Mrs Bukola Owolabi-Akinloye is wife to former Green Eagles left winger, Dr Felix Owolabi-Akinloye. She worked at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) Ibadan from 1991 till she clocked her diamond age this month. The daughter of late Prophet Benjamen Folunsho and late Rebecca Olanihun Obayan, granted TheTabloid.net an interview in which she reviewed her career as the pioneer female sports journalist at the BCOS. Excerpts
How did you become a female sports journalist?
Late Mr Dapo Aderogba was the one that took me to the sports desk saying in the history of the BCOS no female had ever been on that desk. Then, I was not married. He saw in me someone who could be good in that area since most of my colleagues were either on the desk or reportorial.
What is your view on why female sport journalists are far behind their male counterparts, in terms of number?
The encouragement from the male counterparts are not there, they feel you want to outside them and also the issue of home front especially when you get married, but in my case I had a very good support from my husband because he is a retired footballer.
What should be done to correct that trend?
More encouragement from sport administrators, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria and others.
Can you share major highlights of your career as a female sports journalists?
I covered international and local competitions.
Can you look back and say you ran a career of fulfilment?
Yes, you know when you go to may be shops or markets the recognition from people is something that is fulfilling.
Who are those who made most remarkable impacts on your career?
Eminike Agwu, Fatai Oyedeji, late Tony Adegbola as well as late Dapo Aderogba.
What actually distinguishes the BCOS from rival stations?
The BCOS is a breeding ground for most of rival stations. Hardly can you find anyone from other stations that has, one way or the other, not have his or her root in the BCOS.
Are you going to miss the station?
Yes. That is where I spent almost 35years; it’s like a second home to me.
***Published on April 11, 2026
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