The President of Electronic Media Content Owners Association of Nigeria (EMCOAN), Deborah “Debbie” Odutayo, calls the shots in a profession which is regarded as exclusive to men. In a rare encounter, she speaks with ADEWOYIN ADENIYI about her profession, the joys of motherhood, life and EMCOAN .
IN general, what does EMCOAN stand for?
EMCOAN is a body we formed because we noticed that we needed an umbrella body to shield all content owners from the different perils that we encounter. EMCOAN is responsible for over 85% of media content in Nigeria. The body is there to protect their intellectual properties and stand as a unit so they are not short-changed for their works.
How has it been being the President of EMCOAN?
On the day of the election, I could not believe the overwhelming support I got from all our members. After serving as 2nd Vice President with Uncle Wale Adenuga MFR, as our first President, I learnt a lot from him as a leader. He was ever patient and always composed.
I must say that it has been wonderful and I love working with everyone at EMCOAN especially our Executives and Board of Trustees. I have always seen everyone as equal and it’s because they trust me that I was announced as President for a second time and unopposed too. I can only thank the members of the association for the confidence reposed in me, I could only promise to do my best to take the association to greater heights. I think with the current Executive, we have made quite an impression.
Have you ever felt hindered because you are female?
I’ve said it to my colleagues and pressmen who ask that question; I don’t rule over them. We work together and see each other as colleagues. In fact, I’m so blessed. One of my colleagues, Victor Okpala, Managing Director, Dope 7 Media was telling some of his friends in Nollywood to come and see how his president is handling things so organised and all.
The men and I have been able to respect each other and they know I know what I’m doing and I enjoy their support. It basically boils down to respect and the fact that we all know where we are coming from and we have seen that we can get a better future by coming and sticking together. Also, we all have the same objectives. We all have the same objective at EMCOAN; our content which we say is king must actually be the king.
What is digitization and how has Nigeria fared thus far?
First of all, digitization is the process of converting information into a digital format. In this format, information is organised into discrete units of data (called bits) that can be separately addressed (usually in multiple-bit groups called bytes).Nigeria attempted to and failed to achieve the June 2015 digital switch-over deadline and it was due to the absence of better and deeper collaboration with major stakeholders in the broadcasting industry.
We were embittered about the way and manner in which EMCOAN and all major stakeholders in the Industry were left out of the entire process even with our strategic position as a body of TV and radio program owners. However, I am confident that the new synergy amongst stakeholders including EMCOAN, the NBC (Nigerian Broadcast Commission), the Ministry of Information and Culture would yield fruits. The minister has launched the one in Jos and the next one would be either in Abuja or Lagos or Port-Harcourt. So, we are almost there.
Tell us about Royal Roots productions?
Royal Roots is my baby. It’s that ‘invincible’ fourth child that I will nurse till the days of age. It’s a radio/television company that has been in existence since 1997. Over the years we have engaged some of the best television hands in the country, we have honed specific skills with the ultimate hope of creating television products, commercials and programs that build brands and entertain audiences.
What are some of your productions?
The list of productions to my credit is numerous. I have produced several documentaries and TV Commercials for several top clients within and outside the country. So you see that we keep trying to best ourselves every time; which mother wouldn’t be proud of such feat.
Could you list some of your achievements at Royal Roots?
In recent times, Edge of Paradise was nominated for a Golden Nymph Award at the 47th Monte Carlo Television Awards 2007 in Monaco France. It shared nomination with notable series like 24, Lost, Greys Anatomy and Desperate Housewives in the Best Television Drama series category. The category was won by Lost. Also, another Royal Roots soap series, Bella’s Place became the first in-studio 100% Nigerian cast and crew production. It made its debut in February 2012. We also had four nominations for My Mum & I at the 50th Monte Carlo Television Festival in Monaco France in 2010.
You are also behind the production, Beyond Blood. Tell us about it
It’s a new Nollywood movie that tells the story of a young woman confronted by situations beyond her control. She however decides to run away from it all rather than face her issues which lead to her self-rediscovery.
The movie stars Joseph Benjamin, Kehinde Bankole, Deyemi Okanlawon and it was premiered at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island some months ago. The movie was directed by my husband, Greg Odutayo. His effort was crowned recently as the film won the 2016 AMAA in the category of Best First Feature Film by a Director.
Tell us about yourself…
I’ve been married for 21 years to Managing Director of Royal Roots, Greg Odutayo, we are blessed with three wonderful young men. Deborah Odutayo is a consummate television producer with a deep passion for the television industry in Nigeria. After graduating from the University of Jos, I returned to NTA and worked with a host of top producers.
How did you handle being a mother to three guys and still do what you do?
I could not have done it without the grace of God. I remember in the earlier years when Royal Roots was still trying to cut its teeth in the industry, it was not a bed of roses because the boys were still young and I had to supervise their school work while juggling work, cooking and still manage to keep them happy all at the same time. It felt like a herculean task but God gave me the right man and also wonderful kids so I think it was everyone putting in work to make it work. They understood that mummy had to work so they could get all the nice things they wanted.
Where do you see EMCOAN in five years’ time?
At the top of course; nowhere else. I will be an ex-officio and I would support whole-heartedly the in-coming executives and the president because I have enjoyed tremendous support from each and every member including our amiable Chairman, Baba Wale Adenuga (MFR).
He is more than a father, he holds my hand and guides me when I get cold feet and he would calm me down and advise me and support me. I’m just grateful to everybody, from the board of trustees, to the members and my PR team; I can’t forget all of you. In five years’ time, I’m sure EMCOAN would be on the lips of everybody and we would have achieved what we set out to; and that is to be known, recognised, appreciated and accepted and importantly for our content to be truly enthroned as king.
What does Debbie Odutayo stand for?
Deborah “Debbie” Odutayo stands for discipline and is passionate about the belief that life is too short not to make the best out of it.
What are some of your likes?
I love the colour green. I love, care and scold like a ‘Mother Hen’. I love arts and crafts, especially sculptures and paintings which I collect anytime I travel or I’m on tour.
