In the ever-evolving world of media, Judeh Ikami Judeh stands as a pillar of excellence and reliability. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, he has become a household name as a result of his unique style of broadcasting.

A graduate of Theatre and Media Arts from the prestigious Ambrose Ali University, he has turned out to become not just a broadcaster but also an actor, script writer and a voice over legend.

In this interview, he speaks about his odyssey into the world of broadcasting, challenges, experiences and vision. He also speaks on how his organization, Ikamedia is training and recruiting talents for media organisations and other professional bodies to make sure that the standard in the workplace doesn’t fall. Excerpt:

Can we know a bit about your background?

Well, my name is Judeh Ikami Judeh. I am a broadcast journalist who have traversed the length and breadth of the country doing what I love to do best. I am a graduate of Ambrose Ali University, where I studied Theatre and Media Arts. While I was growing up, I didn’t see myself doing any other thing than broadcasting and acting. So, broadcasting is what I have always have passion for and I am happy that the dream has come true.

How did you prepare yourself to become a broadcaster?

As a young boy, I was in my church choir and I was also a member of my school drama club, therefore, right from time, I developed the habit of speaking and performing in front of people. I was also keenly listening to my father’s transistor radio back in the days. Then it was only Radio Nigeria. From there, Ray Power came on board. As I was listening, I was imagining myself being the one talking on radio. That was how the passion was built. So when I wanted to fill my JAMB form, I went through the courses in Ambrose Ali University. What would help me to achieve my lifetime ambition was Theatre and Media Arts. That was why I went for the course.

Which media houses have you worked in?

Well, there is an adage that you cannot stay at a particular spot while watching a masquerade, so my wealth of knowledge and experience cut across many media houses like African Independent Television (AIT), Orange 94.5 FM, Jordan 93.9FM, all based in Abuja and Rainbow 94.1FM and Voice of the People VOP 90.3 in Lagos to mention just a few. My specialty is news, politics and entertainment. My desire is always to provide the audiences with a comprehensive perspective that is both informative and thought provoking. I can say that I learned under the best in the industry, but I don’t really want to start mentioning names because I don’t want anyone to start blushing.

Apart from broadcasting, what else do you do?

I am a compere, what a lot of people call master of ceremonies. Even some people call me sweet emcee, because I have a unique way of presenting my programs both on radio and event centres that thrills people. I am always looking for new ways to keep audience engaged both on radio and off the radio. In business, we say innovate or go extinct. So, I am always embracing new technologies and methods to ensure that my content remain relevant to all generations.

I also have an organization known as Ikamedia, which train and recruit staffs for media houses and other professional companies. Ikamedia also produce professional jingles and do documentary and branding for local and multinationals. You know when we talk about unemployment, it is not really that companies don’t want to employ. The real problem is that good hands are scarce in the employment market. Because of that, I set up a company that trains and recruit talents for media houses and other professional bodies. We don’t just train and recruit workers, we give out intrapreneurs, the employees who act like entrepreneurs. Workers who are trained on ownership spirit and growth mindset, so they take initiatives, innovations and risks for their employers. We also offer consultancies for those who want to build radio stations and we also build for those who need it too.

What are challenges that you have encountered in the profession?

I want to say that I have worked under a lot of wonderful employers. People who know your worth and appreciate your efforts. But they are very few in the industry. If you are lucky to get such people, without anyone nudging you, you would bring out your best because you are feeling at home. However, there are others who don’t appreciate great talents. They are the Mr. Know-It-All of this world. Even if you try to kill yourself while working for them, they would never appreciate, let alone value your efforts. They would not pay good salary but would want you to put in the effort of Fortune 500 CEOS. No care, no welfare packages for their workers, yet they would want the best from them. It is such people that are spoiling the beautiful media industry.

What is your vision or where do you want to be in the industry?

I want to get to the top of the ladder and that means owing my own radio station. I have got the required know-how in the industry having started from the bottom to heading all the departments. So, I want one day to own my own radio station. I have spent more than 20 years in the industry and worked in different radio and television stations, therefore, what is paramount to me right now is to run a station of my own. But I would also not mind partnering with a like mind for a start. Like I said earlier, my organization Ikamedia trains and recruit talents for media houses. I already have a warehouse of quality manpower. What I need now is the license and equipment and before anybody knows it, we are up there.

What advice do you have for young broadcasters?

For budding broadcasters, my advice to them is first and foremost they should be prepared for hard work, long hours and a focus on genuine human connections. During their internships, they should be very obedient to those who would teach them. During internship, their ears and eyes have to be very open because any mistake at that point may be fatal in their future in the industry. They should learn how to stay calm under pressure because in the media, you always have to leave your personal problem at the door before you go into the studio. They should focus on building foundational skills through constant practice. They should also develop thick skin for feedback. As a green horn, the feedback from the listeners may not always be palatable so you don’t have to be picking fights whenever you are criticized by your listener. Building networks is also very important in the industry. So, you have to be outgoing.

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