12th August, 2011
 Too much TV viewing can contribute to students having poor grades, sleep problem, behavioural and even weight problems. However, there are good sides to TV viewing, provided you watch appropriate programmes that are both entertaining and educative. Olayinka OLukunga plays the role of Nnenna in one of the popular soaps by Wale Adenuga Production (WAP), Super Story, Nnenna and Friends. Her character evolves into an entertainment brand with wide followership among children and teenagers. With the huge suceess, Olayinka now hosts a new television programme titled: “Nnena & Friends”. In this interview with YouthForum, Olayinka speaks about her role and how the TV programme can influence children to connect positively with their families, friends, teachers and people around them.
First, it was Nnenna and Friends TV drama series, you later came up with Nnenna and Friends Show and now the TV programme, how is it working with children?
The truth is we are all growing. Iâ€
TV is the easiest way to reach out to youngsters, but most of the children programmes on TV have little African values, should we expect more from the programme?
Starting from the name, Nnenna and Friends is African. Nnenna means mother of father. Just like our other programmes, every thing we will be doing on the TV programmes is to inculcate our cultural values in the children.
We have the guardance and counselling segment, where we talk to the kids things they need to learn and know in order to come out well. Our drama segment also sends across messages to the kids. They will have fun while watching it but at the same time learn from the drama.
Modelling, acting, singing and studying, how do you cope?
God has been my strength. It has been alot of hard work, trying to meet up in school, trying to work here and planning for the programme, but I’m coping.
Would you advise children nursing this ambition to follow your footsteps?
I wonâ€
What about the children discovered in your talent hunt and are particpating in your programmes?
I donâ€
What about the TV programme?
I shoot ahead. Now that I am done with exams, I am planning to shoot as many episodes as possible. When I am back in school, I only concentrate on my studies. In as much as I want to help them nurture their talents, and encouarge them to use their skills properly, I want them to focus on their studies. How do you feel playing this positive role?
Happy, elated, I enjoy doing it.
What qualities did the producer see in you?
When I went for the auditioning, I was given a role to interprete and I did it to their satisfaction.
To perform this role well, you need more than acting skills, what keeps you motivated?
After the drama series, it could have ended like that. I could have moved on to acting in home movies. But I have decided to do something for children because I love them.
That means you are also worried about the problems facing children, especially the less-priviledged ones?
Yes, there are child-trafficking, teen pregnancy, child prostitution and slavery. Children are hawking on the streets when they should be in school and there are so many other problems children are facing today .
What can be done to help these children?
I canâ€
There are laws that protect childrenâ€
What advice do yo have for children who find themselves in such situations?
As a child, if you find yourself in such a situation, no matter what, stay focused, be determined to make it in life, study hard and put God first in everything you are doing and definitely one day, you will scale through.
Itâ€
Talking about growing up, how was your childhood?
Beautiful.
Didnâ€
Was that why you went into modelling?
Along the line, I started modelling to keep myself busy since I have a flair for it. But I still didn’t lose focus.
How did your parents react?
My parents trusted me and they knew it was what I wanted to do and they supported me. But if your parents do not want you to go into modelling, there are many things you can do. You can go into catering, tailoring or hairdressing. It could be anything. It doesnâ€
What about the fame, most youths aspire to be superstars?
You can acquire fame doing anything, provided it is legal. Be good at what you know how to do best and do it the right way.
What does it take to be a member of Nnenna and Friends Fans Club?
We donâ€