Ijeoma Abiakam name might not ring a bell to some but to many she is indeed a rising young African star to watch out for. She is focused, resilient and a true definition of an African woman. She is the CEO Of Footstool productions, a media outfit situated in Abuja which is about 5yrs old and has created and produced both TV shows and beauty pageant shows such as Thumbs up Africa Munachi and Miss island beauty pageant show (a.k.a taking the girls off the street). Though they are other productions she is involved in but these two are the most obvious works.
Recently, we caught up with her and in an interview with Emmanuel Aniagoh, Chief Editor at Africafuturestars. Munachi, as she is fondly called bare it all, taking us to her world of many surprises. Her story will surely dazzle you
Below are excerpt from the interview;
Who is Munachi?
My names are Vera Ijeoma Abiakam. Yes I christened myself Munachi when it became obvious to me that God has a special duty for me. I am the fourth child of my parents blessed with 5 lovely siblings.
I was born in Delta State of Nigeria, the very year all my mates were born. I attended the prestigious Holy family Nursery School Ikom in Cross rivers State of Nigeria. My Father's job kept taking us around the Country, so I had my primary education at the Santa Maria primary School Aba(a.k.a constitution crescent primary school Aba).
After my Primary education we were forced to leave Aba because armed robbers had turned G.R.A Aba into a horror zone. In fact it was so bad that every family always kept enough money in the house in case the ‘dangerous friends’ showed up. They did show up so we left the next morning to Enugu. The first term had long started when I was asked to go for the usual interview for Jss1, on arrival I was told that the interview was over but my Dad insisted on seeing the principal of the school and I was opportune to have a VIP's interview in Mrs Emehelu's office(laughing), who was the Principal of Queen’s School Enugu. I attended both Queen's school Enugu and Federal Government Girls' College Owerri respectively.
My school mother was shocked to realize that I couldn't even wash my stockings, I was a domestic nuisance but I was active in Sports and social activities plus I had a knack for taking care of students in the sick bay. I am glad and proud to have experienced these schools, they exposed me positively and moulded me. I am a graduate of Theatre arts ,Nnamdi Azikiwe university Awka.
Are you a religious person?
You may not believe it but I gave my life to Jesus Christ in Jss 2 after I was invited for students fellowship, I still remember vividly. I started preaching from class to class and conducting fellowships and the result was awesome. And so yeah, am closer to my maker.
How did your journey into the entertainment industry start?
I started my entertainment journey so many years ago,my first gospel tracks were programmed by Wizboy and Oke Oku(Sele bobo's elder brother)at the Golden gate Studio at Enugu I performed in Schools and Churches I started the first Theatre troupe in my department with the help of Professor Tracy utoh Obiajulu and the Fatherly approval of our wonderful H.O.D Dr Dan Nwedo Uwandu .
What are the highlights of your career as an entertainer
Well, these highlights which turned out to be my happiest moments are many but I will talk about just few. The first was when I performed at star trek in Yola Adamawa State alongside D'banj,Dr Sid,Muma Gee,Ruggedman, Da'diva and other artiste. Surprisingly, I was a corps member, but people took note of my talent.
Another was when I was introduced to Kennis Music by Uncle Gbenga Adeyinka(shine shine bobo). I insisted I was a gospel Artiste so that meeting was put on hold. Kennis saint brown remains the only gospel act they have. However, D1 remains one of my best friends on earth. I would also remember my happiest moment to be when I was called upon by the Abti American University to perform for the then Vice President of the country, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar . It was a grand opening of Abti American University club.
The last but not the least was when I was recommended by the national troupe of Nigeria to sing the National Anthem for the Ford foundation Company who were promoting one of their numerous programmes at the Eko hotels and suites.
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| Munachi and her team after her performance |
You are also active on TV shows, what was the motivation behind that?
I delved into TV by chance…(laughed). The ITV's executive director Mr Isiaku Aliyu back then watched an interview where I was promoting one of my tracks and decided that TV was my calling. Together we created an entertainment TV show titled Kalangu the talking drum. This show featured great Artiste like Denrele Edu,P.square,Jude Okoye, Suam Pam Kevin(big brother Africa ,Samsong , Hon Hilda Dokubo Nrakpo and the list goes on.
At some point I worked with the National troupe of Nigeria, resigned and worked as a Cabin Crew in Arik, resigned and started my very own media out fit Footstool productions . footstool has produced shows such as why I love Nigeria, Thumbs up Africa, and a beauty pageant show tagged Miss Island.
We all have challenges in our various careers, how has yours affected you and career?
I have made so many business decisions that didn't end well but I find myself moving on. Also a menstrual disorder, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder(PMDD), which is not only peculiar to me, has been a concern but thanks to good medical care, the disorder is well managed. Medically speaking only 3-8% of women suffer from this but many people in Africa are aware of it and it is a cause for concern.
You are all about Africa, you are passionate about the youth and you showcase to the world what Africans are capable of. What is the reason behind this?
I enjoy celebrating the efforts of Africans, especially the youths because I have toiled for long too and I pray that the celebration never ends. Africa has come of age, at this time we must promote our culture and heritage. So many young Africans with great skills and talents abound, it is high time we harness such skills and showcase them. That is what I am all about. I had a show called Do la la nite it was in partnership with the Nicon Hotel in VGC. I always create something for the youths.
Any special people in your life, who you had contributed positively to what you have become today?
Yeah, first and foremost, my family, they are the most important thing in my life. I have Professor Julius Okojie he is the reason Footstool productions is a reality. I will never forget General Dr Ovadje, for praying earnestly for me as if I were his daughter.
I appreciate Mr Isiaku Aliyu for introducing me to Tv production. I want to say a big thank you to the following important people; Father Celestine Eze, Dr Dan Nwedo Uwandu, Prof Tracy Utoh Obiajulu, Prof Emma Ebo, Prof Obadiegwu, Prof Asigbo, Father Professor Bonachristus Umeogu , Mr Imoni Amarere and Chief Philip Udi
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