Journalist Chocomilo reveals new plans about marriage and career as he clocks another year

By Bright Olorungbotemi

Nigerian Journalist, Apagunpote Olayimika Chocomilo, who was born on February 29, speaks to Voice Air Media about his career and how it feels celebrating his birthday once in every four years.

Chocomilo

What inspired you into Journalism' ?

Prevailing injustice, sorry state of the world and suffering of the helpless.

Question: Is there anything that has changed about your career, from campus to outside Journalism?

Answer: Yes. I have witnessed great changes but hardwork and consistency are factors I have always put in place whenever a new ladder is climbed.

Question: Some people have labelled you a womaniser because of your lover boy persona. And black with handsome good looking guy, Is that true ?

Answer: Womanizer? Definitely not me. People who know me pretty well have concluded that I am a faithful and very honest partner. Handsome? Lol....I doubt that.

Question: What challenges do you currently face in your career?

Answer: Challenges every average working and active journalist faces. Funds, mobility and bitter environment. I have lost friends and very close confidants because I say things in their truest form. I do not know how to hide my expression on issues and mostly, I have offended people greatly for being truthful.

Question: You were born on February 29. How does it feel not being able to celebrate your birthday every year?

Answer: For me, every day is a special day of remembrance and God's gratefulness. Special people don't follow normal rules and guidelines. If people are still finding why I always have a different opinion on every issues or why I'm very controversial, they should be able to easily trace it to the specialty in my birthday.

Question: What's the most memorable birthday celebration you’ve had ?

Answer: Most memorable birthday celebration? Just two.

My father, a great man of many parts who is living his life for humanity and wellness of others organised one. The other happened few hours ago. A special one from afar celebrated it in a very beautiful way and one would think that special one is not far.

Question: What do you still aim to achieve with your Journalism career ?

Answer: Truth. Activism. Agitation of rights. Condemning and exposing societal issues. Agitating for review in certain policies of the government. All in one, Humanity!

Question: Some people feel you haven't lived up to expectations career -wise, What's your reaction to that ?

Answer: Yes. They are right. Any living soul will never live up to humans or self expectations until death took him or her away. Gradual, slow but steady they say win races.

Question: Do you plan on getting married anytime soon?

Answer: Yes. I have started making plans and I pray that things fall in line. The battle has been won, the heart has been drilled with love and locked by its new owner. There's no way I can live with a padlocked heart. Hence, I need to live with its owners and very soon, God will perform his rare wonders. I pray so.

Question: What qualities would you like in your dream woman?

Answer: Everything needed in a wife, mother and life partner most importantly God's fear, intelligence and patience.

Question: At this stage of your career, do you have any regrets ?

Answer: That whenever they show up, through God's guidance and people's support especially the management of the firm I work for, readers and people I consult for counselling and advice, I conquer them. God saved me from a 30m law suit and many other court cases.

It's not an easy job to be a Nigerian not to talk of being a Nigerian journalist and columnist.

I have no regrets at all. God has been so faithful to me. I have nothing in my heart but I have God in my life. I am majorly into criticism. Enemies, foes and naysayers especially people who feel threatened with my presence. Many travails and many challenges...O se Olohun....

Although the heart gets weakened at timez with the trials, sad narratives and battles that come with it but I thank God for passion, resiliency spirit and privilege to speak the truth always. So whenever regrets come, I stand tall with God's grace.

Question: What are the greatest lessons you’ve learnt in the course of your career ?

Answer: Read books and colleagues report. Consult seniors, make researches and learn to tap easily from people. Be truthful. Be unique. Be dynamic and always be active to mix with people of great intellect and thought.