INTERVIEW: HARDWORK TRUMPS CUTTING CORNERS – WOFAI SAMUEL, TV PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Nigerian Television’s golden girl, Wofai Samuel sure has a ton of reasons to host a thanksgiving ceremony this year, after winning several local awards and getting international recognition from the international community for her achievements in the Media-Television industry and contributions towards women empowerment, it does not stop there, She was a winner at the recently held Rising Stars Media London-UK Life Changers Awards 2015. The last child and only daughter in a family of 5 kids and a graduate of the University of Calabar, the pretty Television idol with a career spanning almost a decade is a viewers’ favorite. In this interview Wofai Samuel reveals what makes her tick
How did your journey into television begin?
it kicked off after years of modeling and pageantry, I was handpicked to handle a youth focus magazine show on live TV in Calabar, I then moved on to being tasked with anchoring the live tourism focus broadcast, a weekly show on CRTV. Later I proceeded to handling live commentary and interview broadcasts on high profile political events across the state which helped in creating a link between the government and the governed. As the saying goes, the reward for good work is more work. I was chosen to work as an executive assistant to the media consultant to the Cross River state government. The journey went further as I went further by conceptualizing the Red Carpet Show with Wofai, which was aired on NTA 2 and 5 other channels in the South South region. With an overwhelming positive response, I relocated to Lagos, the hub of entertainment and pitched a job with Nigezie as lead anchor. Within a short time I was promoted to brand executive and conceptualized their first ever 2 hour lunch time magazine show tagged Crunch which aired weekly on AIT. I’m currently working with MITV.
How do you cope in a field dominated by male?
I don’t see anybody as competition instead I tap into their strengths and compliment their weaknesses, that’s the kind of person I am. I was brought up to be a strong independent woman and that’s what I am
Have you ever been harassed or intimidated?
During my kick off years sometimes I was intimidated by the big leagues, that’s necessary but I transformed the intimidation into ambition. With all the intimidation I was never harassed
How does it feel being an Inspiration to women?
The feeling is overwhelming especially now that I have come to terms with the international recognition I am receiving from the international community this year. I have vowed to continue trying my best to be a pride to African women
Advice to juniors in the field
God first, be all of you and give in your best at all times, hard work trumps cutting corners
Brief summary of your accomplishments this year
I never imagined this much accomplishments in one year, more than 6 different mentions from different international platforms like the All African Business Leaders Awards, Oil and Gas Council West Africa Forum, TREK Awards. Recognition alongside 5 Nigerian State Governors at the Vanguard Personality Awards, also recently presented an award by the former Deputy Governor of Lagos for contributions towards promoting peace and unity in Nigeria.
Marital status
I am still single
What would you rate your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is yet to come but I am pleasantly expectant
What makes you tick?
Nothing makes me happier than seeing a genuine smile from an individual courtesy of Wofai Sam and it dampens my spirit when people become hostile or rude. I think the world should be a happy place
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
It happened at an Airport a stranger just walked up to me and knelt in front of me at an airport asking me to please marry him. I initially thought it was a prank but when I found out he was serious I pleaded with him, it was embarrassing and hilarious.
How do you envision the Wofai Sam brand?
I see the Wofai Sam brand way above my positive imagination in 2 years
What is your opinion of the Nigerian entertainment industry?
We are a merger of different facets and we have come a long way over the years, though we aren’t close to our El Dorado yet. It is impressive that we are able to stand on the same platform competing favorably with and complimenting our international counterparts.