Oluwatobi Oladipupo popularly known as Superlight is the founder/CEO of Superlight International Communications Network (SICON), an on-air personality (OAP), actor, counsellor, politician, writer and currently an undergraduate of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State studying political science.
He became more popular and set a pace by winning 2019 PALEC awards’ OAP of the year amongst 9 other nominees in the whole of South West, Nigeria.
Johnson Okunade from My Woven Words had the privilege of having an exclusive interview with this award winning OAP; Oluwatobi Oladipupo. Just relax, you’ll definitely enjoy the interview
Can we meet you, sir?
I am Oluwatobi Oladipupo, popularly known as Superlight. A student of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. A student of Political Science department. I am an OAP, Counsellor, Actor, Writer and CEO of Superlight International Communications Network (SICON).
How did you come by the name; Super light presenter?
I got the name on August 1, 2013 when I started writing articles. I was thinking what to call the collection of my articles and the name Superlight came
It came through inspiration, so I named it Superlight concept. I started my career on Radio in 2014. Around 2015, I started adding Superlight Presenter to my name on air. Since then, the name has become popular.
Can you tell us what SICON is all about?
SICON means Superlight International Communications Network. It is a media team that offers dynamism in media. SICON runs on 3 wheels:
- Motivational articles
- Inspiring audio programmes
- Video productions.
The vision of SICON is to impart the world and youths with necessary ingredients to succeed. Also to train youths with passion to be media experts. We have executives that handle critical matters. We gather men and women of timbre and calibre in media for training, just to train youths and build their intellectual pedigree and sagacity. I can categorically say that we are moving.
when did you start SICON?
SICON started on August 1st, 2013.
What inspired you to start SICON?
The major drive behind SICON is to impart knowledge in a unique way and to develop youths to be a useful implement in nation building. Also to bring people with like – mind together to impart lives and to impart their lives as well, because you need to be imparted before you impart others.
On what platforms has SICON been able to propagate it’s purpose?
Yes, we started functioning with programmes on Radio stations that impart the youths. Also all SICON articles are being posted on a website named my woven words, which I really commend the CEO of my woven word in person of Mr Okunade Johnson for the good job.
We now have a channel on YouTube which is SUPERLIGHT TV, which would be opened and inaugurated next month. We have platform where we train youths to be media experts.
What are the achievements of SICON so far?
Well, SICON has been able to impart lives through different articles and on air programmes.
We have been able to train people and also orientate them able media. Helping talented people to build themselves. We have developed by posting our articles on website for people to read.
SICON has been recognised by dignitaries like Prof Igbekele Ajibefun (AAUA Vice Chancellor), Mr Victor Akinpelumi (a media expert, BBC trained, Adeolu Gboyega (a popular media consult and OAP), Mr Sola Imoru (SSA to Osun state Governor on Media, Popular Ayo Ajewole (Woli Agba) among others.
Since when have you been an OAP?
Since 2014, when I started at Parrot 101.1 fm which was 98.0 then. It’s coming up to 5 years now on air. Currently working with Radio AAUA 90.3FM now.
How did you start?
I started presentation when I was very small. I do listen to programmes on Radio and television stations. When I was in secondary school, I do record short programmes on my phone. I developed interest in media. In 2014, I started with my boss Sola Fatoki in parrot fm, he trained me. I was with me till I travelled to school. So since then, I have been developing myself more.
As an OAP, any challenges so far?
Yes, different challenges everyday. One of the challenges is the problem of recognition especially when you are just upcoming. People tend to look down on you when you are not yet popular. Once you are noticed, you are good to go. Another challenge is how to relate with your fans. When most people see you, they do have impression like you are a superman and very rich (smile).
Even the stress you have to go through before you present your show. Planning, producing, selecting musics and getting the presentation style for that show. When you go out, people always expect you to give them money and other things. I have been somewhere, that I was forced to give a lady money on that day. Someone needs to be very prayerful against spiritual attacks as well. God has been faithful even through all obstacles.
Have you started working with other organizations?
Yes, I have worked with Parrot fm, Crystal radio, Radio AAUA. I have also worked with one Yoruba newspaper in 2015 called Ojutole newspaper. And others.
In partnership with others what have you done so far?
What are the things you’ve been able to achieve?
In partnership with Omotee Graphics, we have been able to pass information through online fliers. The CEO of Omotee Graphics, Mr Omotayo Adegboye has been doing this for SICON without taking anything from SICON.
We have partnered with Mr Sola Imoru foundation in accessing our articles. Also, Akande Temiloluwa has been helping in editing our articles.
My Woven Words has been a great sponsor of SICON as all our articles can be found on the website. Audio knowledge have been imparted through partnership with Radio AAUA. Moreover, some other people and foundations have been helping SICON.
Have you won any award or medal before?
Yes, one of it is as OAP of the year in political science department in my school. Recently, I won another one called PALEC awards, which cut across all higher institutions in South West Nigeria. I won the category of OAP of the year in the midst of other 9 nominees.
What is your greatest achievement so far?
So far, my greatest achievement has been the PALEC OAP of the year award that I bagged around May this year in OAU. Just because all higher institutions in the South West Nigeria were involved.
What’s the full meaning of PALEC?
Prestige Anchor Leadership Empowerment and Capacity building Award
Have you been able to monetize your OAP skills?
Yes, because I anchor events through the process, wedding ceremony, naming, burial, corporate events, dinner etc. On the same page, I have sponsors on my programmes and other stipends fans do use to appreciate.
How well have you been able to monetize it, do you feel that you are at the heights of monetizing your skills?
No, just started. You know I am still a student, that has hinder me from spreading my dragnet and tentacles across Nigeria. But we are still moving and I believe we would get there.
How are you able to balance OAP and SICON with Studies?
Well, first thing is understanding. I understood what I was into and I set my priority right. First thing is my academics, although I must attend to other things. Every time I see my timetable, I do check my programme schedule also.
There are times I will need to record my programmes just because I have lectures. Sometimes I do miss fixed class when they clash with any of my programmes because I have set my schedule before. But in case of tests and examination, I will leave programme and write either tests or examinations.
Most times, I leave my house as early as 7 am and come back around 10 pm. It is usually from class to studio or vice versa. Even from studio to church. I maximise any opportunity I have to rest and read even prepare for upcoming programmes. I can’t lie, it hasn’t been easy like that but God is helping. Most people don’t believe that I am a student due to how often they listen to my voice on air. All thanks to Omotayo Adegboye and Akande Temiloluwa who are helping me in attending to SICON works.
What has been your source of strength, your motivation?
The answer is God. I get inspiration from him everyday, he has been helping me. If not for God I won’t be who I am today.
Where do you see yourself as an OAP in the next 5years?
I see myself with international OAPs. I see myself becoming that which God have for me. And also I see myself in great places. May God help us
Where do you see SICON in the next five years?
SICON vision is to go worldwide. I see SICON achieving more and imparting lives more. I see us getting sponsors from companies across the globe.
What is your opinion about leadership?
Leadership is a crucial and important topic. Leadership is a process of directing and organising others to achieve goals. The person that takes the responsibility of leadership is a leader. To lead others means to show them the right thing to do after setting the standard.
As a leader you demonstrate what you want others to do. That’s why it is quite different from rulership. A leader must be a visionary person and someone with capacity to direct followers. Leadership styles that would help the followers should be adopted. Leadership is a position of sacrifice and strategy
Do you consider yourself a leader?
That’s a technical question. Yes, I am one.
Why do you consider yourself a leader?
I am a leader because I lead in different areas and I have been able to achieve goals through the help of God
Considering the course you’re studying and your constant urge to make this world a better place, do you really have interest in politics?
Yes, I love politics, I analyse politics. Politics is very interesting. You can’t do without it. We play politics everyday. Politics is anything you do to achieve purpose. There is politics everywhere , in school, family, place of work, religious places etc.
You also play politics. In fact this question you ask me is political because you want to achieve something from your question. I love it so much.
Are you saying if you have the opportunity, you’ll run for an office?
Of course yes, but not now, I would first get to the pinnacle and zenith of my career before running for office. I do tell people that you must first build yourself and run for yourself before running for any office, unless you will fail.
Do you have a role model or mentor?
Yes, in media, my mentor is Adeolu Gboyega but in Politics, late Obafemi Awolowo is my role model.
What do you have to say about My Woven Words?
My Woven Words is a platform that form plans and impart knowledge. I have seen the website and I really love great and germane information on the platform. When you compare it with other websites you will know that the difference is audible to the deaf. I love what I see there and I refer people to visit as well.
I must commend the giant stride in the CEO of the website, Mr Johnson Okunade for the good job. I salute your doggedness and tenacity. Keep it up.
What advice do you have for OAPs and people looking up to you?
My advice for OAPs is to stay focus, they should embrace dynamism, show maturity and professionalism and also I wish them well. For others, stay focused and learn from others. Nobody has the monopoly of wisdom, stay away from pride and be prayerful.
God bless.
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