Share
Kelechi Nwagwughiagwu
1 year ago
Overview
Women should let go of Limiting Societal Expectations - Isabella Adediji
Isabella Adediji is the founder and Managing Director of Yellow Tamarind Productions. She holds a degree in Education with English and Drama from the University of Cambridge. As an event host, presenter and educationist she speaks on her journey towards building a niche in the industry while thriving as a woman.
With a career in media, she enjoyed reading books and magazines as a child, and wrote for the yearbook in school. “I was also intrigued by the small screen and always wondered how I could literally enter the box to be on TV. Fast forward to secondary school, I took part in some televised competitions and I just knew that it was for me. With radio, going on a field trip in school interested me while listening to some of my favourite presenters as a teen got me hooked.
“At sixth form and university, I continued to build on my passion for media by writing for publications, interviewing on camera and casting news on Cam 97.2 FM. During my gap year, I took part in the first ever Inspiration 92.3 FM Radio Superstars and made it to the top 4. It was also during this time that I did an editorial internship at Kachifo Limited. I anchored one of their book reading events and got spotted by media executives. I was invited to present my own book review segment on the popular breakfast show, Today on STV. It was called Bookaholic with ‘Bella and it ran from 2009 to 2010. Together with my colleague-turned-friend, Temitayo Olofinlua, we started the Bookaholic Blog which was a hit with our online audience.”
Adediji began her career in corporate communications at Nestlé Nigeria PLC where she was responsible for media relations and internal communications. Her passion for education led her to the classroom where she taught English Literature, Sociology and History. It was during this time that she created, presented and produced her first television show, ‘Africana Literati’. She is a regular guest host on the popular live youth talk show, Rubbin’ Minds on Channels Television.
Also known as The Intelligent MC, she over a decade anchored events. Highlighting every part of her journey, she said, “every single time an idea in my head becomes a reality is a high point for me and there are a few that stand out for me. As a student, getting published in one of my favourite magazines, True Love West Africa. I also became a newspaper columnist and regular contributor at NEXT newspaper. Becoming a red-carpet host in Nollywood, publishing Nolly Silver Screen and being invited to cover events locally and globally.
“Starting my own company, Yellow Tamarind Productions allowed me to conceptualise, present and produce my first television show, Africana Literati and radio show, ‘Correct Student’. As an event host, anchoring high profile and international events have been a career high. As an essayist, placing third in the Global Peter Drucker Challenge was very affirming. As a nation builder, being accepted into the prestigious Obama Leaders Africa programme and starting my political show, Politico Politica.”
On overcoming challenges, she noted that sometimes people project their fears to discourage you from following your heart. “So, this is where I remind myself of my God-given purpose. Being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and having that peace from God helps me to quiet the external noise. And when things are tough and it seems like everything is taking its sweet time, I go back to God and take comfort in His word and promises.
“It also helps that I have a support system I can draw on for strength and encouragement. And the more I listen to mentors and role models, I am reminded that things will always work out beautifully at the right time. So, I try to enjoy the difficult phases while paying attention to the inherent lessons.”
Using her voice as a leader to promote social causes, Adediji said, “I believe my voice is my power. So as a broadcast journalist, I don’t shy away from asking the hard questions and shining light on important issues. When researching, scripting, producing and presenting, it is not about imposing my personal views but being objective in laying down the facts. It is about being courageous enough to speak truth to power. I also find ways to donate of my time, expertise and resources to social causes dear to my heart. Everything can’t be self-serving and for profit, volunteering and giving back should be ingrained in our societal fabric.”
