Category: Sunday Interview

The Miss Nigeria Pageant clocks 40 this year and a new queen will step into the saddle next month. Leesi Pamela Vigboro is the current and outgoing Miss Nigeria. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she talks about her tenure, achievements and more.

HOW would you describe your tenure as Miss Nigeria? This past year has been very eventful. I have learnt so much and had an interesting growth. My reign has been very interesting and challenging. When I first came in, I didn’t know much about Miss Nigeria but gradually I began to understand and see things differently.

 Of course, I loved the glamour, and seeing the queen on TV and that. So, I had a mind set about what I wanted but I learnt a number of things in the process of working with other people. I still could not comprehend the capacity at the beginning but gradually it got better.

 I had to really be involved when I came in, write proposals and speeches. All of that has helped to sharpen me to be a better woman and have a focus about the future. It was challenging in different ways and first of all, I am on the internet most of the time. It was also tough because I was also shy and conquering all of that helped me a lot. Coming out was the biggest challenge for me and when I won, the biggest blessing for me was that you can do anything as long as you put your mind to it. After I won, the attention from media and friends and I had to manage the fact that I must live up to expectations. Another challenge was talking in public and having butterflies in my stomach, but after a while I got over it.

How did you know about the pageant?

I have always heard about the pageant and it’s something that had been on my mind. I have been in two pageants before this; I contested and won as Miss Ogoni. Then I was also the runner up for Miss Niger Delta. What really drew me to the Miss Nigeria pageant was that I aligned with their values, that a queen is not selected just because of her beauty but what you have upstairs. So, I know that as long as I give it my best shot then I would win. It is not just that you are beautiful or smart but the fact that you are going to get in and get better. So, that was what inspired me to go into the competition.

For me, there are three major things to look out for. First, there is the glamorous aspect because everybody loves to look good. ‘Oh my God, she is Miss Nigeria,’ and I want to feel that way. Then I have always been a volunteer right from my school days and I have always gotten involved in different community projects. I figure that Miss Nigeria is a much bigger platform to make things happen and then money of course.

So, would you say that your expectations have been met?

Yes, to a large extent. I used to do a lot of volunteer work in school that required writing proposals for projects and sourcing for funds and that actually helped me. However, it was not as intense as the experience here, we did almost everything and it was very interesting for me. So even though I put up with the experience that I had, Dr May would still say no, we need to do it this way. She really broadened that aspect and made it really better. It was tough but I knew that it was all part of the experience; a learning curve. Eventually, I settled into that realisation.

What did you study at the university?

I studied Computer Science at the University of Port Harcourt. I grew up with my parents and lived all my life in Port Harcourt, I am from Ogoni. My primary and secondary education were all in Port Harcourt. Growing up was very simple and I was either with my siblings or reading books. I have a twin sister but she did not contest because she is not interested in stuffs like that. My thought pattern has changed for the better and has improved. Now, I have a positive mind set all the time. Sometimes, I feel like overwhelmed and I just feel depressed for no reason at all because there is so much pressure and so I have had to snap out and put myself in the right place. Unlike in the past, I have learned to be more disciplined and to always be positive. Now because I have had to do it over and over again, it has stuck as a habit.

How has it been with the boys?

It has been special with everybody, even with the boys which is normal. Then I must say that winning the Miss Nigeria contest has tripled the effect. Fortunately for me, I was not in a relationship when I won the pageant and there was no drama about it. It has made me to be focussed and I know that there would be much pressure from men and people that want to interact with you. That being said, that is not the only pressure and as a young girl I have been able to manage such pressure and that has really helped me to do the things that I do. Anybody coming in must understand the reality but the most important thing is to remember who you are and you are going to need your sense of self to keep moving.

I think that I have had to adopt the fact that your action must tally with your words. I have enjoyed going out, speaking to people and inspiring others.

What would you say is the most cherished fashion item in your wardrobe?

I think the jean; my pair of jeans is very versatile. I can just put it on and wear a nice top or shirt. I love things that are simple and smart. So, usually I would not really be comfortable in something that is over dramatic. I also liked simple makeup but after I won I had a make-up training.

What are the things that you are passionate about?

The major project is on the environment and creates awareness from the point of view of the woman. I have also worked on cervical cancer care for cancer patients. Something that I just always do and in Port Harcourt, I ran a community project. I ran a community project and that is still going on about to round up now. It is in different schools and we train the children on basic computer skills like microsoft, graphics and photography as well. Those are the major things that we have done so far.

What are you thinking of after your tenure?

I would have loved to share but I would have to save the details for later.

What lessons has life taught you?

Life has taught me to find who I am and stand by it.

Dr. Tunji Sotimirin is widely known for his musical outfit called Konkere.  He is a comedian and also a Theatre Arts lecturer at the University of Lagos where he handles Drama.  In recent times he is more into children story-telling programmes on television stations.  In this interaction with Edozie Udeze, he shares his love for theatre, why children have to be told stories using same for moral values and instruction and more.

WHAT has been happening to your usual theatre activities of recent? I am still active as a theatre arts practitioner.  I had a programme in Abuja during the Independence Day anniversary.  I still act.  I have been involved in a couple of television programmes – soup operas and the like.  I still run my radio programme on Unilag radio FM.  So, I am doing a children story-telling programme on TV.  So, you can see that apart from my teaching career and the activities around it, I am fully engaged in other theatre activities.  So, it is all about what I am trained to do at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State.

What is then happening to your theatre grove, Konkere?

Oh Konkere! Konkere is still there.  The thing about Konkere is that it is basically a musical outfit.  But of course you know music in African theatre is something that fits into all the various art forms.  These include dance, poetry and I also spread the concept of Konkere to whatever I do either as an actor, as a compere, as a poet.  So Konkere is very much alive in all the activities that I do.

What is the real concept of Konkere?

Yeah, Konkere especially was conceptualized to reflect the fact that I have a training that is comprehensive; that is not restricted to any particular aspect of the art.  Which means that in a way it is a concept that embraces all the artistic expressions that I practice.  It is highly concretised too.  Konkere came out of the idea that when you combine gravel and cement, yes, you get concrete.  Therefore, the idea is highly concretised.  It is all about the ideas of the theatre, music, drama, poetry et al.

How do you combine drama and dance when you want to indoctrinate your students?

Emm, first and foremost, the students are admitted into the department of Theatre Arts.  And one good thing we have in our department is that it is not only restricted to one aspect of the art.  We have visual art, we have music, we have Theatre Arts.  This is why we are called the department of Creative Arts.  So the students need to go through this even while they are at the foundation level. They are exposed to all the rudiments of the art, all the aspects of the art.  The students are there and this is where my own training becomes relevant.  This is so because as a teacher who is also on the field, I have all the exposure and experience to also help them to gain the knowledge I have acquired from the great masters like Professors Wole Soyinka, Femi Osofisan, and others who have taught me Theatre.

And of course, from the knowledge I have acquired, having travelled out of this country on several occasions, even without consulting any textbooks, the knowledge is there.  The reservoir of knowledge one has, has a way of impacting on the students; on the ones you teach or those you come across.  So, we share knowledge and experience, we exchange ideas on a number of things pertaining to Theatre.  We interact a lot and it becomes a seamless idea and connects between the students and I.

How have you been grooming the children when it comes to story-telling?

The question you’ve asked is very key, particularly in the way that we do reflect the present day Nigerian situation.  In this era of Buhari administration that stresses that, look, you have to concentrate on the change that begins with me…  This is the era of change.  Therefore the whole idea of change has got to do with the idea of moral values.  We have to reappraise our moral values.

We have to look at the good value we have had over time and how to bring them back into our lives.  What we have to do is to constantly remind ourselves that we need to go back to the drawing board and key into those values that made us who we were; those values that kept us on the road to progress and growth.  We have to look into those principles that our fathers and predecessors used to have a good society.  We have to bring them to help us have the desired change.

So I use all these principles a lot in the story-telling programme I have for the children.  Every story is always highlighting the moral values contained in it.  For instance, when a king of so, so village did this, he had to suffer for it.  This is so because he did not take into consideration the people he was meant to rule.  He violated the rules, he did not do well to his community; he disrespected his people and what they stood for.  These children who are being introduced into these in early age, I believe it is a way to nurture them.  It is a way to expose them to moral values useful for them as they grow up.  Now we talk of corruption everywhere; it is for them to know from foundation that once they are sent on an errand and you have a change to return, please do so.  If the person who sent you on the errand now wants to give you the remaining change or balance, it is left for him to do so.  It is to teach our children how they can be rewarded when they behave well, when they have good conduct.  We should also reward those who are doing well, so that they will continue to do well.  So, I teach all of these and more through the story-telling that I do with children.

How do you assemble the children for this programme?

It is mainly the television station that organizes the programme for the children.  Sometimes too they ask me to bring children that are brilliant who can contribute and ask intelligent questions and participate meaningfully; children who can ask questions that are germane to the relevance of the stories one is telling them.  So the TVC essentially is the one that mobilizes the children for this purpose.  They bring them to the studios.  I can also bring children from my church environment and from the staff school of the University of Lagos.  I also invite them.  This programme therefore is at the centre of artistic expressions and activities that will impact on the children.  This affects the children in a way to grow up well.

There’s also the issue that history is missing in school programmes.  Now, for me, theatre and drama are used to teach some of those historical facts.  And the students are set to understand it better.  Theatre is a platform that helps students to connect with those historical values relevant to the development of the society and for change.  Some of the cultural heritages that are germane and are good for us, should be taught via drama.  But when you tell them the stories this way, they will be inspired to go and read them up in the books.

Of course history talks about various aspects of our lives, just like culture and music.  We need to know how leaders are supposed to administer justice.  We need to know the history of our colonial masters.  We need to know how to organize the political and cultural systems.  And drama is also a platform to convey all these.  I am conscious of all these, even when I am teaching my students.  Some of these things, yes, you can pick and read on the internet, but when you see a person who has the experience teach you, it becomes more enduring. This way it registers more in your memory and becomes something you cherish more.

Tamara Eteimo started as a musician before moving into acting. The Theatre Arts graduate of the University of Port Harcourt won the best acting student at the New York film Academy and Next Movie Star reality show in 2011. Eteimo who recently won the 2016 African Culture Image award in the U.S for the best supporting actress tells Adetutu Audu her acting odyssey.

YOU studied Theatre Arts at the university. Has it always been your dream to act? Yes, it has always been my dream to act. When I was a kid, I remember mimicking everything I saw on TV. As time went on, I joined the social and drama group in my secondary school. Although I started with singing and dancing, acting has always been a first love and, as you know, your first love remains the best and the deepest.

You recently won the 2016 African Culture Image Award in the USA as the Best Supporting Actress. What does this mean to you and your career?

The award is a big one for me. It feels good to know that my craft is appreciated, and this has not only made me happy but it has also made me to work harder because indeed people are watching.

The nomination alone was an honour because the industry is getting bigger by the day and actors are springing up from different corners. So to be selected and nominated is uniquely amazing and then winning is like God patting me on my back and telling me “I have your career under control”.

You won the New York Film Academy recognition as the best acting student and the Next Movie Star Reality Show, both in 2011. Having come this far, what keeps you going?

Yes, I won the best acting student in a mobile academy organised by the New York Film Academy and Delyork Film Academy owned by Linus Idahosa and Stephanie Linus which takes place once every year. To think that I only went there to brush up my skills in acting for screen, then the award came. I don’t just let things go without putting them into consideration and seeing the handwork of God. I had such an amazing experience at the academy, the tutors were also amazing. From there, I could only move further and passion kept me going and it still does. It was what led me to the Next Movie Star Reality Show and it’s still leading me. If you were in my shoes I don’t think you will let the kind of training I got just go to waste. Deyemi Okanlawan was my classmate and he is doing well as an actor as myself.

How do you intend to keep with the competition with so many new faces springing up in Nollywood every day?

I don’t see any competition; everyone is good in her own way. There can only be one Tamara Eteimo so for me there isn’t any competition. The industry is big enough to accommodate everyone.

The movie, Fallen, brought you recognition. How did you get on the set?

I was called by the producer herself, Uduak Isong Oguamanam, to play a supporting role alongside Adesua Etomi, Kyle Remi, Blossom Chukujekwu and a host of amazing talents. I had recently returned on a vacation trip from the USA in 2013 when I got the call for the role. Fallen was directed by Niyi Akinmolayan.

What were the challenges you faced during production?

Every production comes with its challenges but overcoming them is what matters. I always research if the need arises for the character. I read and sometimes ask questions which help my mannerism while enacting the character. This has really helped me in my characterisation and I still use it is it makes my job easy. I live the character for the period of the movie, sometimes it extends but I try to snap out of it and come back to being Tamara Eteimo.

How far can you go into a character?

If it is a character I really want to play, I don’t mind going the extra mile to make it believable. It’s a make believe and it should be convincing enough for the audience to be involved with the character. In Emem Isong’s words “Our work is play but we don’t play with our work.”

So far, what movie would you say you have given your best and what’s your worst character?

I don’t have any best or worst character. I actually give my best in any movie I am involved in because we as actors always know that “you are as good as your last job”.  So, I act in every movie like it’s my last. I have movies that have given me award nominations here and there like ‘Desperate House Girls’ that gave me nominations in the category of Best Supporting Actress in GIAMA 2013 awards in Houston, NEA 2013 in New York , AMVCA 2013, and ‘Somewhere Down The Line’ which got me nominated for Best Actress in BON 2013. Though I didn’t win any of these, it boosted my career and made me work harder by the day.

You started as a musician. Why the transition from music to acting? Which is your first love?

Actually, I started as a dancer. I danced for artistes like Black Face, Frank D’nero, Saint and more. My late brother, Stanley Eteimo, who was popularly known as Mlee, advised me to go into singing and dancing for myself since I was really good in music too. I took to his advice and produced my first single ‘Vibrate’ and other songs. I performed with my own dancers in Crack Your Ribs 2009, Carniriv 2009, Miss OBALGA 2009 and other shows hosted by City People in Port Harcourt. I studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt because I wanted to be well grounded in my craft, knowing that it is what I will eventually pursue as a career. I just did music and dance to keep me busy while I was in school. Acting has always been my first love and will always be.

Your career has been on a steady rise. What would you say is responsible?

It is God who has made it possible. Also, my passion has kept me going and I have also been focused. I know what I want, so I am headed somewhere. I don’t believe in the impossible. For me, possibility is the key.

Producing your movies, how challenging is it for you?

Producing my first movie wasn’t easy. I took on the job of three people and I almost fainted. Although I had support from Mr Sola Fajobi and the director, Alex Mouth, it still wasn’t easy playing dual characters and producing.

But I got to understand what it takes to be a producer and I have grown such that it is not as difficult as it was when I started. I have produced ‘Somewhere Down The Line’, ‘Unblissful’, ‘Dear Diary’ and my latest which is ‘Candle’. ‘Candle’ is a dance movie and it is still in post-production process.

Personality and coping with fame?

Apart from the extra attention I get, I signed up for this so I am coping pretty well. I try to keep my private life private because I like it that way.

How will you describe your fashion sense?

For me, fashion is whatever I am comfortable in. I usually don’t go with what is trending but I create my own kind of style and I like to keep it simple because simplicity is classy.

What is your life philosophy? What’s the greatest advice you ever got as an actor?

The beauty about life is that in all we do, we are in pursuit of one thing: happiness. Whatever it takes to keep a genuine happy mind within you, do it and make it a priority.

The whole definition about being you is like a cliche because everyone says it and sometimes they do the opposite. What is being yourself? It is being a better version of what’s inside you. As different as our faces are, that’s how different and unique we are, so let me say this in a better way: be the beauty of what’s inside you. Your uniqueness is your virtue. Don’t let the bitterness of others change who you are. There is a reason why light shines in the midst of darkness. Be the light and outshine every bitterness that they throw at you. Who knows, you might be the reason for them to be sweet again.

What thrills you most about being a celebrity?

The privilege of being a role model to my fans and being appreciated is what thrills me the most.

She was the President, Commonwealth Lawyers Association (February 2011-April 2013), the only black female to get there, Chairwoman, Association of Women Solicitors England and Wales (2005/2006), Chair, NBA Section on Legal Practice Professional Development Committee, among others, Mrs. Boma Ozobia, owner, Sterling Partnership, a legal luminary. She is responsible for the establishment of the robust pro bono practice desk of Sterling Partnership which has provided legal representation for well over thirty indigent Nigerians, many of them on death row or awaiting trial as an integral part of the firm’s CSR.  She is also a renowned entrepreneur and business owner providing employment for hundreds of Nigerians. Boma’s experience in corporate commercial practice spans over twenty five years. In this interview with Omolara Akintoye, she speaks extensively on how to balance your home and your career, how growing up has contributed to her success in no small measure and how Nigeria can come out of the recent economic recession, among others.

AS former President of Commonwealth Lawyers, what were some of the challenges and how were you able to overcome?

The Commonwealth Lawyers Association is an association of lawyers from fifty four different jurisdictions across six continents as you know, so the primary challenge was really the challenge of communication in all ramifications. Communicating across different time zones and different cultures. Although we had the English language and the profession in common, culturally, there was a broad spectrum of cultures making up the association. There were a few jurisdictions that were clearly not used to dealing with women in a professional capacity and as equals. It was not entirely unexpected as I was understood and respect different cultures and religious beliefs. Being a Nigerian, and having the privilege of attending a Unity School, meant that I grew up knowing that we have diversity in culture and religion and respecting each person’s right to be different from me.

How has your growing up contributed to what you are today?

Naturally, balancing the professional commitments and family life was also challenging and is indeed a work in progress. The family and bringing up your children is a full time job in itself and, at the same time, your professional career and aspirations cannot be neglected. I had a fantastic example in my mother who raised eight children whilst working full time firstly as a teacher and later in construction, agriculture and other business ventures. I saw that it could be done through her example and that made it much easier for me.

I was recently in Ibadan for the University of Ibadan’s annual law week programme on their invitation. It was an emotional visit for me as my father attended the university when it was University College Ibadan many years ago. Education leads to enlightenment, and I use this in the European intellectual sense of emphasising reason and individualism over tradition. That was certainly the case with my father and we all benefited from this in our upbringing, particularly the girls. I now realise in that he treated all his children exactly the same and encouraged us to dream and aspire to achieve our dreams.

Your advice to young lawyers?

My advice to the younger lawyers and younger women in the legal profession or indeed any other profession would be the same as my advice to the students at the law faculty in Ibadan. Don’t bring your gender into the workplace. It is inconsequential unless you make it so. Remember to plan for success; if you fail to plan, be guaranteed that you have planned to fail. Finally, be professional. Professionalism means knowledgeable, consistent and timely delivery of service to your clients or customers as the case may be.

What is your opinion on the recent arrest of some of the judges who are allegedly involved in corrupt practices?

Judges are part of the society. We have a society where corruption if we are true to ourselves, is endemic. If you go back to our history, every coup that had taken place in this country from the first to the last has been because of corruption, so it is not new. What is new and sad for me is that in judiciary which previously has somehow managed not to be so painted in the public perception has somehow been painted and is no longer and seen as being above the other two arms of government and the rest of the society. Now if you talk to a man on the street, I for instance go to courts regularly to talk to litigants.

Perception is one of the endemic corruptions in the judiciary. It is now common among lawyers who are constantly going to the press using the print and electronic media to ascertain that judges are corrupt they are even ready to name names. These lawyers are part of the problem that is creating this perception. We have means of dealing with judicial corruption or misconducts by judicial officials and lawyers. There is a process in place: you write to the National Judicial Commission (NJC), they investigate the allegations, if the allegation holds water, the judicial officer is sanctioned appropriately. So for lawyers going to the press rather than going through the normal procedure is another sad development because it undermines public confidence in the system. It is not an ideal thing to have judges’ home raided by armed officers in the middle of the night and to have it reported that huge sum of cash were then discovered in some of those homes. Then you begin to wonder how this country will survive as a civilised society. The reason being that .the foundation of a democratic and civilised society is the rule of law and the rule of law cannot take root without an independent and incorruptible judiciary. In our traditional setting in those days, the traditional communities of the various ethnic communities in those days, there was the rule of law. It is not just about common law or English law, it is about respecting each other’s rights, understanding that when you infringe on my rights, there is a grave consequence attached to it. It also about having an independent arbiter in whom you and I have faith and confidence that whenever there is judgment on a particular case that is brought before them, we are willing to accept it. In our traditional society then that was the case. They would go to the oracle in confidence, knowing that it cannot be bribed or bought. Once there was a pronouncement, it was accepted by all, whoever deserves to be punished is being punished and the innocent is satisfied having got justice. Imagine if they thought the oracle could be bribed, then they would resolve to self-help.

For us to live together in a civilised community, this is the bedrock, without a functional justice system in which we have confidence, we might as well be living in the jungle. And this crisis is beginning to trickle down to the society because now there is a breakdown of law and order. The citizens are losing confidence in the ability of the system to deliver justice to them. The delay, the time, the cost and now the questioning of the integrity of judicial officers compound the challenge that is already undermining the citizen’s confidence in the system. It is widely reported now that people attack their neighbours with cutlass, matchettes, all because they are not sure of getting justice if they go to the court.

What would you say is responsible for corruption within the system; could it be poor conditions of service?

With all due respect, I cannot say that conditions of employment are the reason for corruption in the system. We have a choice on this matter, the choice to go to the bench was the first choice, judges were first lawyers before they become judges. The condition of employment should not be an excuse for corruption. From my own experience and understanding of how this profession should work, money should not be the priority; the profession is about honour, legacy and dignity – this should be the motivating factor and not about money. A lawyer can even earn more than a judge; it is all about perception. There are lots of hardworking and contented judges in the system that are not corrupt. I’ve been in practice for many years now and I’ve not encountered any judicial corruption in my practice. The perception in my view is far worse than the reality. The recent incident has compounded the perception more. Now the reaction to the incident both from the jurist (accused) and the NJC has not helped, it has actually eroded the public confidence and that is very sad.

How would you rate the corruption move of this present administration?

Until we get the conviction, every accused person is innocent until proven otherwise. For these high profile cases that are being tried in the law court, we are waiting to see the outcome. Let’s see the conviction first. If you took 100 cases to court but you are able to convict 10, you have not done well, but if out of 100 cases, you are able to convict 60, that is good. When we have those statistics, then we can evaluate and access the success or not of this drive. Then we can access the performance of this present administration. But the fact that it is on the front burner, on the pages of the dailies, there is actually a consciousness and it means that people have to be more careful now.

From my assessment as a lawyer, I regret the fact that, having done quite a lot in the area of crime cases similar to that of EFCC, and having defended some of these accused persons, it appears to me that we have not achieved much. We are too quick to rush to prosecution, far too quick, if you want to do a good job. Is it just to make names and go to court? If you want to achieve a conviction, take the time to do your homework. So let us see what comes out of this corruption drive, whoever has stolen money or looted coffers should be held to account.

How soon can Nigeria come out of this economic recession?

It is a global issue, we are not the only economy that is affected. Countries that are affected most are those that depend on oil and are not doing very well, and Nigeria is among such countries. Government should unlock the channel through which money will trickle down into the society. Also, scarcity of the dollar should be resolved immediately so as to avert danger.

Aramide Sarumoh, better known as Aramide, is a graduate of Political Science from the University of Jos. Aramide whose genre of music is Afro-soul won award for the Best Vocal Performance (Female) at the Headies 2015 and best female artiste of the year 2016 at the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) few weeks ago. She shares her success story with Mujidat Balogun.

YOU received the Award for the best female artiste of the year, 2016 at AFRIMMA Awards Night and you were also a nominee for the best female R n B soul at the same award night. What was the experience like?

It was a great experience. There is always joy when you put so much effort into what you do and people believe that you should be commended for it. Big thanks to AFRIMMA and thanks to everyone for all the support.

What is your biggest achievement so far?

My biggest achievement is the fact that I am finally releasing my first album after a long period. Every artiste looks forward to that time when the fans can have a feel of his or her work and for me, it’s a big step in my career. The Suitcase album is an album that relates a lot of my experience which I believe people can relate to.

Apart from being a singer, who is Aramide?

Aramide is a guitarist, saxophonist, good cook and a loving wife. She is a down-to-earth person and a woman with a lovely heart. I am young, playful, and friendly.

Tell us about your educational background

I spent my whole life in Jos. I attended Baptist High School in Jos and the University of Jos where I studied Political Science.

What are some of the challenges of being a singer?

I would say that being a singer can be very challenging especially at the beginning of a person’s career. This is because at that point you are not sure if people will accept your music or not. It is also a time in your life, when you might come across people who would tell you things that may discourage you as well. There is also the issue of getting a good record label.

Who would you say is a major influence in your life and why?

My mother is my major influence because she is an epitome of hard work and a much focused person. So she inspired me greatly and I have learnt from her to put my best in all that I do.

How do you relax?

I relax by reading a good book, hanging with people of like minds and spending time with my friends.

What is your favourite motivational phrase?

Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.

What is your most valuable fashion accessory?

My African neck piece is the most valuable fashion accessory for me.

What are you working on now?

Right now, I want to focus on promoting my album, the Suitcase and it is the most important thing for me right now.

How would you describe your personal style?

My style is very chic, simple and specific.

Let’s talk about some memorable moments in life and your career

Yeah, there are so many memorable moments in my life. However, I would say that it was when I won the Headies and when I did my show in Canada. It was a wonderful experience and the turnout was fantastic. They welcomed me warmly and they really loved my performance. I can’t wait to go back there when the SUITCASE Album drops.

Who are your role models and mentors?

My mother is my role model. I look up to her for so many things and she is a great source of inspiration for me.

What is the unique ingredient that made you standout? How were you able to reach your target audience in this industry?

First of all, I’m grateful for all the awards and everything and it’s all by the grace of God Almighty. Secondly, finding my sound was something I didn’t really have to struggle with but making it acceptable was what I had to work extremely hard on. I always knew I had a niche market but I wanted to go beyond just having a small group of people who loved my type of music.

So, over time, I tried to study different sounds and styles of music. I learned to make my music relatable without compromising on my sound.

I think sticking to my sound and believing in myself has really done me a lot of good. I’m not the type that copies or follows the crowd. I also believe that any music can be commercial as long as people can relate to it, be it up-tempo or mid-tempo or whatever

 Do you see Nigerian female musicians dominating the music industry soon?

 Anything is possible and yes female artists work very hard, and I am glad about the acceptance that we are getting. Look at Asa, she is buzzing in a totally different environment. There is a perception that female musicians come and go, Tiwa Savage has proved a lot of people wrong about that. She is the only Nigerian that has a RocNation deal – and she is female.

The likes of Waje and Omawumi stay grinding and making music that is accepted all over Africa and even the world. Seyi Shay has an international deal with Universal. In recent times, Simi and myself are making music that people told me won’t make money two years ago.  Niniola is buzzing with AfroPop, Cynthia Morgan with dancehall. We are getting there, and I am sure that with persistence and determination, we will all get there.

We have noticed that the successful artists in the industry hail from the north such as MI, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Praiz and you. So what is it with artists from the north? Is there any secret we need to know about the north?

Well, I get that question a lot but the truth is that I don’t know. I know that Jos encourages talents, not just music, even basketball, acting and any other thing that has to do with entertainment Jos encourages. I think it might be because it is a small town and a lot of people know themselves so there is no form of class segregation; every one is the same. There is this bond between everybody in Jos and it is just sweet.

If you have to advise young people, what would tell them?

They need to believe in what they do, stay positive and be focused.

How would you assess Nigerian designers?

Nigerian designers are making a lot of progress. The fashion industry is growing, we have recorded a lot of innovations and it is due to the input of our designers. The designs that we see today by Nigerian designers can surely compete with those that come from any other part of the world. We, however, need more investment in the industry. That way, we would be able to grow bigger and better.a

Maureen Omeibe is the Executive Director De Gap Industries and Coordinator of the Lagos Chapter of the African Women Leadership Organisation (AWLO).In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde she talks about life as an entrepreneur, gender activist, philanthropist and more.

WHAT are the things that you are passionate about? I am an entrepreneur and I am also into gender studies. I run a research based organisation called Network and public policy, we dwell on how government policies can help give palliative measures to some of the issues affecting women. I amalso the executive director of a  sub automobile industry, De gap industries imited. We have an assembly plant where we bring components of motorcycles and trycycles andwe assemble as well.We also have a logistic company De Gap logistics limitied, it is a groupof companies and I am the executive Director of the Group. Then I would alsosay that I am an educationist, it is that part of me that I do not always talkabout but I find out that I always like educating people. Wherever I find myself , I try to use the little information that I haveas a woman to drive for change.

What are the qualities of a good leader?

You must be able to communicate what you want and  your ability to communicate what you want should be able to bring people close to you and that ability has to do with your own action. That is what people see you doing. What do they see you talk about at all times or when they come to you for counselling. When they come to you for problems, how do you respond, how do you react? How equipped are you on information bothering on women across the world. How well do you understand what the core challenges of women are , not just in Nigeria but across the globe. So, all this things you have to be informed and know how to deal with it and when people connect with what you are doing rather than what you are saying , it becomes less challenging.

Talking about challenges, the economy is tough and a lot of women businesses which are mostly SME’s are suffering , what advise do you have for them?So we tell women it is not time for you to close shop, it is not time for you to go back to your bedroom but it is time to look for better ways of doing your business. Look for other alternative means of driving your business.

That was the reason why we felt that we needed to do this training that we have now. It is to make women know that as things are getting tougher there are diverse means through which they can grow their businesses. Now , it is pertinent that every business owner must learn how to reduce cost. One way to do this is to reduce the cost of your outreach, the digital skill does this for you and you are also able to reach a massive number of individual. The truth is that when there are challenges in the business environment those are the best times to innovate.

One of the objectives of the African Women In Leadership (AWLO) is to initiate programs that can help women in anything that they are doing. We have an objective that says we should make such women come out better. So we decided to initiate this training because we felt that with the way the world is going, technological advancement has changed a whole lot of things with the way businesses are run with the way brands are being built.

You can see the way people are sitting in their virtual offices and doing businesses and connecting to the world just sitting in a particular place. So , we felt that as that the world is moving , we need to acknowledge dynamism. Digital because that is where the world is going, everything is currently digital.

Do you think the women are keying into this

Yes, the women are keying into it. They are very enterprising individuals and they have business that they are doing and career too. As a matter of fact, women tend to key in more when it comes to digital skills, they need it more. They cannot do without these skills now.

Is this a national project or just for Lagos?

It is just for Lagos because it is being organised by the Lagos chapter of AWLO. Yes, we might extend it to other regions and  we have about three batches of training in Lagos and this is the first.One of the achievement of the organisation is that we have chapters in four African countries, South Africa, Ghana, Namibia and about to launch the Kenya chapter. Secondly, our flagshipproject, one mother , one child has actually gone beyond Nigeria. In the united States , we have about six children of Africandescent that are being trained by this project. Another achievement is our conferences, we have communiques and make sure that at least 30 per cent of the outcomeis executed.

Apart from the six children in America that you talked about , how many children have you touched so far?

In Nigeria for instance, we have 152 children currently in Akwa Ibom , in Abuja we have over 200 children. In Abuja we actually have a preparatory center where we keep children from the Internally displaced centers to be integrated to normal school. In that center , we have library and almost like a school. That is where they converge to get ready to go to school. We have some who just got to secondary school as well as those who just got admitted into the university from there. We bring them into the center , assess what their challenges are and move them forward.

What the criteria for membership of AWLO?

First of all, you must be a leader , be in a position of decision making and we have to see you as someone who has a vision making capacity in whatever profession or whatever business that you are doing. Our program is open to all women but you must be a leader to be a member. The reason is because when you come in , you are supposed to bring something to the table, you should be able to bring out leadership potential in the next woman. Being a leader is not only about authority , not only about power or position , it is your ability to embrace responsibility.

What are the problems encountered?

Along the line, as we are working with African women, the commonest problems that we have seen are lack of psychological development. We find out that a lot of women easily accept that they cannot go beyond a certain level of life. This is a psychological problem and I would not entirely blame our women. That is the mindset that was instituted in our cultural life especially in Africa. You grow up to see certain things and nobody is telling you to have discipline towards those things. Than we have been doing and the speed with which we do this would increase. Whatever you see around you is telling you that, you don’t have to be too ambitious. You don’t have to go further than this. It is enough for you to go to school, come back and get married and have children. Nobody is talking about advancing towards certain points. So, I would say we can come out and fight to break the glass ceiling. This way we would do far better.I want us to understand that it is only us that can stand up against all those limitations that we are seeing and deal with it in such a way that it is no longer a barrier.

How do you juggle life as an entrepreneur, leadership advocate and family life to achieve a balance?

It is very challenging and difficult. First of all, my children are still very young needing a lot of attention. Secondly, I must say that in my business my position is very strategic and my AWLO leadership opportunity is also very demanding. All of these are contesting for my attention. What I usually do is to priorities and I try as much as possible to see that one does not take away from the other. I give appropriate time to all this and try to be efficient with time. For instance, if I want to run for a day, I prepare for this before I get out of bed. So that by the time I wake up, I am already in tune with what I want to do. If you do not manage it very well, there is every tendency that one would lose out and I always say that if there is anything that would go bad, it is not going to be my family. I always put my family first. If you plan your time well as a very busy person, you can still achieve what you want to achieve. I tell people not to be over ambitious. We should not throw away what we have for what we are chasing or what we don’t have. You also need to work with people who can give the support system that you need. I look for people that I can work with, so that when it becomes very difficult to come out, I can reach those people. We need to identify people that are intelligent. I see some women complaining about not getting support from their husbands, I usually tell such women to go back home and do their homework properly. The husband begins to agitate against what you are doing if your homework is suffering. Try as much as possible to create a balanced time for what you do. If you are passionate about what you do, you would take some passion home, the man would see it. But your ability to ensure that that passion does not affect the home is very important.

What advise do you have for ladies who just want to settle down?

I am a person who believes in value. I believe so much in what you are bringing to the table as an individual. I tell women to stop looking for men to complement you, stopping putting criteria on the table , keep what you want to your heart, work hard and add value to yourself. When you are a woman of value, the right type of men would come to you and you would come to you and you would choose . I find it rude for a woman to tell a man, you are not my class. You are a lady, you are beautiful but it is not enough to be beautiful. You have got to add a sense of reasoning, have something more appealing. If you are just counting on your beauty and you have an attitude issue, your life won’t get better. Have something that you can drop or deposit in the life of another person.

Queen Martins is a producer who has worked with MNET and EbonyLife TV. Just before this, she helped to produce a segment of the Funmi Iyanda Show and she is also a concept developer for IBST, the producers of Dragon’s Den Nigeria. The talented lady is also the initiator of twenty5wishes, a project that seeks ways to empower young people and help them to discover their enterpreneurship skills. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she talks about her passion, challenges and more.

HOW and when did you start working as online content producer?

I started work as an online content producer in 2008 when I was 17 years old. Interestingly, my first job was at the defunct NEXT newspapers. At that point, I was working in the media department of my church, Living Waters Unlimited, when a member walked in and asked who was in charge. After I identified myself, he gave me the address of a job opening. I visited the office and was interviewed by Muhktar Bakare. I got the job and it was a very enlightening experience. My job entailed producing all the video content for the newspaper’s website, 234next.com.

What were the initial challenges for you?

It was my first formal job and the office was on the island while I lived on the mainland. So, first, I had to deal with leaving the house at 5 am and returning home a tad bit late because of the horrendous traffic. Two, I was thrown into the world of journalism and I remember feeling quite lost the first day I hit the streets to source for newsworthy stories. Even though I was already familiar with filming and editing, Online uploads was new to me at the time and we had a unique back end that took some getting used to. Good thing is the company organised a series of trainings and in no time I was a pro.

How did you cope with these challenges?

I was the youngest in the company at the time and luckily I was loved, so it was easy to ask questions and get help any time I got stuck with any task. Everyone was always willing to help.

What are the other things that occupy your time now?

I currently work as a producer with EbonyLife TV. Earlier in the year, I also worked as a line producer for the film Ojukokoro. It will hit the cinemas in 2017.

I have worked as a segment producer for Funmi Iyanda’s Show, as well as concept developer for IBST, the producers of Dragon’s Den Nigeria.

I also worked as associate producer on the LMDGP documentary which involves four short documentaries and a 45-minute documentary that features the ultramodern schools, primary health care centres, citizen mediation centres, markets, roads, footpaths, amongst other facilities that the Lagos Metropolitan Development and Governance Project in partnership with the World Bank built across the nine largest slums in Lagos State.

In addition to all this, I have also produced Paranoia. This is a short film on a failing business tycoon who is paranoid and insecure because he fears his wife would leave him for a wealthier man. There is also Spoons, a documentary depicting mannerisms ghetto dwellers develop as survival necessities and the struggles of the elite to ape this lifestyle all-be-it without the ghetto flavour. Lastly, there is another documentary titled Checking Out. This looks at the migration of Africans to developed countries.

What are some of the memorable moments in your career and life?

There have been different memorable moments. From getting great encouragement from my former boss, Pulitzer award-winner Dele Olojede, to interviewing Forest Whitaker, to getting full scholarship to study film first at New York Film Academy and then Montanna State University. These have been great moments for me. In addition, I would say that touching the lives of people, especially the youths, is a source of inspiration for me. I get very thrilled seeing people’s lives changed for good. That is enough motivation for me.

For example, running into a young person who did not have a roof over his head now being settled, moving to the next stage of their lives and reaching out to others and putting smiles on the faces of people; that is enough motivation for me.

What are the changes that you would like to see in the sector?

I definitely look forward to a time when it would not be as strenuous as it currently is; to get funds for TV and film projects.

Tell us about people that you consider as your mentors or role models

I love what Kathleen Kennedy has been able to accomplish as a film producer

What are some of the achievements recorded in your career?

I am most proud about launching my initiative Twenty5wishes. Twenty5wishes is an initiative poised to annually bring into reality the dreams of young people in Nigeria.  Committed to developing the human capital of the Nigerian youth, the initiative presents a platform through which dynamic individuals are groomed into successful entrepreneurs through mentorship with industry influencers and the opportunity to receive tools and funds that facilitate their business endeavours.

To kick-start this process, referrals and personal requests are forwarded to us. Our wish team screens these referrals and requests on their merit, and in order to be eligible, individuals must have demonstrated passion in the particular field in which they desire intervention.

This year, our wishers showed great interest in various industries including photography, fashion, makeup, shoe-making, events planning, media, e-commerce and filmmaking. These wishes will be granted in three phases: Training, talent showcase, and business setup with tools.

The ultimate goal of the Twenty5wishes initiative is to set up an endowment fund and build an entrepreneurship training institute with global standards of learning, modern facilities, training equipment and facilitators which the Nigerian youth can access to develop and broaden their creative talent and sharpen their skill set.

Twenty5wishes was officially launched at an exclusive event at the Clear Essence California Spa & Wellness Resort. At the launch, wishers were introduced to the wish granters who disclosed the different trainings, exhibitions, and business equipment to be made available to the wishers over the course of a year.

I strongly believe that we can bring some dreams to life through the opportunities and trainings that we would be giving the young ones. For our exhibitions, we have an event where outstanding participants can showcase and auction their work to industry leaders and potential clients. We also have the career build up project where outstanding participants receive employment, equipment or unique opportunities to pitch for funds. Lastly, we have the equipment donation where we provide equipment that the initiative can make available to participants.

Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your life?

God really is the biggest influence in my life. He made the best things that have happened to me possible. My mum literally stopped working to raise my siblings and I, and she did a fine job. She’s definitely a major influence as well. My dad has also influenced me immensely.

What is your definition of style?

Style for me is comfort and chic.

What are the things that you love to wear?

I love to explore different fabrics and styles to create different looks. I’m currently loving the pallazo pants and variations of the off shoulder tops.

What are the other things that occupy your time?

I love to travel especially to engage in outdoor adventures like ziplining.

Idris Aregbe is an entrepreneur who sits at the helm of four companies. He is Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Solutions and his other companies include, Sisi Oge, the Pride of Africa, Bukha and Continental, and H&S Branding and Printing Consult. In this interview with Omolara Akintoye, he explains that  though he is still so young, precisely 34 years of age,  he has over  100 people on his pay roll. He says he is not only  accumulating wealth, but loves putting smiles on people’s faces. Excerpts

WHAT does life as a business coach entail?

Life, for me, is how you see. It is being able to put yourself together and manage your affairs well.  It is important to know that people are watching you, so keep moving on and you will get there.

What are the challenges encountered and how were you able to overcome them?

Challenges are everywhere. At times I find it difficult to sleep or even get up early. But that notwithstanding, you still have to be ready to overcome whatever comes your way. For me, challenges are things that put me up there. I’m a goal getter; I’m someone that whatever I want, I make sure I go for it and get it done. If you look at the challenges alone you will go nowhere. I don’t mind the difficulties that come my way, I make sure I overcome it.

Do you believe in mentoring?

Yes, I believe in mentoring and by God’s grace I’ve been able to put smile on people’s faces through the help I’ve rendered unto them. In the process of doing that, people also learn from me and I’ve also learnt a lot from them. In essence, I look up to people that are older than me and young people also look up to me.

Who are your role models?

Role models, for me, are in different fields because I’m a politician, a promoter of culture. And when I look at all these, I have different role models. When it comes to politics, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is my mentor, he’s someone I love. I believe so much in him. And when it comes to governance, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is my role model. You can see his style of governance, he is a man of action. He keeps moving Lagos forward and everybody can see it. When it comes to business I also have people I look up to.

What is the SisiOge Beauty Pageant all about?

The theme for the beauty pageant show is “My heritage, my pride”. We all know that if you love your heritage, you will care and promote it. This year is the 10th edition of the show and the essence is to raise cultural ambassadors who will use the platform to learn more about our heritage, our cultural values and promote it by educating the younger ones about our cultural values. It’s all about networking to bridge the gap between the older and the younger generations.  We are losing our cultural values and that is because of the gap between the old and the upcoming generations.  It is a yearly beauty show and we’ve had different beauty queens with different innovations all speaking about one thing: which is to promote our cultural values.

Tell us more about “Our Lagos, your Lagos” initiative. What is it all about?

It is an initiative that has been on for two years now. As you can see, Lagos belongs to everybody. This is the only state that irrespective of your tribe, you are given equal opportunity. What the project is saying in essence is that Lagos belongs to us all and all hands must be on deck to make Lagos work. You don’t just sit down and be waiting for what the state can do for you. Rather, think about what you as an individual can do to move the state forward. This year, we are organising a concert, which is titled “Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko lo je wa logun” meaning, it is a concert which we want to organise to move Lagos forward. It is all about music and message and it will highlight our daily activities in Lagos. For instance, we have people in the last three to four decades who despite the challenges have been able to excel in Lagos. In terms of unity, prosperity, friendship, name it, it all abound in Lagos. In essence, the project is all about engaging and empowering people to tell them more about the story of Lagos and how they can be of assistance to others. We also have a children cultural centre where children go to learn about our culture, values and all that. The centres are at Ikeja and Lekki. The Children Cultural Centre is my project under the supervision of my mentors; the chairman of La Campagne Tropicana, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, and the Chief Executive Officer of Nike Arts Gallery, Chief Mrs. Nike Okundaye. There, we can get them at the early stage and make them learn about our values and other beautiful things we should teach our children as Africans.

How has your growing up helped in taking you to where you are today?

Growing up with my parents only exposed me to politics. My mother is a politician and so everything in her life revolves around politics. My mum is Alhaja Asibiallahu Olaide Agaba, who hails from Epe. She is one of the state leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This is the kind of life I grew up to see and that influenced my decision to study Political Science at the University of Lagos and Public Administration. I also ventured into politics at a point. Every other thing that I have been able to put together has been through self-thought and mentorship. Well, one of my greatest achievements in life is my ability to define what I wanted to be very early in life. As it is, I hardly have friends who are my age mates. I look up to people a lot and I try to emulate good qualities from them. I grew up among people that were much older than me and this has helped to prepare me for whatever life brings.  If you want to know how successful you are you will know it through the type of friends you interact with .

What is your sense of style?

Style for me is simplicity at all times.

How can entrepreneurs survive during this economic recession?

Look at some of the problems around you which you can find solutions to. What you do and what you need on a daily basis, that alone can tell you what you can venture into, that can also tell you what people need. These are things that you can look at to engage in just to make you become independent. Recession or no recession, you can become whatever you want to become in life. I don’t know when the best economy will come, I remember that while we were growing up, our parents would say no money but they sent us to the best schools and gave us quality education and they kept on saying ‘no money, no money’. So stand up and do something with your life; be part of those who are meeting the needs of people and are excelling in life

What advice do you have for the younger generation?

Keep moving, do things in a dignified manner and you will find