With a voice that once graced millions of Nigerian homes and a career that has evolved seamlessly from the studio lights of national television to the boardrooms of corporate strategy, Seun Olagunju is nothing short of a media powerhouse.
For over three decades, she has seamlessly transitioned through multiple roles—award-winning broadcaster, public affairs expert, reputation manager, fashion icon, and now, a top-level executive steering strategic communications as the Group Head at the Bank of Industry, one of Nigeria’s most influential financial institutions.
But beyond the accolades—nine Nigeria Media Merit Awards, international academic honours, and fellowships from some of the most prestigious professional bodies—lies a woman who has constantly reinvented herself. She has lived through the highs and lows of Nigeria’s ever-evolving media space, stood tall in rooms where women were once an exception, and continues to be a loud, brilliant voice in public discourse.
As she gracefully steps into her fifties, Seun Olagunju reflects not just on her professional journey but also on what it means to grow, pivot, and rise again—smarter, bolder, and more purposeful.
What drew you to the world of media in the first place? Was it always a childhood dream or something you discovered along the way?
It wasn’t a childhood dream. I wanted to be a lawyer but ended up studying Communication and Language Arts, and that was when I developed an interest in the media. It wasn’t love at first sight, but a love which grew gradually but deeply.
Can you remember your very first time on-air—what was that moment like?
That was sometime in 1994. I got information about an ongoing audition at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) as they were trying to revive the FM arm of the radio. I was an undergraduate of the University of Ibadan. I was quite hesitant and stalled for a while. The reasons being that I didn’t want to go into broadcasting even though I was a student of communication, and I was involved in other vocations alongside studying. But one day, I felt ‘idle’ and bored, so I decided to go to the audition. I passed and was told to return in the evening to anchor a programme. I had been hired immediately and resumed work the same day, and that was the beginning of a glorious career in the media. I became an instant ‘celebrity’ on campus because, of course, I had told friends and classmates to tune in.
You’ve worked across radio and television—BCOS, OGBC, AIT, Raypower, and NTA. What was the most defining phase of that journey for you?
I think transitioning from Programmes to News was a major defining moment of my career. All the while, on radio and even during my brief stint at Galaxy Television, Ibadan, I presented programmes. I only read the news when it was brought into the studio for the Duty Continuity Announcer, which was already produced by the News Department. But upon joining Daar Communications, owners of RayPower and AIT, the then MD and late Ladi Lawal insisted that I be deployed to the News Department. I didn’t like it, but he obviously saw where my potential lay.
When did you know it was time to transition from journalism into communications and public affairs?
That was fate at work. I was appointed as part of the Management Team to work with the management contractors, Manitoba Hydro, for the post-privatisation Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN. That was how I got into mainstream Public Relations.
You currently serve as Group Head of Strategic Communications at the Bank of Industry—How has your background in journalism helped shape your approach to corporate strategy and reputation management at BOI?
Journalism and Communication, including Reputation Management, are about structured information management to dispel bias or shape public opinion in favour of the organisation while hoping you do not encounter reputational damage. My background as a journalist has been beneficial in communication because, as a journalist, I have mastered the art of information gathering and effective dissemination. Cordial relationships with my colleagues, because I was a business editor at some point in my career, have also been helpful.
What would you say sets BOI apart in how it communicates its impact to Nigerians?
The Bank of Industry is a solid brand, which has made communicating its impact seamless. The current leadership, led by the MD/CEO, Dr Olasupo Olusi, came up with six critical thematic areas for strategic financing and development – Infrastructure, Agribusiness, Climate and Sustainability, SMEs, Gender and Youth. Making the industrialisation efforts of the Bank and the economic development efforts of the government more impactful.
Looking back, what part of working in media remains your absolute favourite—and do you ever miss being in front of the camera?
Hmmmm… that would be news editing, reporting and anchoring. Radio remains my favourite medium. I do miss News anchoring sometimes, yes.
How do you stay connected to the media industry, even as you’ve taken on more executive roles?
The Media is my constituency forever. I am part of the industry, and it remains an integral tool in my current role. We are Siamese.
What’s the most surprising thing people assume about being a woman in media, especially in Nigeria?
That one is probably sub-human! Some people are actually shocked that we do the simple things that other women do – like just taking a walk or shopping!
You recently turned 50. What’s this new decade teaching you about life and purpose?
Getting older has been having a calming effect on me. I have learnt that the calmer you are, the clearer you think, moving with strategy, not emotion.
I have never been greedy about anything, and I am not one to put unnecessary stress on my mental health over what I can’t have. I have no need or reason to be treacherous. I believe a candle does not die lighting another one, so I always strive to build people. I mind my business a lot and maintain a concise and solid circle. This milestone has also reiterated my belief in self-love.
Would you say you’ve had your biggest wins already, or do you feel like you’re just getting started?
I am just getting started. The best lies ahead.
What’s something you know now that you wish you had known at 30?
Knowing my position in people’s lives and acting accordingly
“Some people I took bullets for complained that my blood stained their favourite shirt!”, so I have realised self-love is crucial. Do not lose yourself while pleasing others.
You’ve been described as a fashion icon—what role does personal style play in your public image and confidence?
The saying ‘dress how you want to be addressed’ is quite apt. My style usually reflects my personality – classy, unique, and assertive. Feeling comfortable and confident in whatever I wear is key.
What are you most passionate about right now—professionally or personally—that we don’t see on your CV?
Building people, philanthropy and Girl child education.
What would you like to be remembered for—not just in your career, but in life?
I really would like to be remembered as one who brought smiles to the faces of those who encountered me.
