My dad would’ve excelled as an administrator – Sadiya Ibrahim Biu

Hajiya Sadiya Ibrahim Biu is the first daughter of Ibrahim Biu (Dan Madamin Biu), the Executive Chairman and Managing Director of Progress Radio FM, a private radio station based in Gombe State. Ibrahim Biu worked at different times with the Hausa service

Daily Trust: How would you describe your father? He is simple, humble, caring, hardworking and the most energetic person I have ever known. DT: What was your relationship with him like while growing up?

Being the first child, I was, and is still very close to him. He is my mentor. We were always together and I have learned a lot from him through advice and the mentoring which have brought me to where I am.

DT: What childhood memory easily comes to mind?

There are lots of fun memories with him. In fact, when you are with my father there is never a dull moment. The most indelible memory with him is when we travelled from Germany to Morocco by road.

Also, when we lived in America, I was a kid and used to follow him to his place of work at the Voice of America (VOA). It was really fun and I cherish those moments.

DT: At what point did know you that your father is a well-known Nigerian?

I think at the age of 10, when we moved back to Nigeria from the USA. Wherever I mention that my name is Sadiya Ibrahim Biu, people would pay special attention to me and most of the time I would be given special treatment.

DT: Does that mean his name opens doors for you?

Lots of doors: mostly with people who worked with him. In the course of his job, he really helped many people, and whenever I meet such people, they always insist on assisting me. They will say it is the least they can do for me because of what my father did for them.

DT: What misconception about him would you want to correct?

That he is tough: especially by people who see him from afar. But when you get close to him, you will find out that he is really simple and humble.

DT: Being a journalist all his life, what other profession do you think he would have excelled ?

I think if he was not in journalism, he would have excelled as an administrator. He performed excellently when he served as Director of Voter Education at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

DT: Which of his qualities have you imbibed? I am still trying, but I want to imbibe his humility and determination.

DT: How much influence does he have in your life?

He has had a great influence in my life; right from my childhood. I am still under his tutelage. In fact, he is my boss at Progress Radio FM, Gombe. He is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) and I am the General Manager (GM).

DT: When you are with him these days, what do you discuss?

We discuss work-related issues and life generally. He also gives me fatherly advice.

I think if he was not in journalism, he would have excelled as an administrator. He performed excellently when he served as Director of Voter Education at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)