She is simple and straightforward, has worked as a newscaster, TV producer and presenter, co-creator and co-presenter of one of Ebony Life TV’s best-rated shows ‘The Spot’, produced documentaries and is currently a much sought-after event host. Lamide Akintobi has carved a niche for herself with her versatility and finesse and we wanted to get to know her a little bit more.
by Paul Ukonu I
You grew up with a father in the arts (the music industry). Did that influence your decision to pursue a career in journalism?
No, not particularly. I started off as a pre-law major, but switched to journalism before the first year was up.
You began your career in 2006 along with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Zainab Balogun, The Spot, which you co-created with Zainab, brought you to limelight. Tell us about your experience. Do you miss The Spot?
I’d actually say that my work as a newscaster was what people knew me for at first, as I was on TV almost every day of the week. Then I left Channels TV, went away for my Master’s degree, and then in 2013 started working with ELTV. Doing that perhaps introduced me to a new audience who may not have seen my work at Channels. Co-creating the show was interesting. High pressure, but I learned a lot and it certainly was a challenge we were glad to live up to. The fact that so many people enjoyed the show made it all worth it. I miss it once in a while. We made good memories.
How were the three of you able to fan the flames of chemistry you shared on set? Did you have fights. Are you still friends?
I think we were just extremely lucky to get along well and genuinely enjoy our discussions and have great rapport on camera. We had fun doing it, and it showed. We don’t all see each other as often as we used to, but when we do, it’s always lovely.
You have ventured into different aspects of the media industry and have been named among the 50 women changing journalism in Nigeria. What inspires you?
I enjoy telling stories, and I enjoy learning and growing. I’m inspired by anyone living their dream, by people who consistently make a positive impact and add value to the people around them.
Success is neither a straight line nor the finish line.
Lamide Akintobi
Some viewpoints regarding the ability to succeed in our society include coming from a family of influence, being a hustler, being smart in a cunning way or doing anything possible to reach the top. From your experience, what would you say to a twenty-year-old about success?
I’d say that success is rarely what we think it is, and doesn’t always feel like what we think it will, especially at 20 years old. I’d say think critically about what success means to you, and be open to tweaking or even completely changing what that idea is as time changes, and as you as a person change. Yes, set goals, and be driven and work hard to achieve them, but always keep in mind that success is neither a straight line nor the finish line. Once you hit one goal, another one always comes up, but enjoy the steps you take and the goals you hit before you move on to the next.
From a distance you look like a reserved person, I may be wrong, but how do you host events successfully with your personality and how would you advise younger people to handle potential viz a viz personality?
Hosting events isn’t necessarily about what type of personality one has; it’s more about being the guide that ties all the different elements of that event together and makes it run smoothly. Organizers who want hosts that also double as entertainers, for example, are more likely to hire a singer, actor or comedian. For those who want to host events, if they know how to do the work of a host/MC effectively and according to the brief of the client, their personality is secondary.
You refer to yourself as feminist and there is a current battle of views regarding ‘feminism’. What is yours?
I’m very proud to say I’m a feminist. I think the misunderstandings stem from people who don’t understand what it truly means, and/or those who don’t want to understand what it means. Despite the many cultural norms we’ve grown up with, especially in Nigeria (and Africa, as a whole), I believe everyone will benefit from a world in which harmful behavior is unlearned, and no one is discriminated against, unfairly punished, or unfairly rewarded for their gender. I don’t think “battling” the concept of fairness and an equal playing ground is a worthy use of time. It’ll be better for us all to battle the unfair expectations imposed on us, whether consciously or unconsciously.
Featured Image Source: Paul Ukonu I