Our Reporter, New York
Host of the popular satirical news show, “Keeping It Real With Adeola,” Adeola Fayehun, has revealed that her desire to hold politicians accountable motivated her to choose journalism as a career.
The former SaharaTV host made the remarks during an exclusive interview with Rudolf Okonkwo on 90MinutesAfrica.
The US-based journalist said that experiencing the functional amenities in America made her very angry with how Nigeria was governed.
“I lived in Nigeria for 19 years without once experiencing constant electricity for two weeks in a row,” she lamented.
“It was really weird for me when I moved to the US, and there was power at all times. Not only was there power at all times, but hostel dorms had hot and cold water running constantly. Nobody was outside with their buckets fetching water because any time you turn the tap, there is water flowing.”
“So unlike many people who traveled abroad and were excited, I was really pissed when I got here. So I told myself that I was going to give it to these politicians someday. That was what motivated me to become a journalist.”
Adeola, who recently survived a health scare in the US, said that for years, the Nigerian ruling class had always found excuses to explain why they can’t provide basic needs like stable electricity and running water for the people while such things are taken for granted in other countries.
“I wondered if it was juju that the Americans used as our politicians are always telling us why it is not possible,” the political satirist said.
During her health ordeal, the mother of two, who had already posted a viral video documentary on the issue to her Facebook page, appreciated her husband for standing by her side throughout the entire ordeal. She explained that such medical incidents are bound to happen anywhere but that the difference is the availability of medical equipment in the US to confront the emergency.
“If it was in Nigeria, something as basic as an oxygen mask which saved my life could have been unavailable,” she said.
