In this exclusive and explosive interview, cerebral Debbi-Larry Izamoje, the chief operating officer of Brila Media Group spoke, with the publisher of SOLIDNEWSNG.COM Online Magazine’s, AZUH LILIAN, on wide range of germane issues, especially those affecting sports and ‘sportainment’ development in Nigeria and indeed, the African continent.
Enjoy the encounter.
Welcome back from your trip to Spain, how did it go?
Thank you, it went very well. My trip to Spain was a remarkable experience. I had the privilege of attending the World Football Summit, and it was truly amazing to be among fellow sports enthusiasts and gain insights into the future direction of the industry and the things we can accomplish as sports professionals in the coming years. I found myself in the company of football greats, such as the current FIFA Secretary General, Fatima Samoura, Nigeria Sports Minister Senator John Owan Enoh, representatives from Sevilla club, and sports professionals from around the world. It was an inspiring opportunity to witness the evolution of the sports industry.
What were the major lessons and what would you say were the major takeaways from the event. Was Nigeria and by extension, Africa well represented at the event, as well?
Absolutely! As I mentioned, the Minister of Sport in Nigeria was among our distinguished representatives at the Summit. One of the most significant impressions I took away from the event was gaining insight into the future of women’s football over the next four years. Monica, who played a pivotal role in organizing the conference, pointed out that this year’s event had a noticeably higher number of women in attendance compared to previous years. And there’s no doubt that the future of women’s football looks exceptionally promising.
As the Chief Operating Officer of the Brila Group, what does your job entail?
As the Chief Operating Officer, my primary responsibility is to uphold our organization’s legacy. It may sound somewhat overwhelming, but my role is truly all-encompassing. My duties include ensuring the seamless and efficient functioning of all departments, both within our various branches and in the digital realm. This involves making it certain that we consistently deliver on the promises we’ve made to our fans, aligning with our core mission and vision. Our mission is to always be at the forefront for sports fans, their most trusted source, and the ultimate reference point in the world of sportainment.
For how long have you been the COO of Brila Media Group?
I have officially held the position of COO for three years.
You are a source of inspiration to so many young people around. What’s your admonition for them?
To young people, my advice to you is simple, always keep your head held high. Resist the urge to compare your journey with others, and keep moving forward. You never know who might be observing your efforts, or when your big break will arrive. Never underestimate the power of hard work. It’s a timeless virtue that still holds its value. So, avoid rushing through life; instead, embrace hard work and stay focused on your goals.
What is the greatest lesson life has taught you?
Life has taught me that we often have limited control over circumstances. It’s essential to take each day as it comes. Find reasons to laugh more and prioritize staying connected with your family and friends. This journey has taught me that every day is a precious blessing.
How would you describe Debbie Larry-Izamoje?
I’m a dedicated and hardworking individual with a strong sense of resilience. I’m highly focused on my work but also possess a generous heart that extends to my family and friends. I’m forward-thinking, driven, and always looking for solutions. Prayerful and deeply God-fearing.
What do you like most about what you are doing?
What I like most about what I am doing is that I am sustaining a legacy. I feel like I exist to continue stories, and to be blessed with the opportunity to ensure that the business doesn’t fade away in a particular generation is one of the greatest gifts.
When was the last time you wore a suit and what was the occasion?
I appreciate this question. I am a suit girl! And the most recent occasion I wore one was during my inauguration under the Sisterhood Campaign of NWFL. The inauguration was designed to place us at the forefront of women’s football in Nigeria.
What’s your favourite fashion accessory?
When it comes to accessories, my favourite has to be rings. Those who are familiar with me are well aware of my affection for wearing rings.
Lastly, can you tell us a bit about yourself and educational background?
Debbie Larry-Izamoje is the Chief Operating Officer of Brila Media Group, a Sports Media powerhouse continuously at the forefront of “sportainment” in Africa.
She is a Harvard-certified charismatic leader who successfully oversaw the re-branding of Nigeria’s first sports radio station, Brila FM, to Brila Media with inroads into the critical cities of Lagos, Abuja, Onitsha and Port Harcourt and an outstanding digital presence.
Debbie passionately focuses on sustaining and improving the company’s legacy by pushing the brand’s relevance across the various social strata.
She currently leads a vibrant team of over 100 sports media professionals who are on a mission to transform the sports media landscape in Africa through storytelling, up-to-date digital strategies, stakeholder management and innovative systems.
Debbie has been an instrumental figure in different management committees of the Nigeria Women’s Football League. Her strategic input was crucial to the successful re-branding of the NWFL in 2020, and she played a similar role in the management team of the Aisha Buhari Invitational tournament in 2021. Currently, she is part of the task force for the NWFL in nation-building and empowering women through football.
In 2019, Debbie was recognized by global sports body WSCOIS as a young woman on the rise in sports and, in 2023, was listed by Power Women’s Network as one of the top 100 Powerful women in Nigeria.
She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Information Management from the University of Sheffield and a Master of Science in Management from University College London. Her academic pursuits include certificates in Innovation and Strategy from Harvard University and User Innovation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Furthermore, she holds certifications in Sports Business Management from the Lagos State Business School, Pan Atlantic University (LBS), as well as in Communication and Digital Media from the Sports Institute of Barcelona. Debbie’s diverse qualifications complement her extensive knowledge and expertise in multiple domains.
Prior to joining Brila, Debbie founded and managed a successful digital media agency called Image Boosters, which managed the communications of companies such as Mecure, Today’s Woman, SportyBet, PariMatch, and many more.
