Media personality Riyah Abdul has opened up about the struggles that pushed her to leave Ghana for Nigeria in pursuit of a better career in broadcasting.
Speaking during an interview with Chude, Abdul revealed that her difficult upbringing and limited opportunities in Ghana played a major role in her decision to relocate.
“I grew up in deep poverty, I knew if I remained in Ghana, I would die a poor person and I didn’t want that,” she said.
Before moving to Nigeria, Abdul worked at one of Ghana’s major television stations, Metro TV, where she hosted a two-hour show. Despite the opportunity, she said the role did not give her the recognition or financial stability she desired.
According to her, the salary she earned at the time was extremely small, making it difficult for her to survive comfortably.
Abdul explained that she always believed she had more to offer than the opportunities available to her then. This belief pushed her to consider Nigeria, which she described as the centre of entertainment in Africa.
“Nigeria is like the New York of Africa. If you make it in Nigeria, you can make it anywhere,” she said.
Determined to pursue her dreams, Abdul sold some of her belongings, including a car given to her by her mother, and relocated to Nigeria despite having very few contacts in the country.
She admitted the move was frightening but said her ambition outweighed her fears.
Upon arriving in Nigeria, Abdul said she struggled initially, even sleeping on the floor at times because she had nowhere to stay.
Her breakthrough eventually came when media personality Aiko Seedua recommended her for a role at New Central TV, which became her first major job in the country.
Looking back at her journey, Abdul said her experiences shaped her determination to succeed and become financially independent.
She added that leaving Ghana was one of the most difficult but necessary decisions she ever made in pursuit of her dreams.