Dad speaks over 8 Nigerian languages, says Peter Igho’s daughter

Efe Sophia Igho is an economist, businesswoman and a mother. She is the fifth of six children of Peter Igho, famed TV producer and one-time NTA boss. In this interview, she opens up on her famous father. Excerpts: Daily Trust: What was it like growing up the daughter of Peter Igho? Efe Sophia Igho: It […]

Efe Sophia Igho is an economist, businesswoman and a mother. She is the fifth of six children of Peter Igho, famed TV producer and one-time NTA boss. In this interview, she opens up on her famous father. Excerpts:
Daily Trust: What was it like growing up the daughter of Peter Igho?
Efe Sophia Igho: It was a childhood full of laughter, fun and lot of stories.  You could talk to  dad about everything. He was always a shoulder to cry on. He still is the best person to ask for advice as he always gives his honest opinion in any situation. He is a good listener. Even when I was a child, he always listened to all my crazy ideas.
DT: Being a TV person, what kind of television programmes does he watch and what kind of books does he read?
Igho: As you can imagine, my dad is a TV addict. He watches everything and when it comes to books he reads a lot of fiction, crime and love stories.
DT: What do you miss doing with him as a child?
Igho: I miss story time. He always had wonderful stories to tell us. His storytelling is something we always looked forward to whenever he was around. It was something we never wanted to miss. I sure miss those days.
The story I remember the most is that of Mai Gidan Kuka. The moral of the story is that wisdom and intelligence will always triumph over might. 
DT: What is one attribute of his that people do not know about?
Igho: Most people don’t know that my dad can tell excellent jokes. Back then, he made the whole family laugh with his jokes, so much that we nicknamed him ‘joker’.
DT: What other job do you think your father would have excelled in?
Igho: My dad would’ve done well anywhere he puts his heart into because he pours his heart and soul into anything he’s doing. He enjoys work. His interests are so varied that I believe he would have excelled in whatever he sets out to do.
DT: What is his favourite food?
Igho: We both love yam in any form. Fried, boiled, pounded. Just make sure it is yam. And he loves soups from across the country. Like Miyar Kuka, Banga, Onugbu and Gbegiri, you name it and he loves it. He is very traditional when it comes to soups. As long as it is served with yam, he is good to go.
DT: What is his favourite sport?
Igho: Yes, he is. He can’t do without his golf.  Every day, every morning, golf is his thing.
DT: What trait of his do you reckon you’ve inherited?
Igho: My father is a true Nigerian who is at home in any part of the country. He speaks over eight Nigerian languages. I think I’m very much like him, which isn’t surprising as he’s my hero and role model. I’m like him when it comes to working hard and never giving up one’s dreams. He is a good man who always sees the good in everyone. He has a good heart and cares about his family and friends.
DT: Can you describe your father in three words?
Igho: Loving, caring and compassionate.