Woman of the Sun


By Josfyn UbA and Bianca Iboma

Ndidi Chineze Osaka, a broadcaster of note, can actually be described as one of those individuals, who have had a fulfilling career, having put in 35 years at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). Her drive and passion for the job stood her out such that she is a household name in Nigeria. Although Ndidi, a grandmother is retired from the FRCN but certainly not tired of her first love.  She is still in the business of broadcasting but on a different level. She left the newsroom for the classroom with the same passion.    Ndidi is presently teaching at the National Broadcasting Academy, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
The former General Manager of Metro FM and a foremost female stand-up comedian frowned at the content in today’s broadcasting as well as the crop of broadcasters in the industry. She proffers some bits of advice on proper presentation on air.
Excerpts:

Can you give an insight into your journey in broadcasting?
It began when I was employed by  FRCN, as a Library Assistant. As a Library staff, I kept records of scripts used in the studio;  I mean record of programmes transmitted on air and l also compiled music and had the opportunity to anchor variety of programmes. I was moved to productions department after the Controller of Programmes, Ishola Folasho, who equally doubled as sport commentator listened to my programmes. I was the only female presenter among them. My appointment was then regularised. I became a producer and was involved in many productions. Some of them, Papa Carol, Join the Band Wagon were all sponsored.

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Leadership in the newsroom is stereotyped, as female slots for leadership is minimal. What is the cause?
You will be challenged as a woman  because of cultural limitations. You know that in broadcasting or print media, we have equal opportunity. There is no gender disparity. We are referred to as gentlemen of the press. In this profession there is no gender inequalities like some other professions, which do not give women the chance to get executive and managerial positions. In  FRCN, women are given opportunities. Women, like  Stella Bassey, rose to managerial positions. I think the challenge here is that, maybe, the women were not equal to the task. You will decide your place in a profession. I have not said there won’t be hurdles but as a woman, leading men, you must be ready for the challenge.
In FRCN, I started as a spinster  and worked in the following FRCN divisions MBC, Radio Nigeria (RN2) now Metro Fm and I rose to the position of a General Manager.  Every level I got to was based on merit. Women should always get up to challenge the male counterparts if they try to intimidate them, professionally. I would say, without sounding immodest, that part of what made me excel was that I never compromised with the ethics of this profession. Managerial  position is normal and natural; it comes without stress. Even if you are challenged, you should also maintain a high level of discipline.

What is your assessment of the Nigeria broadcast industry?
The profession is not an association of all comers . In the media, some, naturally have the talent while some are made but you should discover yourself. You can’t afford to be lazy or lousy. It is quite demanding so people should put their hearts to it. Again, colleagues quarrelling among themselves bleeds my heart. It is even debasing. We were one big family during my days and it hurts me now when I see or listen to people on air without being prepared and right there on air, they start scribbling on what to  say on air. There is an advancement in technology and with the emergence of computers and other electronic gadgets, broadcasting is made easier. Things have changed and that can’t be ruled out. During our days, we had lots of challenges. You couldn’t go on air with stuffs that are not seasoned. If you are not gifted, it will show. It is a natural thing. Never be in haste during presentations. Put your presentation in good style. Communication is not complete without feedback. Feedback makes communication circular. Most times, right in the programme, I got feedback.

What are the challenges of the new media?
The challenge of the new media is content.Today’s broadcasting revolves around music. This music is not vetted. Most of the music are obscenely aired and nobody  bothers  about checking the abnormalities. Stations don’t monitor their presenters. It is absurd when a presenter gets on air and begins to look for what to present. It is unethical, these abnormalities  must be checked.
In FRCN, as an on-air personality, you must be prepared before you go on air. We equally had supervisors stationed to guide them. You must follow the script but can create using your discretion, yet, under supervision. Content is very important, whatever is aired must be packaged. The new broadcasting station has neglected the rudiments. It is outrageous. How can a presenter tell his listeners that he will shoot. Phrases like this “I will shoot you” are not permitted. We call it NTTB ( Not To Broadcast). When I  listen to presenters who use abusive language,  I feel very bad. Listeners believe that whatever an on air personality says is final. Pathetic children listen to presenters in order to form their opinion on issues; please, don’t feed them with thrash.They (presenters) should be neutral and not form opinion for their discourse. That is misinformation. Also, the industry has been polluted with titles. They want to be addressed by their degree. Broadcasters don’t use titles. I want to appeal to  NBC to look  into it. Broadcast managers should ensure that presenters are prepared before they go on air. Furthermore, vet  before transmitting the content of product and presenters. Some people are ruining the industry.

What advice would you give upcoming broadcasters?
They should learn the rudiments of broadcasting. It takes time but you are sure of your content. “I Beg Una” Be sure of your fact if  in doubt, check and if not sure, leave out. Personalisation should be regulated by the body in charge. Be a skilfull broadcaster and he sky is your starting point.
Women have made wonderful contributions  to development in society, yet, have a lot to contend with. What is your view on this?
Actively, women are engaged in a lot of humanitarian campaigns. They are the most vulnerable but very strong. God gave us grace that when a woman is involved in any discourse, you will be amazed at the level of contribution she will make. Women have contributed immensely to development. Some of the hurdles our women face is the men, who feel women should be at the back and not at the forefront but I tell you that if a woman is determined to succeed, she does so, not minding the challenge. A successful woman is very focused. The woman knows how to strategise and achieve her goal. In work environment, she must be challenged.
The only issue that keeps women behind, most time  is when they shy away from responsibility and leadership position for fear of men’s criticism. I want to encourage every woman who desires to succeed not to look at the men in this issue. Women should not chicken out when pressure comes from men. They have strong will and whatever they start, they complete it. Stand your ground to accomplish and not to create trouble and become warlords.