Former Metro TV presenter Riyah Abdul has explained why she decided to leave Ghana for Nigeria in pursuit of broader media opportunities.

Speaking to Nigerian television host Chude Jideonwo, as monitored by MyNewsGh, Abdul said she felt her talents were not fully recognised during her time working in Ghana.

“I knew that I was too talented for Ghana,” she said. “I felt like I was being undermined. I had a lot of talent, and I was just doing a playlist on a two-hour show.”

Abdul added that the role did not provide the exposure she sought. Her decision to relocate was also influenced by her perception of Nigeria’s entertainment and media landscape.

“Let’s be honest, when you talk about entertainment, you talk about Nigeria,” she said. “Nigeria is like New York. If I blow in Nigeria, then I’ve blown everywhere.”

She recalled the moment the idea came to her.

“I went through the Instagram pages of some big presenters, and I said to myself, if these people can do it, I can do it,” she explained.

Abdul stressed that her comments were not meant to undermine Ghanaian media professionals.

“I’m not trying to shade Ghana. I’m Ghanaian, and I would never shade Ghana.”

She added that stepping out of one’s comfort zone is sometimes necessary for growth.

“To get to a certain level, you need to leave your comfort zone. For me, that comfort zone was Ghana.”