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Background
I am from Lagos State. My siblings and I were brought up in Isale Eko, where we lived with my father. My mum passed away when I was really young, so I basically became the mother of the house. I became responsible for the upkeep of my siblings and father. I did the cooking and was saddled with the responsibility of taking my brothers to school. Till date, I still care for my siblings and parent and I am protective of them. My brothers often have to remind me that they have come of age.
Education
Acting
I believe I was destined to become an actress because I never planned to become one. It happened that while I was still a student at the Lagos State Polytechnic, popular actor and director, Antar Laniyan, and some other actors, came to shoot a movie scene on campus. I recollect that it was a Wale Adenuga production. I walked up to him and told him I was interested in becoming an actor and the rest is now history.
Breakthrough
I started with Papa Ajasco by Wale Adenuga Productions. In addition, I featured in So Wrong, So Wright, This Life, The Valley Between, and some others. I also produced my own movie titled T’omi T’eje, which was inspired by my National Youth Service Corps experience. For one reason or the other, some corps members, who enlisted for the scheme at the same time that I did, were unable to complete the programme. The essence of the movie that I produced was to draw attention to some of the challenges corps members face during their service year.
Scripts
Even though I am usually given scripts where I have to play tough roles, I’m a versatile actress and can fit into any character. I love roles that challenge me. However, I’m an advocate of decency, and there are things that I just can’t do. There was a time my child confronted me for smoking in a movie. It happened that way because I usually tell them that cigarettes are bad for the health. It was a herculean task explaining that I had to smoke because my character in that particular movie necessitated that I smoked.
Nollywood
There’s tribalism in the industry. Most Igbo producers are more comfortable working with their Igbo folks. It is even the Yoruba actors that go after Igbos as long as the person can interpret the role.
Hollywood
I would absolutely love to feature in a Hollywood production. If the script contains nudity, there are stunt-doubles who play such roles. I don’t have to strip; you’d just see my face, but someone else would be naked.
Motherhood
Because my mother died when I was a little girl, I make sure that I discuss with my children all of the time. I also encourage them to see me as a friend because my mum was quite strict.
Controversies
I’ve never been a controversial person. I watch what I do, where I go and who I associate with.
Fans
Some fans find it difficult to differentiate between you and the roles you play in movies. That is one of the challenges I face as an actress and it is a major one. Some people come up to me to say, “You’re too wicked. What you did is not good.” Some also behave in an unfriendly manner whenever we meet.
Style
Style to me means looking good without going nude, and I also love shoes
