Omotunde Adebowale David
Omotunde Adebowale David
Omotunde Adebowale David (born 27 April 1977), popularly known as "Lolo 1", is a Nigerian radio presenter, Television presenter, comedian and actress. A multi-award winning On-air personality and news reader for CoolFM & Wazobia 95.1FM, she gained even more prominence for her comical role as Adaku in the television comedy series Jenifa’s Diary. [1]
Personal life and education
Adebowale was born in Lagos State, into a Yoruba family from Ijebu-Igbo in Ogun State. As a child, she attended Ijebu-Ode AnglicanGirls school and stayed in the hostel half of the time, and this allowed her to develop her independence and creativity. Often called upon to give impromptu speeches, she won a lot of laurels for her school in debates and speeches. Adebowale was a very talkative child and so her parents assumed she would make a good lawyer and strongly encouraged her to follow that path. [3]
She studied Law at the Lagos State University, after which she practiced for three years before switching careers as she had always possessed a natural flair and passion for entertainmant through broadcasting. Her parents were initially unsupportive of this decision as they felt she would not be able to make a living. [2]
Broadcasting career
Adebowale started broadcasting on radio in 2004.
She worked at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria before moving to Metro FM. She then joined Wazobia in 2008. At Wazobia FM, she initially worked as a news presenter and gained her first award as one. Receiving her first award was a joyous experience that further strengthened her focus, and two years later, she got the opportunity to start her own program,Oga Madam Office,during which all kinds of issues are discussed, from political to bizarre. One of her most popular shows on radio was "Office Palaver", where people talked about things that happened in their offices as a means to relax and relieve stress. She also hosts an annual stand-up comedy skitOga Madam Live on Stagewhich has featured performances from artistes such as Tiwa Savage and Brymo. [11] It has been going on successfully for years now and has been performed internationally. [5]
Adebowale got the name "Lolo 1" from her radio listeners.
She did a radio show and told the listeners that she needed an alias, asking them for suggestions.
She receivedwell over 3000 entries but eventually settled on "Lolo" because she wanted a name that was simple and relatable.
She also liked that it meant royalty as "Lolo" in the Igbo language means "Queen". [3] [10]
She has won several awards for her work as a radio presenter, including the On Air Personality of the Year Award (Female) at the 2016 edition of the City People Entertainment Awards which was held at Yard 158, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos. At the 6th Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards in 2016, she was nominated for the Outstanding Radio Program Presenter Award - Lagos (Midday/Lunch Hour 11am-4pm).
Acting career
In 2014, the television comedy seriesJenifa’s Diarywas launched as a spin-off to the wildly popular film Jenifa , starring Funke Akindele as the titular character. Adebowale was cast as Adaku, a bubbly and comical Igbo woman who happens to be Jenifa’s partner in crime at their workplace, NikkiO Salon. The series currently has 9 seasons.
Fans are often surprised to discover that Adebowale is Yoruba since her nickname "Lolo" is Igbo and she plays an Igbo character so convincingly inJenifa’s Diary. [5]
Other work
Adebowale is the brand ambassador for Lapo Microfinance Bank, an estate company called Acbridge, and also for Myads – a mobile application. [2] She has been rumored to have some musical projects on the way and has stated that she has always been musically active in her church. She is also a public/motivational speaker, event consultant, and celebrity compere at corporate events, wedding ceremonies and many other occasions.
Charity involvement
Adebowale is also involved in charity work.
After graduating from Law school, she founded a Non-governmental organization (NGO) called "Sisters Concern", which deals with women's issues. She is the program director for the organization. She also organizes a yearly talent show called "Song Outbreak", which she uses as a means to reach out to young people and help the community. [9]