Distinguished personalities from far and near converged on Saturday in Akinmoorin, Afijio local Government Area of Oyo state to identify with the inspiring radio voice on Ajayi Crowther University Radio ” Crowther FM ” Akindele Faith Emmanuel , popularly known as Mr. Stereo cum “Faith Lati Akinmoorin” , who celebrated Five Years on Radio in a grand style .
The event featured birthday celebration of the Ace English Sport Presenter and Award Presentation to deserved individuals by the media outfit of the celebrant (Faith Multimedia)
Reflecting on his journey into sports journalism tailored with passion, perseverance and purpose, Akindele says self determination, mentorship, and divine grace remain his driving force .
Faith, a familiar name among radio listeners across southwest Nigeria, revealed that his love for sports and information drove him into journalism. “I love sports so much and also love getting information about entertainment, politics, and what’s going on around me and the world,” he said. “But basically, it was sports that led me into journalism.”
His journey was inspired by renowned Yoruba sports presenters such as Mr Olayinka Ibikunle (Mr Lanaa) of Orisun FM, Alhaji Babatunde Saheed (Mr Sport), Tunde Olawuwo (General Manager ,Splash FM), Eniola Afolabi (Sport Marshal) now the General Manager of Melody FM , Ibadan, Kenny Ogunmiloro (Radio Friend), Abimbola Olowu (Byz Champion), and MySpace.
These media icons not only motivated Faith but also mentored him directly. “Byz Champion and MySpace used to ask me to present sports and send the recordings to them for corrections,” he recalled. “That’s how I started featuring on different sports shows as an analyst.”
Over the years, Faith has worked as an analyst with several respected media houses including Fresh FM, IBR Radio, Petals FM, Pensioners FM, R2 Radio, Law FM Lagos, and Correct FM, among others. He fondly remembers his time on shows such as Lori Papa with Mr Sport, Sport Gang with Kenny Ogunmiloro, and Total Sport with Eniola Afolabi.
Faith also expressed deep gratitude to Chief Samuel Akintonde (Samtrix Homes and Properties), who sponsored his training at Eniola Afolabi’s media academy. “He told Eniola Afolabi to enroll me without paying anything,” Faith recounted, noting that this opportunity greatly shaped his career and he is motivated and driven by his talent.
His media journey included stints at Pep 100.5 FM (online), Opa Tola Radio, and later Crowther 88.5 FM, where he served as a freelance presenter and later staffed as one of OAP in Crowther 88.5 FM through Mrs Temitope Agboola. The experience I gained really helped me a lot till today,” he said.
Reflecting on his early struggles, Faith admitted that the road was not clear “It was very tough, but with God and passion, I conquered. Without God, there is nothing I can do,” he said. “It was God who helped me face the challenges and pressures and come out victorious.”
As he celebrates five years on radio, Mr Stereo expressed appreciation to those who believed in him, especially Dr Yinka Ayefele (OJA 1, MON) and Engr. Akinsoji Olumuyiwa Appear and so many other people, describing Fresh FM as a major platform that amplified his name and career.
To upcoming journalists, his message is simple but powerful:
Never relent. Be passionate about the job. Follow who knows the road. Don’t chase money first, it will come naturally. Never forget God; always seek His direction.”
Faith concluded by saying he hopes to be a role model to younger journalists. “I have someone learning this job from me, and I’ll do all I can to make him one of the best before I retire . May God help us,”
Personalities awarded on the occasion were Alhaji Abdulazeez Abdulmumin, popularly known as Alh Human Right, Mrs. Temitope Agboola, the Assistant General Manager of Crowther 88.5 FM, Oyo, Engr. Akinsoji Olumuyiwa, widely known as Appear from Fresh FM 105.9 Ibadan, Chief Samuel Akintonde and Mr. Oyegade Faleye, fondly called G Money .
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