BACKGROUND
l am Hajia Silifat Jumoke Adeyemi. l was born in Offa, Offa local government area of Kwara State on December 20, 1960, into the family of late Alhaji Mustapha Alabi and late Alhaja Amina Mustapha. I ‘m the second born of my mother and the fifth of my father’s nine children.
EDUCATION
l joined L.G.E, a primary school in Wushishi , located in Wushishi local government area of Niger State in 1970 from another school and finished in 1976. l got admitted into Queen’s College, Yaba Lagos in 1976 and graduated in 1981. I attended The Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State for a National Diploma in Mass Communication between 1982 and 84, and the Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State for a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication between 1986-88. I did my NYSC at the News and Current Affairs Department of NTA Maiduguri, Borno state between 1988-89. I also have a Certificate in Computer Studies (2010,) a
Post graduate Diploma from Ladoke Akintola University Ogbomosho (2010) and master’s in public adminstration from the same university in 2012.
CAREER
l began acquiring experience on the job during my SIWES with the News and Current Affairs Department of NTA Minna in 1983. l joined the defunct Oyun local government Offa in 1985. My working experience was broadened with the News and Current Affairs Department of NTA Maiduguri as a reporter where I also produced a Hausa Children Story Telling Programme “ Tatsoniya” from 1988-89. My working experience at NTA Maiduguri greatly equipped me with reportorial duties. l got employed at the then Kwara Weekly Newspaper Ilorin, in 1990 as a senior reporter and was the Government House Correspondent. l was exposed to the print media touching all sections, page planning, features, caption writing, editing, reporting, columnist of my page tagged “TALK SHOP”
ln January 1992, l joined the Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation, Radio Kwara Ilorin as a senior reporter. At the Corporation, l rose from levels, including head of Reporterial Duties, Manager News and Current Affairs Department and deputy director News and Current Affairs. My records saw me through awards and certificates of professional excellence for outstanding contribution to the media industry in Nigeria within and outside my workplace.
Aside my primary assignment where l excelled, l also took active parts in secondary assignment such as appointments into Committees both within and outside my primary place of assignment including that of Radio Kwara’s 30th anniversary, NUJ and NAWOJ, both at the chapel, state and national levels. While also at work, l served as Treasurer, NUJ, kwara weekly Chapel, secretary and chairman, NUJ Radio Kwara Chapel, vice chairman at the State Council, secretary and chairperson, NAWOJ at the State level. I retired in 2020, and although not tired, I’m presently a member of the editorial team in Gerin FM and the financial secretary, NALVEJ, Kwara State.
MENTORS
My fiirst mentors were my parents who taught me the act of hospitality, kindness, care and love. l learnt and imbibed so much from them as they were my bridge builder. My Father’s name resonates his character till today among those who lived with him in Ghana as a generous community head who accommodated all visitors irrespective of tribe, family etc.
My late husband, Ruphai G. Adeyemi, was a mentor who took guard during my unionism engagements. My boss, Mr. Kayode Adeyipo JP, who was the DNCA at Radio Kwara and other bosses, all my teachers who imparted in me Western and Quaranic education, as well as men and women that have added value to people’s lives.
INSPIRATION
Alhamdulillah Robbil Aalameen. My inspiration comes from Allah SWT, the dominion of the Heaven and earth who has been my sustainer in all affairs. l do meditate often through imaginations on Rosulullah SAW, his Hadith and Sunnah touches my heart, inspires me and gives me inner satisfaction despite my shortcomings.
l’m also inspired with stories of people with exemplary character.
DREADS
Betrayals!
l also ruminates over the existence of man on earth and the hereafter. l fear the day l was born, the day l will die, and the day l will be raised again.
l fears my first night in the grave based on teachings of the Qur’an and spiritual digest of our erudite Sheikhs and l pray never to derail from the path of Allah Azza wa jal.
At times, l find it uncomfortable giving a helping hand to those l listen to, or those who come seeking for assistance.
The little l’m able to do my Creator sees it, as l love imparting and adding value to people’s lives.
REGRET
No regrets whatsoever because Allah chose my part and l’m fulfilled. l’m a simple person who accommodates.
CHALLENGES
Hmmm…. lots of challenges but Alhamdulillah Robbil Aalameen
ACHIEVEMENT
ln the family setting, l have been able to put in my best for my immediate family and extended through maintaining family ties. In my career and sojourn as a practicing journalist in the media Industry, either as a reporter, editor, writer, presenter, producer, newscaster etc, l was able to impart remarkably on the job for journalists and SIWES. l have also mentored quite a number of people in unionism and this gladdens my heart always.
Through my NGO, Touch A Life Initiative (TALI) l have silently been touching a lot of lives.
l yearn to continue to do more in making an impact in people’s lives till my last breath on earth.
PROJECTIONS
l want to continue to do more for humanity. Expand the coast of my Column “Talk Shop” in bringing my experience to bear on upcoming journalists. Concentrating on my spiritual journey by drinking from our learned scholars at Markaz As-sherifah lslamic Centre.
COMBINING CAREER WITH FAMILY LIFE
This is a question often asked, as a woman who plays dual role as a mother/ home builder and as a career woman I have succeeded. However, this comes with ease when you have an understanding husband.
Though combining the two together might not come easy especially when you run shift duties but with the determination that the home must not suffer amidst all odds, it becomes a job made easy.
During my career days, l was able to combine the home and the office though stressful but Alhamdulillah.
Once you build your home on “Trust” and God, one is good to go.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Women are supposed to be role models through our God given roles. Once these positive traits are exhibited, women become respected and accorded their rightful place. l often advise that women should be supportive of one another, love themselves and aspire for greatness. Women should imbibe in their children’s positive values so that they can exhibit good conduct wherever they find themselves.
As women, envy, hatred, arrogance and pull me down syndrome should be avoided but rather embrace humility, hardwork, patience and perseverance.
Every woman should remain fervent in prayer and adopt simple ways of life.
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