‘I’ve Always Wanted To Inspire My Generation’

From a humble beginning in Makurdi, Benue State, media entrepreneur and event manager Love Idoko has become a well-known figure in the country. From Benue Music Festival to Motivational Summit for students, weddings and several government events, Miss. Idoko has caught the attention of many people across the country.

Though of Kogi origin, she has made Benue, where her late father was Chief Judge for 15 years, her home of sort. Just recently, Idoko who has penchant for motivating young people through her Motivation magazine, started a TV programme Activating Success, which debuted on AIT few weeks ago. In this interview with journalists, Idoko spoke on her new project and determination to inspire her generation.

What informed your decision to delve into TV production?
I’ve always wanted to inspire people from a very young age. Actually, we started a radio programme Activating Success three years ago, which enjoyed widespread acceptance. So, we decided to start it on TV. I always want to be an encouragement to people, which was why at the age of 17, I wrote my first book titled Celebrating Change. For me, this is an opportunity to create a platform that will help young people to actualise their dreams.
There are other similar programmes on air already, what’s unique about Activating Success?
The difference is that it is inspiring; it gives you that drive and push to do something positive with your life.

How did you manage to get some of the personalities featured on the show?
By God’s grace, I’ve been publishing Motivation magazine for Eight years now; we’ve been able to get contacts and build relationships with great people who have been on our cover. I’m talking about people like Dr. Mike Murdock, Dr Paul Enenche, Hon Desmond Elliot, Fela Durotoye, D.G NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii and a whole lot of people. I’m also an events planner, so, I get to host a lot of celebrities at our events, who have become family to me. That’s why it was easy to get them on our TV show.

Talking about Dr. Mike Murdock and Dr. Myles Munroe who is on the cover of your latest edition, what’s your attraction to men of God?
I believe we need God to succeed in life; I come from a strong Christian home. Though my dad was Chief Judge, he was a preacher of the gospel; my mum also has a Christian women ministry that has been on for 29 years. So, I grew up watching these men of God preach. It was only natural for me to get them on our platform to reach out to young people.

Who is funding the show?
Right now, we have no sponsors, but I believe if you keep doing what you are doing very well, people will identify with you and encourage you.

As daughter of a Chief Judge, are things easier for you?
I hardly mention my dad’s name; he was a very humble and God fearing man. I tell myself all the time, ‘Love, you need to work very hard so you will make your father proud.’ My father was a good man and touched so many lives positively. He was Chief Judge for 15 years; so, a lot of people knew him. His name definitely has opened some doors and I believe its all part of Gods master plan for my life.

You recently opened an event center in Makurdi?
I’ve always been passionate about events planning. In 2009, I did a certificate course in events planning at West End Collage London. We have planned weddings, campaign rallies, conferences etc. all over the country and we decided it was time to have our own events center; everything we have there is world class.

You went to study event planning in the U.K after that Microbiology, what informed the decision?
After my National Youth Service, I got a job with Federal Medical Centre, but I wasn’t fulfilled there; I was passionate about doing what I enjoyed. So, I resigned and opened our Events planning, publishing and media consultancy office.

How much did you spend setting up the place?
Well, we are still calculating how much we have spent; I’ll let you know when we get a total.

What do you aim to achieve with Activating Success?
Our aim is to help encourage people who are depressed and have given up on life. We believe that other people’s success story will inspire them to get up and do something positive with their lives. It hasn’t been easy, but I thank God I have a strong and committed team.

How was growing up like for you?
Growing up for me wasn’t adventurous; I was an introvert. I wasn’t a friendly child; I was very shy, quiet and always kept to myself. I was too serious; I became a bit friendly in the university when I started speaking in my fellowship. I don’t have too many friends but I love to help people a lot. I wish people well because I believe life is a seed; what you make happen for people God will make happen for you.

You lost your dad a long time ago, how did you cope?
When God called my dad home, I realised immediately I was connected directly to the source – God. Though I was heartbroken by his death, I was very positive that God would not leave us stranded. Today we look back and we are thankful to God because He has been faithful.

How close were you?
My father was my confidant, my best friend, my teacher and my role model. We were so close; I could tell him anything. I love him always and forever.

How has been living without him?
His death made me sit up, work harder and made me determined to be productive.

What motivates you?
God! He loves me more than I love myself. He believes in me when no one sees a future in what I’m doing. Knowing that I have God motivates me. My mum also motivates me; she has been through hell and high water but she never gives up. She is still very hardworking.

How did you manage to raise capital for your first business idea?
After I lost my dad, I started a small GSM business. The business grew gradually, and later I employed someone to take care of it. It was from the business that I raised some money to start up my venture.

Any plan to spread your tentacle beyond Benue?
Though our head office is in Benue, We have an office in Abuja and work all over the country. I’m glad that what we started in Benue is recognised all over the country and even outside Nigeria today.