Encomium
-Plot special 54th Independence Anniversary edition
TELEVISION Continental (TVC) morning belt talkshow, Your View is a general interest programme. ENCOMIUM Weekly had a chat with the all female presenters – Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Yeni Kuti (first daughter of Afrobeat legend, late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti), Jumoke Alawode James, Tope Mark-Odigie, Sandra Eze, Akashat-Zibiri Nyma and Osayuwamen Saleh.
These articulate women barred their minds about the show, how they react to uncomplimentary remarks and much more…
‘I am having a blast on the show’ – Yeni Kuti
How are you planning to celebrate Nigeria at 54?
I don’t have any plan for Nigeria, I only have prayers for Nigeria. I pray for Nigeria to move forward, for corruption to end, for our leaders to be more compassionate about moving the country forward.
Is Nigeria worth celebrating?
Nigeria is a great country and would be greater if we have the right leaders. The people of Nigeria are successful people. Yes, I think Nigeria is worth celebrating.
What makes you happy about Nigeria?
I am proud to be a Nigerian. Even when I go to places where they rubbish the name of Nigeria, I stand tall as a Nigerian.
What don’t you like about the country?
The high level of corruption, there is no electricity, no water and it’s taking its toll on the citizens. We don’t have electricity at the Afrika Shrine and they brought a bill of N200,000. They make life so painful for us.
Why do you think things are yet to change despite all the criticisms against the government?
I think corruption is embedded in our system that it is so difficult to change. Our leaders no longer want to serve.
How would you describe your experience on the show, Your View?
It has been awesome. It’s something I don’t regret being part of. I have enjoyed myself. I met some young ladies I have formed good friendship with.
How do you spend your day?
I wake up very early. I have found out I can be more productive when I wake early.
Any embarrassing moment on the show?
Doing this programme, one needs to develop a thick skin. If you call and tell me unpleasant things, I give it back to you.
How has your relationship with others been?
I am like being their big sister. I give advice, we relate very well.
‘I get advances from men every day’ -Jumoke Alawode James
How would you rate the development of this show since it started?
It’s improving by the day. We now have classes to help how we behave on air. We are also a family, we are stronger. We are close and there have been several award nominations.
Where would you say being on the show has placed you?
I am more popular but I don’t let that get into my head.
Any unpleasant experience on the show?
I am an outspoken person and some people are not comfortable with that, especially as a woman. Some people who are not comfortable or are not used to how I talk tell me some unpleasant things, but I have learnt to live with it by developing a thick skin.
How are you celebrating Nigeria at 54?
Unfortunately, Nigeria is not mature at 54. There is really nothing to celebrate but for the fact that we are still one indivisible nation. We would make it in our own little way because we are still alive.
What would you recommend for the leadership of this country?
Service! The leaders are more interested in what they would gain rather than serve. A selfless leader would put the people first.
What has been the impact of the show on the people?
We get positive feedbacks. That shows we are making a positive impact. We also realized there have been changes in some things we complained about on the show. So, we are adding value to the society.
Any embarrassing moment on the show?
Maybe there are because I have developed a thick skin. I don’t let any negative comment bother me.
How much advances do you get from men by virtue of being on TV?
I got a marriage proposal on Twitter today. There are advances but I am in a relationship, only that he hasn’t proposed yet.
‘I am done with baby making’– Morayo Afolabi-Brown
What plan do you have to celebrate Nigeria at 54 on Your View?
The focus on the show that day would be Nigeria of our Dream. On a personal note, I would like to let people out there know that Your View is leading the way for women to express themselves.
Is Nigeria worth celebrating?
Yes, it’s our country. We have nowhere else to go. I am hopeful of a better Nigeria. I am happy to be part of the rot and I am also happy to be part of the solution.
What saddens you about Nigeria?
The orientation of the people. The fact that people can get away with anything is painful. We need to change our orientation if we want to go forward.
You lived in the USA for long, why did you decide to relocate to Nigeria?
One of the reasons was that I promised my father, the late Alao Aka Bashorun that I would come back to Nigeria. Second, I was active in the Student Union Government in the university in US. For me, I was active in community development there and I thought to myself why am I doing this in a developed environment when the real help is needed in Nigeria. When I came back, it was difficult for me. I couldn’t adapt. My mother encouraged me.
You should be in politics then?
I don’t want to jump. Abike Dabiri did it in NTA. I want to build on what I am today.
What has been the impact of Your View on the society?
Living abroad helped me with the concept. My boss here allowed me to create the show and I am happy with the impact it has made. We are people with different characters and orientation. We are the replica of the society women out there.
You recently had twins. What would you say have changed about you?
Now, I have a set of twins and a daughter and I feel I am done by God’s grace. I want to start living. That’s the next stage for me. It’s not easy to take care of the kids and prepare to be on TV.
Where did you meet your husband?
We met in Nigeria. He is a lawyer, a typical Ekiti man He is a fantastic man.
‘How I cope as a mother and TV presenter’ -Tope Mark-Odigie
What has improved about the show, Your View?
We keep improving every day. Our audience has increased. On a personal note, I have changed a lot. I now take things into perspective. I don’t just rush into conclusion. We have also been able to reach out to more audience. People call in from abroad. For me, it’s a plus for us.
What would you say being on the show has done for you?
The show has exposed me to so many things I wouldn’t have known if I wasn’t here. I have improved on the way I speak. The show has made me a better public speaker.
Any embarrassing moment on the show?
At times if I read a story and misinterpret it on the show and people call to correct me because of that, I research thoroughly before I make a statement. Yes, I have had embarrassing moments but it made me better.
Nigeria is 54, what would you like to celebrate about the country?
I would celebrate the fact that we are still one indivisible country. I am still married to an Edo man, irrespective of what is going on in the country. There is a lot to be hopeful about Nigeria. Nigeria is worth celebrating. We are winning the war against terror and we will also defeat Ebola. I am happy to be a Nigerian.
How do you juggle motherhood and career?
I love what I am doing. I love to talk. If I am not on Your View, I am doing makeup. The challenge may be taking its toll on me, but I console myself on the fact that there are bankers who wake up earlier than I do every day and resume in the office and close late. I am enjoying it. I take out time to relax with my husband.
What is the most interesting thing about being married?
I grew up as an only child, no sibling. Being married, I have a friend and partner. We fight like cat and dog but we make up easily. He is my best friend, my brother, that’s what marriage gave me.
‘Why I am not a full time lawyer’ -Akashat-Zibiri Nyma
When did you join the crew of Your View?
March this year.
Have you always been a broadcaster?
No, I am a lawyer. I am a solicitor.
Why don’t you want to practice law fully?
I am still practicing. It’s a lot of work really. Having to meet up with the timing in court is tedious and I have to take care of my baby. Setting up an office to prepare your papers before going to court in the morning is a lot of work, but I can solicit from the corner of my room. I am a partner in a law firm. They take care of other things while I concentrate on soliciting. Even when I had my baby, I left work to take care of her.
How would you describe your experience on the show?
It is awesome. I have been able to interact with many people. I have learnt to value friendship, especially with my other colleagues. Working with other ladies has been wonderful and then having a voice for the Muslim women is great for me. Most people have a wrong impression about Islam because of insurgency. Being on the show has afforded me the opportunity to let people know that Islam is not for terrorism.
How have you been coping with others on the show?
I grew up with four sisters so, I know how to cope with girls around me. Our ideas may clash sometimes but with maturity, we handle all that and that’s important. We are like a family. I have learnt from their ideas and opinions. It’s been great being on the show.
How are you celebrating Nigeria at 54?
I wish there is something to celebrate because there is still insecurity in the country and it saddens me a lot.
‘How I found myself in broadcasting’ -Osayuwamen Saleh
You studied Physics, why broadcasting?
I have always loved to be on television. We did a play let in school then, my mother disapproved all that. I didn’t plan this. I am a skincare consultant. I sell cosmetics. One of my friends told me they are looking for ladies to talk on the show and because that has always been what I wanted to do, I jumped on the boat and I am enjoying every bit of it.
What really interests you about the job?
For the fact that I could say something that would touch someone somewhere. For me, it’s an avenue to educate the people.
What was your feeling when you came on set for the first time?
I was shivering, but it was a good experience for me.
What special things do you do before coming on set?
I read a lot. We meet every 7 a.m in the studio, we makeup, dress up and hit the set at 9 a.m.
Who are your heroes in broadcasting?
I admire Oprah Winfrey and Mo Abudu. I learn a lot from their personalities.
What is your unique selling point?
I have a very strong voice.
Where do you see yourself in future?
I would love to be on the show for long, though I have my personal business that I run.
‘I am not officially dating’ -Sandra Eze
What has been the development about you being on the show, Your View?
I have known more about politics. I am also getting more involved in what is happening in the society.
What level would you say the show has placed you now?
I am more popular, the show is also preparing me for the future.
What exactly don’t you like about being on the show?
There are some things I don’t get comfortable with, like when I get teased about my age. I am the youngest among them.
How do you plan to celebrate Nigeria at 54?
We are celebrating hope and being together despite our challenges. I am a patriotic Nigerian. There is more to celebrate.
What would you recommend for the leadership of this country?
The youth should get involved in the running of this country. The leaders too should serve and put the people’s interest first.
How often do you get advances from men by virtue of being on TV?
Every now and then on Twitter, Facebook and on other platforms. I try to be nice in handling them.
Are you not considering any of those advances?
Not now, I am only 24. I am not officially dating now. I am much more into my career and if someone good comes, I will give it a try.
– Interviews by FOLUSO SAMUEL, Pix – ARISTAR IMAGES
