Remind her that she is a TV personality with many fans ho would want to peep into her world and she replies, "I was upset when I was referred to as 'Big Girl' in a newspaper article. To me, that means a person who wears clothes and has nothing in the head. I must confess that I am an intellectual and more comfortable discussing books than saying how pretty I am or what clothes are in my wardrobe."
Welcome to Abu's world of bluntness, brilliance and boldness.
Having spent 26 years in television, she definitely has a lot to talk about. First, she never thought of broadcasting. Her choice was law. Amidst laughter, she recalls, "I didn't find television. Rather, television found me. It was by accident. I wanted to be a lawyer but while waiting at home for my admission into Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, I became bored. There was a radio station having its test transmission in Makurdi and I went there for a part-time job. I was auditioned and I became the first female voice on Radio Benue. By the time admission results came in 1979, I did not get Law but English. I went to school but was going back to the station every quarter for vacation job. After graduation, I took a job with the Benue State Ministry of Information and eventually anchored a programme on television for the ministry.
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The General Manager of NTA Makurdi saw me and invited me over but I resisted. Then, I considered the fact that I was getting married and needed a federal job if my husband's job entailed much travels. So, I came in as an editor but never thought of the screen until six months later when I was instructed to go into the studio for a press review. Before then, I was at OGBC Abeokuta, where I did my national youth service. So, on radio and television, I have spent 27 years."
For a broadcast journalist like her, there are high moments: "When I interview important personalities," is her response. But what of her low moments? "When trying to meet deadlines. And apart from that, for us in news presentation, whether you are happy, sad or upset, you have to smile to viewers."
If you think the razzmatazz of television is equal to wealth, then ask Abu. She offers, "The hours are excruciating, but the remuneration is poor. It is not well-paying and those who think they are coming to television to make money are wrong. What drives most people especially on radio and television is the passion to do better than the previous. Here, promotion is slow, especially when you compare notes with your colleagues in other sectors of the economy. But you get your share of joy from peoples'commendation and the warmth of your fans."
Fans? How has she handled them all these years? A mother, who is happily married to a 'very private' person, says, "I'm on television, so they can't touch me. Even when you meet some outside the screen, you can easily extricate yourself with a smile and be kind to them. They are the ones who pray for you and I am always amazed at Nigerians'warm, friendly and giving nature when they identify with you on the silver-screen."
How about those men who are always on the look-out for newscasters? Her strategy is simple: "You can deal with that aspect easily. Just build a wall, allow them to see it and they will retreat."
Mind you, Abu's job is much more than news presentation. Now, the Head of News, NTA International, she was in charge of NTA News Extra on Wednesdays, is a member of the news editorial board and assistant director, presentation.
Outside her NTA career, she is an author of a published work, In the Blink of an eye, and a soon-to-be released book on poetry. You can never finish unveiling her. She is also a bi-lingual compere (which she does occasionally), and she is into children educational development, which she does every summer for kids.
Though an Igala (in Kogi State) she believes she is 'a global citizen.' Born of a civil servant father, who also lectured in the university, she recalls the family moved from one city to the other. Little wonder, she can speak seven languages. "I am a passionate Nigerian and a global citizen with friends all over the world. I am not given to states of origin," she enthuses.
She cannot evade talking about fashion because she is one of the most fashionable women on television. So, where does she get those lovely clothes on television? She smiles and replies, "Being the longest serving head of presentation, I can say that we buy our clothes ourselves. Unfortunately, people think we are very wealthy but we are not. It is just the aura among newscasters and their unique personal style that makes people think we rob banks to appear on television. I prefer simplicity. I can easily enter Wuse market and get a fabric for N1,500. I am so particular about the cut. I use tailors that cut timeless clothes. I don't believe in follow-fashion. I wear ankara a lot and Senegalese clothes because of their sense of style and unique cut. I have tailors in Gabon, Ivory Coast and even in Wuse market. That we appear on television does not mean we have all the clothes in the world. We just manage ourselves and accessorise a lot. Colours? I don't like red and I hate bright colours. I like pastels, blue but I can't wear it on screen because there are certain colours you can wear. Also, I like olive, green, brown and I don't really like pink but I wear it occasionally."
To have managed a hectic job schedule for over 26 years must have been with a good family support system, which she does not deny. "If you decide to follow your career and not know your children, they will not know you," says Abu. When the career is over, you come home to children you don't know. I need to connect with my children. I look through their books and their home-work with them. We go to the park together on Mondays and even as I write, they are around me. This could be hard but you have to put in your best. Without my family support, I will disintegrate. The job is highly visible and you need a place you can go to for quiet. Apart from that, I love cooking and will come up with a cookery book soon. I cook a lot on weekend and my children learn to cook from age 10."
There is no denying the fact that she possesses a great figure. Abu, who is a staunch Catholic, ascribes it to God's grace.
Moreover, she observes her diet. "I don't eat crap, neither do I take junk. If you add stress with bad food intake, you would bloat. I go to the spa once in six weeks, get a scrub, and have a facial and a massage," she offers.
She would not finish an interview like this without a word of advice to women: "Women are the smartest, most given, most loyal, most dedicated and committed beings. Don't let your ambition becloud who you are," she opines. Know what you can do; be known for something. Find something you love doing for a relief. When you bring knowledge to the work-space, it is power. You need to prove yourself by getting the confidence of your bosses, think out of the box! That way, people take notice of you. Finally, hold on to God and trust Him."
From her interview with Punch Newspaper By KEMI ASHEFON, Published: Sunday, 15 Nov 2009
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