By: KEMI YESUFU The Sun Newspaper
Five days a week Nancy Iloh
presents The Money Show on AIT. Over time the programme has become a must watch
for topnotch CEOs, mangers of the country’s economy and aspiring entrepreneurs.
In this interview, Iloh, who doubles as producer of the show, speaks on the
rigors of packaging the prime time business programme.
Aside talking about life outside the studio, she also opened up on what it takes for a young female producer to succeed in the male dominated world of business. Her story is inspiring, not just because of her achievements at a young age, but the fact that this Delta-born broadcast journalist has remained grounded despite spending most of her days in the limelight.
Did you always want to be on TV? Not exactly, I was a science student, though I had always been arts inclined. While in school I did a lot of scriptwriting, but I didn’t sit to think that I would be a broadcaster some day. Rather, I would say TV found me.
How did it find you? Like I said, I was into scriptwriting in my secondary school days. I had an encounter with Joke Sylva during a school play in which my script was used and she told me I was a round peg in a square hole. It was the first time I heard that expression. She made the comment after she asked me what class I was and I told her I was in science class. She was right to a large extent. By the time I met her, I had won different awards for Best Director and Best Script Writer in competitions involving secondary schools in Lagos State. Though Ms. Sylva stated the obvious, I still went ahead to study Parasitology. But even while in higher institution studying science course, I got a gig with the Delta State Television in my first year. From then till date, I have never left broadcasting. But I never sat to tell myself that I would be a broadcaster, neither did I dream of a career on TV as a kid.
What was your parents’ reaction when you started as an undergraduate? My dad wasn’t surprised when I started appearing on TV as a student. He was glad I had accepted the fact that my talent was in the arts, because despite displaying artistic traits, I insisted that I want to be a medical doctor. My parents supported me one hundred per cent and they called me from time to pray for me after watching my programme.
What kept you going till now? It’s the appetite for knowledge and love for disseminating the right information. Media people are well informed, but majority of our people need credible information to make the right decisions. Financial literacy and economic education is really low in Nigeria. This is why, till today, I still have the drive I had from the day we decided to start The Money Show.
On The Money Show we basically try to better society by informing viewers about business and investment. When you relate with people you will see they need all the information they can get. People ask questions about how they can invest; the different levels of investment and other issues that would result in success.
Does your having a science background make you one of those who argue that broadcasters are born not made? It’s my opinion that you must have the flair to be a good broadcaster. Careers in entertainment, media and the arts generally are for those with innate abilities. But anyone seeking a career in the media must also be articulate, he or she must be confident enough to communicate to a large audience. Of course, you cannot rule out the need for training and re-training because the media is a dynamic industry.
Women often handle the softer beats in the media. Do you enjoy presenting a show on business and finance? Presenting a business programme is not a child’s play. But if you are passionate about what you do, you will headline just about any programme. I must confess that presenting The Money Show is the toughest thing I have done in my career. As the producer and the presenter of the show, which is broadcast five times a week, I need to be on top of the situation.
I have to look through the content for broadcast on the show, I have to know who our guests are and I also have to be abreast of the politics of government, because the economy isn’t immune to politics. Neither is it immune to other issues like peace and stability. When there is a problem, people cannot go out to transact business. They aren’t willing to risk their lives, so presenting a business programme goes beyond just talking numbers, we have to look at other factors that can boost or slow down business. In a nutshell, it takes a committed individual to present a programme like The Money Show. It goes beyond the gender of the presenter.
Have you had defining moments on the show? Right from our first day of broadcast we’ve had defining moments. I won’t forget that day, because we had to surmount a number of technical hitches, but we never looked back since then. Secondly, there are guests that stand out for me. One of them is the highly respected Oxford University Economist, Professor Paul Collier. He is the author of the book, Bottom Billion. I also felt elated when the BBC called from London to get my views on an issue.
They told me they got in touch because they believed they would get an unbiased, honest view on the matter. Each time I speak with the individuals managing our economy, like the Central Bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, I feel inspired, because we sometimes argue about policies or their implementation. Sometimes, they take out time to explain why they took certain decisions. Then I also feel fulfilled when viewers call after a show to give their opinions. For me, a defining moment doesn’t have to be a major event, it’s the significant things that happen each time the programme comes on air.
Your programme comes up five times a week? Have there been days you wished you didn’t have to come on air? I’ve had moments I wake up and want to go back to sleep, but I tell myself it’s my responsibility to present the programme. Even when I don’t feel well, I have to put up a good show. It’s when the lights go off that I start thinking of how to get treatment or how to deal with whatever is bothering me. For me, I would be failing in my responsibility if viewers tune in by 11 a.m. and I am not there to present the show.
Who would you say is the most interesting business personality you’ve met? I have met quite a number of business leaders, but one person that stood out is the chairman of Visafone, Jim Ovia. Then, there is the former Group Managing Director of the United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu. I wouldn’t like to give a list because I don’t want to leave out some names.
Many watch you on TV and they often wonder if you do anything else but talk business? I cannot deny that presenting and producing The Money Show is an integral part of my life. But I am not always this serious TV presenter talking about the economy and investment. I also like to hang out with friends. I love to attend shows, on Fridays I go out with friends. I dance to relieve stress if I have to. But on Monday morning I am back on my desk ready to do my job.
You didn’t say anything about spending quality time with that special person. Why? I humbly ask that we don’t talk about that aspect of my life. Yes, I am a public figure by virtue of the work I do, but I like to keep certain things private.
Do you agree that men are intimidated by girls like you or have you been choosy? Sure, there are men who are intimidated by ladies who can stand on their own, but I don’t think that should be the case. I think men should be proud to have a lady with a good career. I don’t know about being choosy though.
What’s your opinion about Nigerians, some say they have roving eyes? I wouldn’t put it that way. Let’s just say that like the Tom Cruise movie, there are a few good Nigerian men. Personally, I am more concerned about Nigerian men encouraging their partners to excel in their chosen fields. I am more interested in talking about how men can allow their partners follow their dreams. I also feel there should be a caveat with regards to women remaining the home-keeper. Though we need more female entrepreneurs, female technocrats and female CEOs for Nigeria to fast track its economic growth, it shouldn’t be at the detriment of the family.
How do you cope with advances from top business executives? As a lady in the male dominated world of business, all I do is stick to the values I hold dear. Some people think that once a woman is on TV, she cannot withstand the pressures that come from male admirers. But this isn’t true. No one is a saint. I am not, but I am disciplined enough not to mix business with pleasure. Even when some men want to be naughty, I make sure by the time I leave they know that I was in their office strictly to do business. This is not to say I am not friendly or that I frown while discussing business with clients, I just ensure that business transactions are carried out in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Who is your ideal man? I know it’s a cliché, but my ideal man must be God-fearing. He must be intelligent, because I want to learn from my partner. A man that is caring is of importance to me, because some men don’t even look at the face of their partner to see if she is alright. It is important that a couple care about each other genuinely.
You host The Money Show; surely you would like a man with plenty of money? (Laughter) Hosting The Money Show doesn’t make me any different from the girl next door. And the girl next door will tell you that a rich man is an added advantage. A man’s financial status is not the first a woman looks out for, but it helps if a man works and earns an income.
You host a daily show where you have a new look each day. It must cost you a lot to look good every time you come on set. Well, I am particular about what I wear on set. I present a programme on business so I ensure that I dress like the 21st century business executive. I can’t say how much I spend on my wardrobe and the money spent shouldn’t be the issue for any young executive, it’s the kind of clothes you pick that counts. I go for things that fit my body shape; I am not a label freak. I just buy what fits my physique.
What is the must-have fashion item in your closet? I love shoes and bags. I have a large collection of shoes and bags.
What makes you happy? I am happy when people call to tell me how much the show has helped them. I like to help the downtrodden from the little resources I have.
How do you spend your ‘me time’? I love to listen to music. I like watching films. I also like to go shopping.
What’s your turn off? I don’t like deceitful people. I don’t like when people lie. It’s bad when people come across as honest but have ulterior motives. I don’t like people who flaunt their wealth in the face of others.
Are there people you look up to? Oprah Winfery has been my role model since I started out. I admire CNN’s Richard Quest a lot. Then, I also have to mention my parents, because they never discouraged me as I child. Each time I took my writings to them they never ignored me; they always looked through my jottings.
Where do you want to be in 10 years time? I want to be a household name in broadcast journalism. I want people to look back to where I started and be able to say that I am an expert in business reporting. In 10 years, I want my story to inspire budding broadcasters. Of course, I also want to be a responsible mother and a good wife.
Aside talking about life outside the studio, she also opened up on what it takes for a young female producer to succeed in the male dominated world of business. Her story is inspiring, not just because of her achievements at a young age, but the fact that this Delta-born broadcast journalist has remained grounded despite spending most of her days in the limelight.
Did you always want to be on TV? Not exactly, I was a science student, though I had always been arts inclined. While in school I did a lot of scriptwriting, but I didn’t sit to think that I would be a broadcaster some day. Rather, I would say TV found me.
How did it find you? Like I said, I was into scriptwriting in my secondary school days. I had an encounter with Joke Sylva during a school play in which my script was used and she told me I was a round peg in a square hole. It was the first time I heard that expression. She made the comment after she asked me what class I was and I told her I was in science class. She was right to a large extent. By the time I met her, I had won different awards for Best Director and Best Script Writer in competitions involving secondary schools in Lagos State. Though Ms. Sylva stated the obvious, I still went ahead to study Parasitology. But even while in higher institution studying science course, I got a gig with the Delta State Television in my first year. From then till date, I have never left broadcasting. But I never sat to tell myself that I would be a broadcaster, neither did I dream of a career on TV as a kid.
What was your parents’ reaction when you started as an undergraduate? My dad wasn’t surprised when I started appearing on TV as a student. He was glad I had accepted the fact that my talent was in the arts, because despite displaying artistic traits, I insisted that I want to be a medical doctor. My parents supported me one hundred per cent and they called me from time to pray for me after watching my programme.
What kept you going till now? It’s the appetite for knowledge and love for disseminating the right information. Media people are well informed, but majority of our people need credible information to make the right decisions. Financial literacy and economic education is really low in Nigeria. This is why, till today, I still have the drive I had from the day we decided to start The Money Show.
On The Money Show we basically try to better society by informing viewers about business and investment. When you relate with people you will see they need all the information they can get. People ask questions about how they can invest; the different levels of investment and other issues that would result in success.
Does your having a science background make you one of those who argue that broadcasters are born not made? It’s my opinion that you must have the flair to be a good broadcaster. Careers in entertainment, media and the arts generally are for those with innate abilities. But anyone seeking a career in the media must also be articulate, he or she must be confident enough to communicate to a large audience. Of course, you cannot rule out the need for training and re-training because the media is a dynamic industry.
Women often handle the softer beats in the media. Do you enjoy presenting a show on business and finance? Presenting a business programme is not a child’s play. But if you are passionate about what you do, you will headline just about any programme. I must confess that presenting The Money Show is the toughest thing I have done in my career. As the producer and the presenter of the show, which is broadcast five times a week, I need to be on top of the situation.
I have to look through the content for broadcast on the show, I have to know who our guests are and I also have to be abreast of the politics of government, because the economy isn’t immune to politics. Neither is it immune to other issues like peace and stability. When there is a problem, people cannot go out to transact business. They aren’t willing to risk their lives, so presenting a business programme goes beyond just talking numbers, we have to look at other factors that can boost or slow down business. In a nutshell, it takes a committed individual to present a programme like The Money Show. It goes beyond the gender of the presenter.
Have you had defining moments on the show? Right from our first day of broadcast we’ve had defining moments. I won’t forget that day, because we had to surmount a number of technical hitches, but we never looked back since then. Secondly, there are guests that stand out for me. One of them is the highly respected Oxford University Economist, Professor Paul Collier. He is the author of the book, Bottom Billion. I also felt elated when the BBC called from London to get my views on an issue.
They told me they got in touch because they believed they would get an unbiased, honest view on the matter. Each time I speak with the individuals managing our economy, like the Central Bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, I feel inspired, because we sometimes argue about policies or their implementation. Sometimes, they take out time to explain why they took certain decisions. Then I also feel fulfilled when viewers call after a show to give their opinions. For me, a defining moment doesn’t have to be a major event, it’s the significant things that happen each time the programme comes on air.
Your programme comes up five times a week? Have there been days you wished you didn’t have to come on air? I’ve had moments I wake up and want to go back to sleep, but I tell myself it’s my responsibility to present the programme. Even when I don’t feel well, I have to put up a good show. It’s when the lights go off that I start thinking of how to get treatment or how to deal with whatever is bothering me. For me, I would be failing in my responsibility if viewers tune in by 11 a.m. and I am not there to present the show.
Who would you say is the most interesting business personality you’ve met? I have met quite a number of business leaders, but one person that stood out is the chairman of Visafone, Jim Ovia. Then, there is the former Group Managing Director of the United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu. I wouldn’t like to give a list because I don’t want to leave out some names.
Many watch you on TV and they often wonder if you do anything else but talk business? I cannot deny that presenting and producing The Money Show is an integral part of my life. But I am not always this serious TV presenter talking about the economy and investment. I also like to hang out with friends. I love to attend shows, on Fridays I go out with friends. I dance to relieve stress if I have to. But on Monday morning I am back on my desk ready to do my job.
You didn’t say anything about spending quality time with that special person. Why? I humbly ask that we don’t talk about that aspect of my life. Yes, I am a public figure by virtue of the work I do, but I like to keep certain things private.
Do you agree that men are intimidated by girls like you or have you been choosy? Sure, there are men who are intimidated by ladies who can stand on their own, but I don’t think that should be the case. I think men should be proud to have a lady with a good career. I don’t know about being choosy though.
What’s your opinion about Nigerians, some say they have roving eyes? I wouldn’t put it that way. Let’s just say that like the Tom Cruise movie, there are a few good Nigerian men. Personally, I am more concerned about Nigerian men encouraging their partners to excel in their chosen fields. I am more interested in talking about how men can allow their partners follow their dreams. I also feel there should be a caveat with regards to women remaining the home-keeper. Though we need more female entrepreneurs, female technocrats and female CEOs for Nigeria to fast track its economic growth, it shouldn’t be at the detriment of the family.
How do you cope with advances from top business executives? As a lady in the male dominated world of business, all I do is stick to the values I hold dear. Some people think that once a woman is on TV, she cannot withstand the pressures that come from male admirers. But this isn’t true. No one is a saint. I am not, but I am disciplined enough not to mix business with pleasure. Even when some men want to be naughty, I make sure by the time I leave they know that I was in their office strictly to do business. This is not to say I am not friendly or that I frown while discussing business with clients, I just ensure that business transactions are carried out in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Who is your ideal man? I know it’s a cliché, but my ideal man must be God-fearing. He must be intelligent, because I want to learn from my partner. A man that is caring is of importance to me, because some men don’t even look at the face of their partner to see if she is alright. It is important that a couple care about each other genuinely.
You host The Money Show; surely you would like a man with plenty of money? (Laughter) Hosting The Money Show doesn’t make me any different from the girl next door. And the girl next door will tell you that a rich man is an added advantage. A man’s financial status is not the first a woman looks out for, but it helps if a man works and earns an income.
You host a daily show where you have a new look each day. It must cost you a lot to look good every time you come on set. Well, I am particular about what I wear on set. I present a programme on business so I ensure that I dress like the 21st century business executive. I can’t say how much I spend on my wardrobe and the money spent shouldn’t be the issue for any young executive, it’s the kind of clothes you pick that counts. I go for things that fit my body shape; I am not a label freak. I just buy what fits my physique.
What is the must-have fashion item in your closet? I love shoes and bags. I have a large collection of shoes and bags.
What makes you happy? I am happy when people call to tell me how much the show has helped them. I like to help the downtrodden from the little resources I have.
How do you spend your ‘me time’? I love to listen to music. I like watching films. I also like to go shopping.
What’s your turn off? I don’t like deceitful people. I don’t like when people lie. It’s bad when people come across as honest but have ulterior motives. I don’t like people who flaunt their wealth in the face of others.
Are there people you look up to? Oprah Winfery has been my role model since I started out. I admire CNN’s Richard Quest a lot. Then, I also have to mention my parents, because they never discouraged me as I child. Each time I took my writings to them they never ignored me; they always looked through my jottings.
Where do you want to be in 10 years time? I want to be a household name in broadcast journalism. I want people to look back to where I started and be able to say that I am an expert in business reporting. In 10 years, I want my story to inspire budding broadcasters. Of course, I also want to be a responsible mother and a good wife.
I just saw a re run of your show on AIT with one man called Emeghara or something close. He does not know anything about Economics, Economic policy or analysis. He is just a loud mouth that crams from Economics texts in the library. He is also lobbying for a job in governmenty.I hope he is ignored. He actually pissed off Okupe on Channels a few days ago. No one will listen to his advise because he just rambles on an on in a disgusting accent. Please Nancy,chose your guests well. This guy is a disgrace.
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