Background
I am an Esan, Edo State born. I lost my mother at early age. I was raised by a disciplinarian father, who basically taught me to behave, to work hard and to respect people. I grew up in Lagos and in Benin (Edo State).I had my primary school education in Lagos and secondary school education in Benin, Edo State. I have a Diploma in Social Works at the University of Lagos, Akoka.
Ushering and Modelling
I started off as an usher. I went to a couple of events, did some ushering jobs. I modelled as well. I was on the runway.I worked for the likes of Zizi Cardow, Adebayo Jones, Shakara Couture, House of Marie, among others. I won the Miss Valentine International beauty pageant in 2009. I finished second in The Miss Telecoms Nigerian beauty contest; and then acting and presenting came along.
Motivation
At the time, I was just a young girl that liked adventure, that want to explore. I am still that girl.Initially, I was doing what I was doing to make ends meet, to make some money to support myself while I was rounding off my OND in UNILAG, until acting found me. It has become my passion. I didn’t have any initial training before I joined. I get working on it, until I got better. Whatever you see today is a product of years of practice and perseverance. There are girls more talented and gifted than me in the industry, but my persistence and the grace of God is the reason I am still here.
Movie career
I was on the runway one day when a producer walked up to me about an acting offer. He told me he was auditioning for new actors and asked if I would try. I went for the audition. That was how I landed a role in Echoes and the rest is history.
Challenges
I would say that all the roles I have gotten so far have been very challenging. Like I said earlier, I didn’t start out with much training.This is why I will give it to all the directors and the actors that I worked with. They brought the best out of me. Also, the kind words from viewers, producers and people in general, who like what I do and who feel I am good at what I do, have inspired me to stay on.
Golden hair
It wasn’t a sign of maturity or coming of age in the industry. I wanted to style my hair and I saw this somewhere. I tried it and liked and I decided to keep it.
TV presenting
I wanted to try something new. I attended a screen test, did my thing and left. Someone called me after some days to record some episodes for about a week, which I did. I was told a representative of a telecommunication firm watched it and liked it and that was how I got the job.
Multiple roles
Some people wonder how I am able to handle TV presenting, TV series and the movies. It is simple. Hard work. I am hardworking. When I am committed to a task I see to its end, even when I am tired or exhausted or stressed, I hardly complain. I stay on it. So, I manage. After hosting the DSTV Good Time to Get Together Launch I will be dashing off to a movie location and on and on.
Current movie
I am playing a ghost in the new movie. That’s all I can say for now.
Fashion
I don’t see myself as someone that embraces fashion trends. If you see me on what is trending it is probably because I love it. If I go to a store and see what I like, I buy it. What influences my style is basically me being comfortable and wearing something comfortable. I don’t go out of my way to buy what I cannot afford. I don’t go out of my way to follow the trend. I never break the bank to look good.
Handling expectations
You know, because you are on TV, you have quite a number of following. You also assume the status of a role model for younger ones and sometimes for older people. Some may put you on a higher than life pedestal, you might be stripped of your humanness, people might expect you to be happy all the time, but this is the trick: you don’t have to be conscious of what you do.
While there is the pressure, I wouldn’t say I hate it. I do not live my life based on how people see me. I live my life free. I live the way that I want to anyway. I go to places I want to go. I walk on the streets when I have to. Yes, sometimes I have to be more careful but I never wake up and hit the road thinking about my celebrity status. I really don’t even think about myself as a celebrity. I still do regular things and stay oblivious to the celebrity status. Sometimes I am forced to snap back, like when I am on the roadside in the middle of the night trying to buy something and someone calls my full name. Generally, I really do not live my life every day wondering how people see me. I am a very free person. So, while I am honoured to be in a position where I am considered a role model, I do not want to be bothered by it.
Achievements in 2018
I am blessed beyond my expectations. I did more acting, more hosting this year. There were some personal achievements I recorded this year as well. I won the Maya Awards for Best Actress of the Year 2018 and there are more to come. It has been a blissful and fulfilling year. I can’t be any less grateful to God.
Expectation for 2019
We are going to push harder, work harder and expect to have more successes.
and then