By Kola Alhassan
Damilola Banire is a woman of many parts. She is a Television presenter, On-air-personality, event host, Red Carpet host, among others.
Banire who goes by the moniker ‘the EntARTainer’ resigned her banking job 11 years ago, and ever since she has not looked back.
In an interview with IkejaBird, she noted that her most memorable day was when she secured her first N1 million deal some years ago.
She said comically: “My most memorable day came at my first 1m deal years back (omo I no sleep that day) na so I dey open my bank app make e no go vanish.”
On her childhood memories and experiences, Banire also known as Iya Afin Onimiliki said: “I was born in Festac Town, Lagos, into a family of 5. I’m the third child. My mum taught us great values of love, tolerance, sharing, being a shoulder to whoever needed it, perseverance, looking out for one another (my childhood was fun), but regrettably things have really changed. But all glory to God for what we learnt and imbibed.
“I also have memories of neighbours having a party and it’s almost compulsory for other neighbours to support and rally round you, that’s scarce these days, I relish those moments.”
The broadcaster is not given to discussing religion because of its sensitivity.
“Everybody will reach their destination in peace, religion is a topic I wholesomely abstain from,” she said.
Banire does not have problems with male fans, she has a subtle way of dealing with them.
“Male fans; once I make you a brother and you don’t agree, I activate silence mode. I vanish for my personal sanity, it’s not a must we are friends. I appreciate the love and support always and nothing forbids that, but once the handshake is moving to the elbow, I’m always not at home,” she told IkejaBird.
The On-air-personality while describing herself, said: “There are many sides to my personality but I love my vocality more, I always say this, “let me be remembered as a woman who never kept quiet when she was supposed to speak up” and that tells so much on a TV show (real talk with Kike) where I happen to be a co-host on Stv and a couple of other shows and interviews I have spoken on.”
Despite having a great sense of humour,she does not like to call herself a comedienne.
Her words: “Well, I do not really like to call myself a comedienne (I do not do 5/10 minutes joke performance) but I have a great sense of humour and HIGH LEVEL OF NUISANCE VALUE, that has kept me in the event hosting industry for about 10 years.”
Assessing the Nigeria film industry, Banire said: “The industry has grown rapidly, technology has provided magnanimous support and content has become the new oil. Nigeria is beyond blessed with human capacity, we hope that our country can support us to thrive for the better.”
