‘As a TV presenter, I want people to respect me for my ideas’
While growing up, did you have at the back of your mind that you would be a journalist?While growing up you want to be a million things but my strength has always been in the arts. At some point I thought law but a career in journalism found its way into the picture and here […]
While growing up, did you have at the back of your mind that you would be a journalist?
While growing up you want to be a million things but my strength has always been in the arts. At some point I thought law but a career in journalism found its way into the picture and here I am today.
Do you feel that there is too much sensationalism in the media?
No, we have stations that do a lot of diverse reporting and more people oriented stories makes it worth it. Like a community service, those who don’t have a voice turn to the media. The beauty of it all is when the change happens, it makes it worth it.
As a local celebrity, do you feel you have a responsibility to use your status to act as a role model?
My friend in Sweden can watch me live, so local? International sounds more like it. Anyway, I don’t feel like I am carrying the world on my shoulder. I am just your everyday woman but I do have a sense that I am making an impact in the society; media celebrities don’t have too much drama. Lucky us, we have families and keep our privates private.
What has been your biggest challenge as a female journalist?
I always want people to respect me for my ideas and know that it is beauty and brains. Some women on television dwell so much on their looks but a lot of women are so intelligent and want people to take them seriously for the work they do, behind the scene and in front of the camera.
What does your day look like?
I wake up by 4.30am read my Bible, say 10 minutes prayers, have a stretch-out session bath, hit the road to beat the Lagos traffic and get to work. From then on, it is busy bee. Lots of writing, researching, reading in fact, I can’t pen it all down. When I am done I fix a meal, pick the kids then relax with my spouse about the ups and downs of our day.
What are your key career highlights to date?
I have a lot of highs, especially when I do scripts for my programme, Art House. It feels so good and when the pieces of the production puzzle come together I sit back, watch it and say yes. The love from the audience is awesome; that does it for me and makes me want to work harder.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
There are challenges everywhere, but that is what makes me put my thinking cap on. That is a challenge itself, climbing whatever hurdle that comes my way. I don’t dwell on it and push them aside. Take the lessons that come with that territory.
Who has been your role model?
My role model has always been my Mum. She is a true example of a mother and a remarkable career woman before she retired from active service. She showed me what it means to do both without letting the home front suffer because women sometimes get so into the career path and forget there should be loving arms to return to after all the heat at work.
Which of the social issues disturb you the most and how can we use the media to bring about change?
So many issues touch my heart. Girl-Child is a topic I can write a book about, and what’s wrong in being a woman in Africa Child trafficking is also a burning issue and then the family structure is one issue we need to address seriously as women. The Divorce rate is high, people don’t want to stick it out or something is seriously gone wrong. That is why human angle stories nail it; they are real life situations people can relate to. The media can contribute a lot to make the world a better place.
How do spend your free time and what are your hobbies?
I spend my free time with my family. I enjoy cooking, watching a movie and reading.
What is one thing people would be stunned to learn about you?
That I used to dance a lot. I miss dancing.
What would you say to people going into journalism?
As a media personality, it’s important to know your onions, double check your words to be sure you pronounce right, that is a never ending one. Also, you have to read more to be able to write. Knowledge is power and you are what you read (not just what you eat). Be free and have a warm, outgoing personality the audience can always tell. Talk to them like the man next door, not at them. Be humble, willing to learn and don’t feel like a star or you have arrived. Be level-headed and have an open-mind.