Meet our #LLASpotlight for February: Ojinika Obiekwe, the dynamic Nigerian journalist who transformed from a shy college student into a powerhouse media personality interviewing some of the biggest names in entertainment.
With a journey that began in newspaper aspirations and evolved through a professor’s prescient encouragement, Ojinika has blazed her own trail in international media while staying authentically African.
In our latest interview, she shares her remarkable evolution from a reluctant broadcast journalist to hosting red carpet events and celebrity interviews, all while maintaining her signature down-to-earth approach.
She also gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming solo show and explains why kindness and authenticity are her guiding principles in an industry known for its glitz and glamour.
Read the full interview below and discover how this self-proclaimed “professional stalker (the harmless kind)” is redefining African representation in global media.
Let’s start at the beginning—growing up in Nigeria, did you ever imagine yourself walking the red carpet at events like the Met Gala or interviewing icons like Oprah? What was the dream back then?
For where? Not even close.
I knew I was going to be a journalist, at least that’s what I always said i would be when I grow up; and that’s only because my teachers would always tell me how good I was at writing, and journalism was the first and only job I thought of.
Back then, I wasn’t even thinking about broadcast journalism. The plan was to either write for a newspaper or a magazine. The idea that television was even a possibility first came up in college after I moved to the U.S.
My English professor always passed my papers around the class, and he would tell them that this is what an essay should look like.
I hated that he did that, by the way.
I kept thinking, Chai! this dude wants these people to beat me up o.
And he constantly pulled me aside and would say: Oji, I know you want to write but I think you should look into doing television, you have the personality, the looks, his speech was long.
It felt like he gave me the TV speech everytime he saw me, and in my head, I would be like Oga abeg please, I had barely turned 18, just gotten here from a whole other continent, and you’re here telling me I should be on television, and I don’t know where any TV stations were.
I didn’t call him Oga, though. I called his Professor Wadley. First name, Ted. He was psychic too, clearly.
Thank YOU, Professor Wadley.
You’ve covered some of the world’s biggest events—theVMAs, the Grammys, and even hosted a fundraiser during the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s visit to Nigeria. Which one stands out as your most surreal moment, and why?
All these awards shows, events, and interviews will always be surreal to me because none of this was ever part of the plan.
I know there’s a higher power involved in me discovering and excelling in my calling, so yes, they’re all surreal, and I’m forever grateful.
You’ve Interviewed some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Is there a particular interview that deeply impacted you, either as a professional or as a person?
I know this will sound like the most generic, politically correct answer but all my interviews mean a lot to me, because they impact me differently and I’m grateful for every single one of them whether its with a celebrity or not.
As I mentioned earlier, this is my calling. It was Steve Harvey who I first heard share the quote that said “you’re paid for your career, but you’re made for your calling,” and it clicked for me.
Not everyone gets to operate in their gift. I’m lucky and blessed enough to say that I do, and I never take that for granted.
So long story short, every single interview I’ve done, no matter how well known the person is or not, means a lot to me. More than I can even begin to put into words, and I talk a lot. So if I start explaining, I won’t be done by next year.
Congratulations on your upcoming project. You still haven’t announced it yet, but what can you tell us about it? Judging from what we’ve seen from you in the past, is it safe to say it’s going to be a talk show? What inspired this new chapter in your career?
This chapter of my life has been in the works for longer than people even realize. But it took some craziness for things to really shift into gear. Craziness, I’ll be able to gist you about in no time.
In full detail. When it comes to the actual project, Everyone asks if it’s going to be a talk show. And what I can tell you is that it’s going to be a show, and I’m going to be talking. It’s not that different from what I’ve done for most of my career, the biggest difference is that I always used to be part of an ensemble, now it’s just going to be me, doing what I do best, which is to make a fool of myself.
And by that, I mean I don’t take myself seriously. Nothing is ever that serious.
But I’ll seriously track down as many movers, shakers, and everyday people as I possibly can… talk their ears off as much I can while having the most fun possible. Oh, and hopefully, I will learn a few things along the way.
And I have to say that this has all been a learning process for me. I’ve called the shots on projects before, but not on this level. I’m running the show, and it’s not for the faint of heart, but I fear nothing and worry about nothing. God dey.
With a lineup of high profile guests from Hollywood and beyond, how do you plan to strike a balance between global appeal and authentic African storytelling?
I don’t overthink things. I’m simple.
The only plan is to be my authentic African self wherever this path leads me and continue to trust and believe in the higher power that has guided and brought me this far.
That’s it. Everything else will fall into place. It always does.
As a Nigerian woman thriving in global media, you’ve broken barriers African representation. How do you navigate the responsibility of being a trailblazer?
Ah! Trailblazer ke? Who? Me? Who dash monkey banana? Ha!
On a serious note…That’s very kind of you to say, but I don’t think of myself that way at all. I’m just doing my best at getting through this journey called life, just like everybody else; while also honoring who I am and where I’m from as best as I possibly can.
And if in the process, I happen to inspire someone, maybe help them see more possibilities than obstacles, dream bigger or smile a little brighter, then I’m good.
I do appreciate the African representation comment because that’s what I’ve done in the industry since day one. Proudly. I’d always announce my full name. And when they ask where I’m from, I’ll say, “I’m Nigerian, born and raised.” I made it a point to always the “born and raised.” I had to. (That’s another story for another day)
Let’s just say I’m pretty much a walking, talking Nigerian flag. If there was an African flag, I would carry both sef.
We know one of the goals of your new show is to amplify diverse voices. Can you give us a sneak peek into how you plan to use your platform to bridge African and global perspectives?
That’s the vision, and it’s one of those things I can’t really put into words, but when you see the final product, you’ll go, ahhhh I see what she’s trying to do here.
Yes, It’s a continuation of what I’ve done in the past, but I’ll also be taking on new adventures, see what works, what doesn’t, and go from there.
My point is that it’s better/easier to show you than explain it. Soon.
What advice will you give young African women who are aspiring to build a career in international media?
This doesn’t just apply to women wanting to build a career in media. It applies to anyone who considers him or herself a human being.
It’s nothing out of the ordinary, very simple but super important.
First, i’d say always be yourself and be kind to people. It doesn’t cost you anything to be polite/cordial. And of course, you’re going to have bad days because as we all know, life happens; and whenever that is, and no matter what it is, remember to give yourself some grace.
Nobody has it all figured out. Nobody….so don’t be too hard on yourself. That’s it.
What legacy do you hope to leave with the work you’ve done so far, what you have in store and beyond?
I’ve heard sooooo many quotes about how ones legacy is more about how you touch people’s lives, how you make them feel, your impact on those you cross paths with, and all that stuff.
So it’s really not my place to say. Ask the people I’ve crossed paths with nau. If you ask the ones that don’t like me and they give you horrible stories, don’t look at me abeg. “It wasn’t me,” as Shaggy would say.
One last fun question—if you could invite any three guests (from Hollywood, Nollywood, or anywhere else) to your show who would they be and why?
Here’s the deal, everyone is already invited to the party so I just can’t name three, do you want me to get in trouble before the show even begins.
I will say this, though: for starters, I would love to get some words of wisdom and guidance and encouraging words from one of those enlightened and zen people, like the Marvelous Mel Robbins, the always inspirational Iyanla Vanzant, and the great Deepak Chopra.
And you know what? Being a certified/ professional stalker (the harmless kind o). I should be able to use my skills to track both Mr Chopra and his #digitaltwin down, wherever they are in the world. And I know the 3 ladies to call to help me pull it off.
Wish me luck and stay tuned.
