In 2022, she launched a call-in radio program in the Ekiti dialect, now running on both Star FM 91.5 and Petals FM 102.3 in Ibadan. She anchors Ekiti Tayo on Petals FM and a similarly themed slot on Star FM. Yemora’s programme is engaging, drawing instant feedback from listeners because of her Ekiti accent which has become part of her on-air identity.
By Eberechi Obinagwam
Growing up, Yemora Ifeoluwani never had trouble talking — and she always loved making people laugh. Those two traits have shaped a career that now sees her hosting radio shows and working as an alaga, the famed compere of Yoruba traditional weddings.
After earning her Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in English and Special Education for the Deaf from the Federal College of Education, Oyo, Ifeoluwani trained as a radio presenter while working full-time as a teacher.
In 2022, she launched a call-in radio program in the Ekiti dialect, now running on both Star FM 91.5 and Petals FM 102.3 in Ibadan. She anchors Ekiti Tayo on Petals FM and a similarly themed slot on Star FM. Yemora’s programme is engaging, drawing instant feedback from listeners because of her Ekiti accent which has become part of her on-air identity.
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She said she deliberately chose to broadcast in Ekiti dialect because few presenters in Ibadan do so. “I have people that are not from Ekiti who are members of my audience. I use the Ekiti dialect to present, and people who are not from Ekiti still call to say they enjoy it — because aside from using the dialect, I also make people laugh. I add comedy to it. In Ibadan, we are just three people anchoring such a program,” she said.
How it began
Yemora’s mastery of the Ekiti dialect was not deliberate. Though born to Ekiti parents, she didn’t pick up the language at home. She was born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and because her father served in the military, the family moved from barracks to barracks across the country. Her fluency in the dialect only developed when she was sent to Ekiti for her secondary education. It was during that period that she found herself able to flow effortlessly in the language.
For four years, Ifeoluwani has built a following by making listeners laugh on air. “I find it so enjoyable and interesting, making people laugh. Anytime I have a program going on air, it gives me joy. While I’m joyful, those people are joyful too,” she said.
She also noticed that most of the callers of her radio show are non-Ekiti speakers. She said she found that amazing: “I wonder why people that are not from Ekiti call the most. They find it more interesting,” she said.
Beyond teaching and broadcasting, Ifeoluwani also works as an Alaga (traditional compere) at events.
Breakthrough
Carving out her own niche, Ifeoluwani said, has been her biggest breakthrough — and the reactions from listeners, including non-Ekiti speakers, are what she values most.
“When I speak, even people that are not from Ekiti are ready to listen. That’s a breakthrough for me. People call me for MC jobs and Alaga (compere) work after listening to my voice. This program has really paved the way for me,” she told TheNiche in an interview.
“Some people just call me, even when I’m not on air. Someone once told me, ‘I’m not from Ekiti, but I just enjoy it when you talk,'” she said.
Challenges of the business
Ifeoluwani said the tough economy has affected her work, particularly on the Alaga side, where she often has to negotiate extensively to convince clients to pay a reasonable fee. Still, she said she always finds a way through.
Japa
Despite the pressures pushing many young Nigerians abroad, Ifeoluwani said she has no plans to relocate. Her strategy, she said, is to build her income in Nigeria while still being able to travel and enjoy herself elsewhere. “It’s only Nigeria that can give me the edge; other countries can’t,” she said.
About Ifeoluwani
Ifeoluwani holds an NCE in English and Special Education for the Deaf from the Federal College of Education, Oyo, and is currently studying for a degree at the University of Ibadan. She is married and blessed with children.
