‘Prioritising personal growth is essential to pursue success and fulfillment’

Seyitan Atigarin is a television presenter, broadcast journalist, event host and the creative director of Abebibytan. She holds a degree in Mass Communication from Covenant University and a Master’s degree in International Broadcast Journalism from Birmingham City University. Her career spans working in various TV, radio and online platforms including Channels, Ebonylife, Red TV, Inspiration FM and Arise News. Atigarin is an anchor on The Morning Show and Newsday on Arise News Network. In this interview with IJEOMA THOMAS-ODIA, she speaks about her broadcasting career while propelling women to be determined and have boundless enthusiasm to conquer new heights and push boundaries.

Take us through your career path?
I would liken my career path to a thrilling roller coaster ride through the dynamic world of media. Picture this: a young Seyitan, barely out of her teens (16 years old at the time), armed with only a microphone, her voice, and a fierce determination to conquer the airwaves, diving headfirst into the realm of radio broadcasting. My earliest experience was on the Morning radio show with Dan Foster, a force of nature and a well-respected broadcaster at the time. I did that job for the summer, and I instantly knew this was where I was meant to be, but I needed to finish school first.

After earning a Master’s degree in International Broadcast Journalism at Birmingham City University Communication, I briefly worked as the news intake manager at ARISE TV London. In 2014, I moved back to Nigeria, where my first job was as the production manager for Playcenter Nigeria on projects such as Dance with Peter, Celebrity Basketball Faceoff, and Mavin Access Concert. I eventually became a regular contributor on Ebony Life TV’s Men’s Corner. I also worked at UBA’s Red TV, hosting ‘The Sauce – an entertainment and lifestyle show – and the platform’s red-carpet show ‘Red on Red.’ In 2017, I combined my life in media with my passion for travel by collaborating with three other media personalities and RED TV to create Here & Now: The Adventures of Tasa, an online series documenting four young women experiencing the diverse cultures of Africa through travel. By the end of the same year, I took a hiatus from presenting to focus on my kimono line ‘Abebibytan’. By the time I resurfaced in 2019, I was back at Arise News, where I became the Lead Reporter on #ENDSARS, a call to end police brutality in Nigeria. My background in the entertainment industry has also seen me covering the Oscars and Grammys Live in Los Angeles and the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey. I am a new anchor on The Morning Show and Newsday on Arise News Network.

How have you been able to combine your passion for broadcasting, hosting and fashion?
Honestly, it has not been easy, and I am still trying to figure it out. Broadcasting and hosting go hand in hand in many ways; where in one, you are in a studio presenting to an audience, and in the other, you are directly in front of that audience disseminating information. When you think of it, though, in doing both, there is a visual expectation that has its roots in fashion and how you look. I have been lucky to have spent significant time with fashion industry giants while hosting Arise Fashion Week; seeing everything behind the scenes prepared me to an extent. As the creative director of Abebi, bringing my creative vision to life has been arduous, but seeing results makes everything worth it.

How have you evolved over the years?
I am still evolving; there are things I am doing now that I never thought I was capable of; perhaps more accurately, I would compare my evolution to a chameleon gracefully adapting to its surroundings. From starting as a radio intern to becoming a TV presenter, journalist, event compere and now the creative director of Abebi – my repertoire has expanded to include not just live reporting, interviews, audience engagement and documentary production but also Leading my Design Teams, Trend Forecasting and Research, product development and overall playing a pivotal role in shaping the creative direction, visual identity, and success of ABEBI by continually driving innovation, differentiation and brand loyalty in a competitive industry landscape. Each experience, whether covering red-carpet events or leading groundbreaking investigative reports, has sculpted her into the multifaceted powerhouse I am today.

You are launching an indigenous fashion brand, how are you living your dream through it?
Launching a Ready to Wear collection for ABEBI is like watching a dream materialise right before my eyes, complete with a soundtrack of triumphant fanfare and confetti cannons. This move is a chance for me to sprinkle a dash of my signature style onto the fashion landscape, each stitch and seam, breathing life into my vision. Every moment post-launch is me living out my fashionista fantasies like a scene from the Coldplay song, Life in Technicolor. Through this venture, I have expressed my creativity and passion for fashion, embodying my personal style and cultural heritage. By infusing elements of Nigerian culture into our designs, I have not only fulfilled my entrepreneurial aspirations but also contributed in my way to promoting indigenous craftsmanship and identity.

Share with us your growing up and how it influenced your passion for what you do today?
My upbringing reads like a script straight out of a heartwarming coming-of-age movie set against the backdrop of bustling Lagos. From a young age, my mother encouraged me to do what I loved while instilling the virtue of hard work, regardless of the circumstances. I was raised amidst a tapestry of diverse cultures and traditions, spending time with her in Lagos and my father in the United States. I developed a keen sense of curiosity about arts and culture and everything in between, as well as a deep appreciation for storytelling from an early age, which has directly affected my love for the media and fashion industry.

What do you consider a high point in your career?
A high point in my career includes covering prominent events like the Oscars. Picture this: standing amidst the glitz and glamour of the Academy Awards, microphone in hand, ready to deliver a show-stopping report to audiences around the globe. It’s a moment that encapsulates years of hard work, dedication and sheer determination, proving that dreams do come true. It’s the same feeling I had covering the Grammys in Los Angeles and the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Westminster Abbey. Additionally, my role as the Lead Reporter on #ENDSARS, advocating for an end to police brutality in Nigeria, reinforced my commitment to impactful journalism and social justice.

What are some of the challenges you have encountered in your journey and how you have scaled through?
I have encountered various challenges in my journey, including navigating the competitive media landscape and balancing the demands of my career with personal aspirations to confront societal norms and expectations; I have encountered my fair share of obstacles. Still, like I have seen my mother do countless times, I have faced them head-on; like a seasoned warrior battling formidable foes in an epic quest for glory, through resilience, perseverance and continuous learning, I overcome these challenges. A recurring trait that has helped me is my ability to adapt to changing circumstances and leverage my skill set and network, enabling me to scale through the obstacles effectively.

What drives you for success?
It’s like asking what fuels a rocket ship hurtling towards the stars or what keeps a marathon runner pounding the pavement mile after mile. It’s a potent concoction of passion, determination and a sprinkle of the Holy Spirit, propelling me towards my goals with unstoppable momentum. My drive for success stems from my love for storytelling, advocacy and creative expression. I am motivated by the opportunity to make a difference through my work, whether it’s amplifying important narratives, empowering women or promoting cultural pride. My dedication to excellence and continuous improvement propels me towards achieving my goals and positively impacting my field.

What is your take on women living their dreams and being a better version of themselves?
I believe in the power of women to live their dreams and become better versions of themselves. I greatly advocate for women’s empowerment and encourage them to pursue their passions fearlessly, break barriers and defy societal expectations. Women can overcome obstacles and unlock their full potential by embracing authenticity, resilience, and self-belief. I want to live in a world where women can seize every opportunity, shatter glass ceilings, and embrace their inner boss babes with unapologetic gusto. After all, who runs the world? Girls, obviously.

How can more women live above societal stereotypes? What advice do you have?
My advice is to be yourself unapologetically and unabashedly. It’s about flipping the script, rewriting the narrative and proving that women are more than just stereotypes—they’re forces to be reckoned with, capable of achieving anything they set their minds to. Women must embrace their uniqueness, cultivate self-confidence and challenge limiting beliefs to live above societal stereotypes. By setting ambitious goals, seeking mentorship and supporting one another, women can dismantle stereotypes and create opportunities for themselves and others. Prioritising personal growth, resilience, and authenticity is essential to pursue success and fulfillment.

What is your life mantra?
“Live boldly, love fiercely, and laugh often – never a failure, always a lesson.” It’s a reminder to embrace life with open arms, approach challenges with courage, and sprinkle a little humour into every situation. After all, laughter is the best medicine.

It’s simple: Break the mold, rewrite the rules, and blaze a trail of innovation and excellence. It’s time for Nigerian women to step into the spotlight, seize their moment, and show the world their capabilities. I hope to see Nigerian women embrace their potential fully and pursue their aspirations with confidence and determination. I encourage women to challenge societal norms, pursue education and career opportunities, and contribute actively to nation-building and community development. Nigerian women can drive positive change and inspire future generations by fostering a culture of empowerment, inclusivity, and collaboration.