Posted by By YETUNDE OLADEINDE on
Woman of the Sun Index Debbie Akwara, presenter of popular radio and television dating programmes, may not have read marriage counselling.
Debbie Akwara, presenter of popular radio and television dating programmes, may not have read marriage counselling. But she has, in her little way, solidified love in relationships. She has brought lovebirds together. She could pass for a matchmaker.
Yes, Akwara's Luventure is a celebration of love. It is a testimony of those things that keep love going in a relationship. And she says her experience in the programme has taught her that the reasons why couples stick together are varied and widespread.
"Sometimes you are shocked when you hear the reason why some couples decide to stay together forever. It is as varied as the faces of the people you see everyday even though there are certain qualities everyone looks out for. It also depends on who you are and what you want out of life," she says.
Ideal man
And what does Akwara want in a man? "I like being cuddled by tall guys," she says. But must her lover be a tall man? Although she said "it would really be difficult to find a short man attractive," she added: "It depends on the body chemistry. There must be the attraction. The person must have God, prospect and love me."
Link with television
Before Luventure, Akwara had been involved in television. Indeed, she was a co-presenter of Vineyard and The Word and You. "When in school, I was also co-presenting campus life and that was another interesting aspect of my life."
Life in the university
I appeared very free, but I was very principled and I did not allow guys to mess around with me. In school, I made sure I did not date any one on campus. I did not want to be part of any scandal or negative news item. Then I had only two friends. One of them is called Essence. She sings very well too. I laughed and played with everyone. But I was careful about mixing with just anybody.
Upbringing
My parents didn't give me the opportunity to do certain things; or wear anything I liked. I wore T-shirts and denim all the time. On Sunday when I went to church, I wore very long traditional attires which covered me up.
National youth service
I had a focus (during my youth service days) and knew where I was going. Then I worked with the police headquarters as a PRO. I did not join the police because I was not cut out for that line. Rather I took interest in a pet project called crimewatch on the state (Kebbi) television. My boss then was Fola Odukoya, personal assistant to the Commissioner of Police. I did some research work for the project. However, the project could not take off because we lacked sponsorship. But I am happy that it is something that can still be taken up by anyone who is ready.
Movie industry
I read Theatre Arts and I can say that acting in Nigeria is very colourful. I don't want to restrict myself to doing just one thing.
Someone I have so much respect for is RMD. Then there is Genevieve, who is new. But I admire her because she's really natural.
Love life
It is too personal. I think I should not talk about it. He (future husband) is around the corner.
First date
It was awesome. He came to my house and we had a long walk from a fast food joint. I love ice cream a lot and I didn't realise that we had walked that far. I felt as if I was in heaven. Then, I was just about 19 years old.