Helen received a bachelor’s degree in Theater Arts in 2010 and a Master’s degree in 2012, from the same University. She also has certifications from other institutions, including a “Certificate in Media Enterprise” from the School of Media and Communications, Pan-African University, and a “Basic Presentation Certificate” from the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). She is currently undergoing her PhD degree in Theater Arts, also in the University of Lagos
She has worked as both a freelance and full-time presenter at several media houses in Nigeria. These include Lagos Television (LTV 8), Continental Broadcasting Service (CBS), and MNet (as a co-presenter on Africa Magic Channel 114’s “JARA”).
Helen broke out as a naughty comic character in a critically acclaimed radio programme known as “Wetin Dey” on Radio Continental, 102.3FM, Lagos. She is known on the programme as “Tatafo” – a witty kid who addresses and lampoons societal issues in a satirical manner. She also presents programmes on TV Continental.
Helen began working in the entertainment field when she started working at Eko Reelmix Studios, Radio Lagos/Eko FM as a front desk manager whilst doubling as a back-up and voiceover artiste. During this period, she featured on several music projects with artistes and music groups including P-Square, Infinity, Olufunmi, and Yinka Davies. She also recorded radio jingles for a number of companies and well known brand names.
As an entrepreneur, Helen opened a bridal and fabric boutique in Lagos in 2012 and has since proceeded to open three other outlets of the Boutique in different parts of Lagos. In 2014, she opened a film and theater academy, named “Helen Paul Theater and Film Academy”. The Academy is equipped with the latest facilities in the world of technology. It consists of a dance studio, a makeup studio, a recording studio, a rehearsal studio, a photo studio, a mainly digital library, an editing studio, and a hostel for students who enroll for courses in the Academy. The academy is a multi-million naira project and Helen would later state, that the opening of the Academy is a dream come true, “having nurtured the ambition from childhood”. She further explained that the initiative is geared towards contributing her own quota to the development of the entertainment sector, and education in general.
She was also appointed as an ambassador for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), just before the General Elections in Nigeria.
Awards and recognitions
2012 African Film Awards (Afro-Hollywood, UK) • Comedienne of the Year
2012 Exquisite Lady of the Year Award (Exquisite Magazine) • Female TV Presenter of the Year
2014 Exquisite Lady of the Year Award (Nominated) • TV Presenter of the Year (Jare, Africa Magic)
2014 Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA) • Outstanding TV presenter (Female) (Entertainment/Talk Show)
2012 National Institute for Cultural Orientation • Merit Award in Recognition of Support for Children’s Initiative
2009 Exquisite Lady of the Year Award (Exquisite Magazine) • Female Comedian of the Year
2012 Effizie Style and Effects Awards (Effizzie Magazine) • Comedienne of the Year
2012 Sacramento Productions • Children’s Entertainer of the Year
2012 Doyen – Naija Growing Green Media Dinner Award • Recognition Award as Advocate/Ambassador of Peace and Unity for a Better and Greener Nigeria
2011 Rotaract Club Award • Outstanding Female Comedian of the Year
2011 City People Entertainment Magazine Award • Female Comedian of the Year