens my heart that I am touching people’s lives positively in my little way. Also, the TV show tagged: “Entertainment Splash” is an entertainment programme that keeps people entertained.

Do you feel threatened among other popular OAP divas?

No, I don’t. I am different and unique. God has given me  the talent. Why should I be threatened? There is so much we all can achieve. I am me and I won’t like to be compared with anyone.

How has life been treating you as a lady?

It has been beautiful. I am happy and enjoying it.

Is it true that broadcasters hardly get married?

Many broadcasters are married. As for me, there is time for everything; I will marry at the right time. It is not as if I am afraid of the challenges of marriage. In fact, some marriages are working and I am positive that mine will work when I finally settle down with my man.

Who is your kind of man?

I desire a man that I would be comfortable with and that is all.

You have a close relationship with celebs. What is the experience like and who do you have a crush on?

It is an amazing experience knowing people and understanding what makes them tick. Our relationship has been cordial and smooth. Perhaps, I have a crush on a movie director, who I would not want to mention his name here. He is intelligent and I guess he found me interesting.

You revealed how much you cherish your being in a recent interview. You even noted that you shunned your former boyfriend’s advised to go for boobs’ reduction. Could this be what led to the break up of the relationship?

All I can say is that the relationship didn’t work out. I am comfortable with my body, looks and I won’t allow people who have problems with themselves to be part of my life. This is one of the reasons I advocate for both genders. I believe the family is the bedrock of the society and as such, the girl and boy child should be properly trained not to be intimidated.

How did you come about your appellation, Honey Pot?

God gave me. I saw it in a novel and it was used in the context as center of attraction. I love it and still loving it. It means center of attraction.