Aside holding sway in the Nigerian fashion scene, Barrister Grace Zemaye Egbagbe is undoubtedly an intelligent woman. While in active service at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), she created two most cherished soaps in the late 80s: Cock crow at down and Second Chance. In this interview with YEMISI ADENIRAN, she talks about the secret of her youthfulness.
What fond memories of your childhood would you like to share with us?
I had a wonderful childhood just like other children. My father was a very principled man, so I had a strict upbringing. He believed so much in us his children and being the eldest daughter, he taught me a lot of things. He wanted me to be happy in life and taught me every good thing that makes life worthwhile.
My dad loved education and would spend his last kobo to ensure that his children got a good one. He made us to travel all over Nigeria with him. I was very close to him and didn't find his death funny. Time after time, the memory brings tears to my face.
As a very stylish woman, what do you do to keep your body in shape and beautiful in spite of your age?
Beauty, I think, is a thing of the mind. I don't think there is any special thing that I do to keep in shape. I just wear whatever I feel is comfortable and suiting. I eat whatever I feel like and whenever too. But I try as much as possible to keep off all stress and I guess I have been able to do this with the help of God Almighty.
He is my father and I have learnt to entrust all that I have and encounter in life to Him. I don't worry my head much over issues, I allow Him to take charge and this has been of immense help to me.
For us women, stress is our major hindrance to looking good. No matter the make-up and frame ups, once a woman is stressed, it will be written all over her and her once radiant face will definitely suffer.
Meanwhile, worrying can do us nothing but evil. If only we will worry less and act our faith in God, we will get our problems solved and still keep our faces radiant. That's how it is with me.
Don't you have a particular exercise that you do to monitor your shape?
Well, I understand walking and swimming are the best ways to burn calories, so I engage in walking around with friends. And you know, since I'm not the type that sits and have people run errands for her. I get to burn calories that way. But strictly speaking, this shapely body form runs in the family. If you see my mother, you will think she is just in her 50s whereas she in her 80s.