Agatha: the tale of the modern Robin Hood
“Your life is like a newspaper in a newspaper stand. Everybody reads it”. With this motto, Agatha Akhabue (29) lives her life at the fullest. Born in Ekpoma, Esan West Local government Area of Edo State Nigeria, she’s now discovering the world, trying to make it a better place.
In front of me sits a determined young lady with a big smile on her face. The way she’s telling her story, the way she strengthens her words with hand gestures, you can tell she’s an open book. “I don’t have anything to hide. People may know who I am. In fact, I really hate dishonest people. Why should you try to hide the real you, instead of being proud of yourself.”
Agatha has a degree in theatre and media arts. She worked as a Radio and TV – presenter in Nigeria for four years. “My background in theatre and media arts prepared me for the challenges in the outside world”, Agatha says while she takes a sip of her coffee. “From my studies I’ve learnt to multitask and yet, bring out the best in me under intense pressure. My desire to get closer to events and learn about the technicality that goes into all visual productions, has made me pursue a career in media.”
Although Agatha has learnt a lot from her studies, she was not fully satisfied. That was why she decided to join the ‘Europein the World’ – programme. “My goal is to explore the media as to how it can be effectively used to facilitate peace movement and conflict resolution. These challenges are inherent in today’s society”, tells Agatha. “The role of the media is ever important to the resolution of conflict or peace process. And I would like to be part of that process.”
Although Agatha does not wear a green cap or carry an arrow, she reminds me a bit of Robin Hood. Helping people, trying to give them a better, peaceful life. Her willpower and struggle to build a better world is contagious. Maybe I’ll ask her later if I can join her ‘Merry Men’.