I don’t care about Daddy Freeze, I pay my tithe —Actress Omalicha Elom

Omalicha Elom is a budding actress. The Ebonyi State-born joined the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria in 2011 and has been featured in more than 20 movies. She recently produced her first movie, entitled, Marriage Police. She speaks with Newton-Ray Ukwuoma about her new movie and many more in this interview. Excerpts:

 

Why do you think your movie, Marriage Police, would inspire Nigerians?

It’s the first movie I have ever produced. And the story documents the challenges in present day marriages, especially challenges like domestic violence, abuse, over-protectiveness, jealousy and nagging. These themes crisscross almost every marriage in our world and the essence is to add my voice to what is happening. I don’t know how it will inspire change, but I believe people will applaud my effort when they see the movie. It is an interesting tragic-comedy.

 

Does it have aspects of your personal experience?

Yes! But not much. I faced similar challenges in my first relationship. My first boyfriend was very jealous and posessive. I was practically pestered everywhere I went by his calls and queries from asking about my way-about and who I was with. He chased away all my friends, males and females. He caused more harm to me than good. The relationship didn’t last, of course. It ended shortly after it started and I have found out that it is particularly one of the many causes of domestic violence in many marriages, when a husband feels absolutely posessive and jealous over his wife. Yes, the movie also x-rayed the role of overprotectiveness in marriages.

 

How many relationships have you been in?

I have only dated two guys in my life.

 

Are you in any relationship now?

No, I am single.

 

Do you think your experience gives you enough scope to talk about marriage?

Interestingly, the troubles in marriage are no longer hidden, they are open for all to see. We all see these things every day. The social media and internet have made them even more ubiquitous. The difference is that every marriage is unique with its problems. I am only using my own experience to add a voice to the menace. And trust me, it is a story written from what is obtained in our society.

 

Do you already have a release date for it?

Tentatively before the end of January it should be out for all to see and enjoy.

 

According to a statement in an interview, you do not think asking a guy for sex is a problem. Do you really mean that statement?

Yes, absolutely, but  I would like to clarify that. I did not say that. The reporter quoted me out of context. How can I ask a guy out or even ask for sex? I am an African and that’s not how it’s done.

 

What was your statement exactly then?

I only said, I have only dated two guys in my life and I am presently single and not in any relationship. I don’t know where the reporter got that from. If I really like a guy, I can only imagine him in my head as my boyfriend, but I can’t walk up to him to ask for sex. No way! I’m a very romantic type but not crazy.

 

As an African, can you give or receive oral sex?

No. I don’t like it at all.

 

What if you are married and your husband insists?

Well, the Bible says women should be submissive to their husbands, so if I get married and my husband wants oral sex, I’ll give it to him, so I can make heaven (laughs).

 

Can you also forgive a cheating partner?

Never ever! Because once I’m in a relationship, I stay very loyal and faithful. So, I would not even look back when the person cheats on me be it my husband or boyfriend.Once, you have me, let it be me forever until we part ways. Don’t even try to cheat on me.They say men are polygamous in nature, but it’s not right. Before a woman would cheat, something deep must have happened.

 

Marriage Police is your first work as a producer. Do you think we now have more female producers than before?

I think it’s becoming a woman’s world. The women are out there to take over. For the upcoming actresses that also venture into movie productions, I think they do it because they are tired of constant sexual harassments by the producers. Producers are always asking for sex or money from up and coming actresses.

 

Have you ever been a victim?

Yes! I joined AGN in 2011. So, there was one audition I went for, the producer asked me to seduce him, I was acting it with all my heart, not knowing he had ulterior motives. He grabbed my boobs and I was shocked. I cautioned him and walked out from his office.

After that, I really felt discouraged but I didn’t give up. I told my mum and family members, and they gave me lots of moral support.

 

Do you go to church?

Yes. I am very spiritual. I don’t joke with church. And I always pay my tithes, even when someone dashes me money, I pay my tithe from it. I make sure I help the under privileged as often as I can. I fast and pray when need be. It might sound crazy, but I really love God and everything that concerns Him.

 

So, what’s your take on tithing?

I pay my tithe all the time and I sow seed that’s how God keep blessing me. It’s in the bible, I can’t remember the Bible verse, but it’s in it.

 

Have you heard of Daddy Freeze’s own interpretation of tithing?

Firstly, I don’t know who Daddy Freeze is and I don’t care to know. All I know is that people should pay their tithes and allow God to bless them abundantly.

 

Don’t you think pastors should do more charity with the tithes and offering?

It’s not my business, I don’t care about how those pastors buy their private jets and exotic cars and people that are suffering in the churches, Pastors are not God. They are not the ones to bless people. I know a lot of pastors that really do a lot of charity and assist majority of their church members financially. But how many can they talk about? When these Pastors were poor and beggarly, people condemned them. Now, God has blessed them, people are also condemning that. You see the point? The bottom line remains, pay your tithes and receive God’s blessing. If you are blessed and the Pastor is also blessed so what is the problem? It is only those who do not give that complain.