Popular Media consultant and CMC Boss, Ambassador Cornel Udofia has rose to become a force to reckon with. He has impacted the lives of many Artistes, actors, actresses and many more. Hardly will anyone in the industry claim no to know him.
However, the Journey of a thousand miles starts in a day, Cornel Udofia revealed how he started, those he has worked with in this interview
EXCERPTS:
What is the vision behind Cornel Media Consult (CMC)?
The vision behind CMC is for us to empower the young youths who have distinguished themselves in their chosen career. We have the youth from music, comedy, fashion, media, dancing, photography, and of course business endeavors. That is the idea behind CMC.
How did you receive the title of an ambassador?
The title of ambassador came as a result of my consistency, my dedication and of course my persistence. I’m always making sure that I render selfless service to both humanity and Nigeria. In 2009, when I got the letter from United Nations people in Abuja, they said due to my consistency in media and entertainment that I have been chosen along the likes of Mr. Kenny Ogungbe, Muma Gee of Nollywood, Tuface Idibia, Sammy Oposo. They said they wanted to honour me because I am a very consistent person in promoting talents through CMC platform and of course the brand. That was how the title of ambassador came in 2009.
How did you get into media and entertainment industry?
Before I answer that question I want to quickly give an advice on talents. Whatever I’m going to tell you, I will tell you with my experience and knowledge in life. Before you become a master in life, you have to serve. You must be ready to compromise. I became who I am today because I believe so much in my life and of course I believe so much in God. Without God you can never be anybody. The media industry, where I am a stakeholder and entertainment industry where I am a gladiator make me who I am. In 2005, when I started my career I was consulting for the likes of Dr. Seye Kehinde of City People as a media consultant, the likes of Mr. Kunle Bakare of Encomium Magazine, the likes of High Chief Dele Momodu. Along the line I just discovered that my passion lies in giving back to the society through selfless service. What I’m doing right now is what I had actually wanted to be. I believe that whatever you sow is what you reap. I don’t believe that I must have billions before I can count myself as a success. The people I have impacted on from the likes of Ini Edo in 2005/2006, from the likes of Jim Iyke, from the likes of Muma Gee, Tonto Dike, Oge Okoye, Yomi Fash Lanso, Edris Abdulkarim and so many people have passed through the CMC. I look at myself as a wealthy man because I have actually impacted on their lives.
Who can you look up to in the industry as your role model?
I have three role models in the industry. I have on TV, Newspaper and Magazine. My role model on TV is Senator Ben Bruce, on the newspaper I look at Nduka Obaigbena as my role model; he has been able to take Thisday newspaper from nothing to something. He has also set up Arise TV that is doing very fine. My third role model happens to be Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. He has sacrificed for this country. He is a man that God has the special love for. He is a man that loves every tribe, whether you are Yoruba, Ibo or Hausa. He is a man that loves his own people. That is why God is keeping him alive. At about 80, the man is still waxing stronger. He is a man we should emulate. One of my clients actually did a video that feature Baba. Obasanjo has been able to unite Nigeria and Africa.
What is your antecedent that really prepared you for this venture?
When I was in Government College, Calabar, from there I went to Oko Polytechnic. The people that I saw that were doing very well are the likes of One Week, who happens to be one of the pioneer of the music, comedy and entertainment industry. Those are the people we were looking up to. We were also looking at the likes of Dauda and Dalian that works with MITV. I look at these people and I said I want to make a mark in my own generation. I am a success story today because God is on my side. I have done so many interviews on DSTV, Channels, on Prestige International Magazine and Prestige Online, City People, TVC, and so many media. That is God working. We have received over 75 local and international awards since 2005.
What does it take to be a successful publicist?
Number one put God first. Number two, be well informed. Be at the right place at the right time. Move with people you can learn from. Our CMC award last year was a success because we have been able to garner goodwill from people. Notable Nigerians were honoured at the event.
What are the key things you look at in CMC awards?
The vision of the award is integrity, consistency and entertainment. Integrity is keeping your words. We promised that if God bless us we are going to use our resources to empower the youths and we have been doing that for the past seven years from our own pocket. We have empowered over 7000 youths from every sector. You can check that out. Consistency, we have been there since 2006.