By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye
Over the years, Helen Paul has carved a niche for herself as a notable comedian and entertainer in Nigeria. Now a professor based in the United States, Helen recently spoke with Saturday Sun in an interview, where she reflected on her transformative journey from Nigeria to the US as a professor and comedian. She discussed how her experiences abroad have deepened her appreciation for Nigerian culture while also broadening her perspectives on global values. While addressing the scepticism from some people in Nigeria regarding her new role, she emphasised resilience and the importance of embracing diverse cultures.
While reflecting on how she’s been balancing her academic responsibilities with family life, she shared insights into her creative process and future aspirations in both education and entertainment.
How has your experience in the US shaped your perspective on Nigerian culture and values?
While growing up as a kid, I have always believed that Nigeria has the best culture and values, and to be honest, that opinion has not changed. Nigeria boasts of the best cultural values in the world. Nigerian culture is quite unique and accommodating. Take the Yoruba culture as a case study -it exhibits humility, respect and tolerance, particularly for elders. No matter how successful a Yoruba son might be, he would still prostrate for his elders or bow for people believed to be older than him. The Benin culture is quite similar and unique; there’s utmost respect for elders and cultural institutions. It’s in our DNA as Nigerians. But my experience in the US has further convinced me not to judge other people, even though their cultural beliefs and ways of doing things are different from yours. Just be flexible, identify and embrace what works for you and you will be at peace.
What prompted your decision to step back from skit-making, and do you see yourself returning to it in the future?
I’m a spontaneous personality who can’t be limited to a box when it comes to creativity, flexibility and entertainment. I do things pre-planned as much as time and space permit me, and as my spirit directs. To start with, I don’t think there was ever a time that I set out to be a skit maker. It would also not be fair to refer to me as a skit maker. Those contents you refer to as skits are just reflections of my spontaneous expressions. I do what I love to call comedy of manners; addressing societal issues satirically. Making you laugh and at the same time passing a strong/serious message. Having said that, I chose different ways to pass my messages -it could be through stage (play), film, stand-up comedy, books or social media.
Can you discuss the skits you created when you first moved to the U.S. that exposed what Nigerians do abroad to secure permanent residency? What reactions did you receive?
I did a lot of comic content that Nigerians, home and abroad, can directly relate with, and the reactions have been quite enormous. Most of my contents address our everyday activities and issues, so we all can relate with them. The reactions are encouraging.
How do you handle the criticism and negative comments you receive online regarding your content?
Criticism is part of our everyday life. That a work of art is criticised doesn’t mean that it is not a good one. What is funny to Mr A might be unfunny to Mr B. But like I always say, if my contents can’t make you laugh, it means your problems are bigger than mine (laughs). Jokes apart, I love constructive criticisms, and I take them seriously. I can also understand if a criticism is coming from a pit of envy and hate. I don’t bother myself about those ones.
How did you feel about the reception of your viral video after appearing on The Honest Bunch podcast?
I feel relieved that somehow many people were able to hear my story and get inspired by it. That was the purpose in the first place. I feel good to have inspired a lot of young people with my story.
Is your relationship with your family members still cordial after your talk at Pastor Sam and Nike Adeyemi’s church in Lagos podcast that broke the internet?
As a matter of fact, our relationship is now stronger than ever.
Your post advising women to pay their salaries into their husband’s account generated a lot of criticism. Why this position?
It was apparently humour, and you’d get to see a lot of things like that on my page if you visit. If things were to be flipped and this was taken seriously, I wouldn’t blame those who criticised the statement. A lot is happening in our society because the foundation of many marriages is built on deceit and mistrust. Marriage is all about a man and woman coming together to form a union, which makes them one. So there’s nothing weird about the joke, whether taken humorously or seriously. I understand that the realities in some unions will make it sound absurd. If your spouse is the diligent and prudent type, entrusting him or her with your salary and investments shouldn’t be an issue. But it’s fine if it’s an impossibility based on personal experiences.
What are your thoughts on the ‘Japa syndrome’ and its implications for Nigeria’s future?
It’s a free world. Everybody deserves to be happy, and you have the right to be where your happiness is. The irony of this is that it’s not all Nigerians who ‘Japa’ that are doing better. It’s about knowing your purpose and what works for you. Irrespective of that, I will implore our leaders in Nigeria to do the right things; provide basic amenities and make life easier for the people. Nigeria is a country after God’s heart, and I’m optimistic that there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
What were your key takeaways from your first day experience as an attendee of the United Nations General Assembly?
The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly held in New York this year (UNGA 79) was indeed a blast! Thanks to pioneer Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs Secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi
I met and networked with amazing people with great minds and bright ideas, enjoyed being on a panel that discussed brilliant ideas about harnessing technology and youth leadership, deepening security and shared prosperity, and empowering women.
I’m honoured to be a part of a laudable event that sought to “leave no one behind while acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations”.
I felt enthralled to be a part of a ‘gathering of eagles’ who met to set out their priorities and discuss global challenges in order to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.
I appreciate the organisers and fellow panellists and speakers. Looking forward to further networking and brainstorming beautiful ideas with such great minds to shape our respective communities and the world at large.
Can you elaborate on your collaboration with the FCT Pioneer Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs?
The whole idea is to seek a sustainably fair environment for women to thrive. The collaboration aims to establish accelerator classes across six area councils, empowering women through structured curricula that promote business and advocacy skills. We will let the cat out of the bag as we go on.
In what ways do you find life in the US different from life in Nigeria, particularly regarding opportunities for women?
There are opportunities for women in both countries. Perhaps what is different is the fact that the gender equality policy works here better than Nigeria. So technically, the women here have an edge.
But like I said earlier, it all comes down to finding your purpose and taking decisive steps to achieve your goals. There are many women who didn’t leave the shores of Nigeria before becoming legitimately successful. On the other hand, there are also women who didn’t reach their potential until they relocated, so it’s relative. In as much as there are opportunities in the US, you may not see them if you don’t know what you’re doing. The womenfolk is a gender specially created by God with the power to open doors, irrespective of your geographical location. It’s now left to you how you want to put the power into use; either positively or negatively.
How do you compare Nigeria’s entertainment industry to that of America, especially in terms of growth and opportunities?
The American entertainment industry is number one in the world, and has a lot of influence on the Nigerian entertainment industry. I remember many years when we were growing up, it was American films and music that dominated our screens and radio, but that is no longer the case, which means the Nigerian entertainment industry is already a force to be reckoned with. Unlike the Americans, we still have a long way to go, but we are gradually getting there.
How are you coping with your new role as a professor? Many back home were sceptical about your professorial appointment. How do you respond to those doubts?
It was a case of opportunity meeting preparation, so that’s enough motivation for me to cope. It’s not easy combining the task with my other engagements, but I’m coping pretty well, of course with the support and cooperation of my family. As for those who were doubting, there’s a plethora of evidence on what transpired. What matters is that it is a reality and I remain focused on the tasks ahead, playing my part in human and capacity building. It’s by the grace of God.
Are there plans for you to return to the Nigerian entertainment industry soon, and if so, in what capacity?
I have never left, maybe I have just gone more international. I still perform and do shows in Nigeria. And I’m always open to doing more.
How do you manage your responsibilities as a wife, mother and lecturer while living in the US?
To be honest, it’s not easy. I’m really lucky to have a family that is really understanding. My husband and kids are the best. They understand everything and help me to cope, and I always try to make it up to them at every free time.
What’s your favourite travel destination, and why does it hold a special place for you?
Do I really have a favourite travel destination? I don’t think so. What would make travelling to any particular part of the world special to me will be determined by what they’re offering me (laughs). I’m not the type that travels for the fun of it. If it’s not business, then I’m not likely to be there.
What is your favourite food, and do you enjoy cooking it yourself?
I like my local dishes. Pounded yam and egusi soup, the Nigerian jollof rice etc, and of course I enjoy cooking all of them. Technology has made the pounded yam easy, I can use poundo. So no problem at all (laughs).
What activities do you engage in to relax and unwind from your busy schedule?
Being with my family is the best relaxation for me.
