I was born in Akwa Ibom State . I am from a family of five – with three brothers and a step sister. My dad died when I was nine – year – old but my mum is still here with us . As a kid, I was very inventive and creative. I had a highly imaginative side and was a fast reader. Though I was reserved , I would still play rough with my brothers at home . At school , I was shy and always kept the play for home . Because I was the only girl ; resulting from my parents waiting a long time to have me , I was very well -pampered. As a kid, I had many ambitions . I wanted to be a pilot , and then , an air hostess , an aeronautic engineer and even a musician . I guess I got the love of air from my dad who worked in the aviation line as well.
Education
For my elementary education , I attended Hillside International Nursery school , Uyo and St . Mary ’ s Science College , Abak, for my secondary education . Both schools are in Akwa Ibom State . I also attended Federal University of Technology , Owerri , where I studied Animal Science and Technology . I wish I had studied Theatre Arts in the university instead . I took the next available course that the university had to offer because I didn ’ t want to sit at home.
Acting
I ’ ve always acted . I used to tell stories to the kids around me and in church . I used to act everywhere except on a professional platform . The first time it hit me that I should pursue acting , it was in church when the pastor said we could make money from our passion . At the time , I was managing a fitness company in Akwa Ibom State and on hearing that , I quit my job and moved to Lagos to pursue my acting career, seeing that Lagos was the best place to skyrocket . This was in 2012 . Prior to that , I had acted in a movie with my church where I played the role of a journalist . It was titled Take Back Your Throne .
Challenges
Starting out, I thought it’ d be easy but it wasn ’ t; it was hectic . I would wake up sometimes at 4 am to go for auditions . Also , I was coming from a job where I had an official car and driver but I had to leave all that behind and move to Lagos . I had to start boarding buses to move around . It was quite uneasy for me . My mum used to even persuade me to move back to Akwa Ibom but I refused. Also , back then , the treatment I got wasn ’ t deserving of a thumbs- up but now , with my management , things have changed . Even now, I still face some challenges . The pay is not encouraging .
Career
When I moved to Lagos , I enrolled at the Royal Arts Academy where I played my first role in a movie professionally. It was called Mrs. Somebody , where I had just one scene , and following that , I acted in After the Proposal , where I played the supporting female. Because I was a student , I found it rather overwhelming and nerve – racking but exciting, overall. Going to Royal Arts Academy was to harness my talent and turn it into a skill .
Parent ’s reaction
When I told my mother my plans to go into acting full – time , she was shocked and appalled . But through it all, she ’ s been supportive . When I moved to Lagos and had to survive without a job , my mother maintained an upkeep for me till I had my feet steady on the ground .
Breakthrough
I ’ d say After the Proposal , which was produced by Uduak Isong and directed by Desmond Elliot , the other major one was Tinsel , where I stood in as Angela .
Expectation
Right now, I ’ m on one of the flagship shows on Mnet titled Forbidden and I play the lead female . I have some great films coming out in the cinemas this year and the next . I ’ m also considering producing my own films in earnest . I produced a short film titled Eno which has been picked up by some film festivals . I also feel drawn towards directing and may like to explore it in the future .
Marriage
I met my husband when I was 16 . Because my brother was handy with electrical items , my husband had come to fix his video game in our house and that ’ s where we met . On that day , my brother wasn ’ t around and he had to wait for him to get back . It was the wait that made us talk and we gradually became best friends and still are till date . He ’ s an IT consultant . Marriage has been great and although I do not sell perfection , I ’ ve been enjoying every moment of it. My husband is supportive of my career . We discuss my roles and he helps me prepare.
Role models
As funny as this sounds , Beyonce is my biggest influence ; even though she ’ s not much of an actor . I admire her for her drive , hustle and professionalism . She ’ s not just a glamour girl , she ’ s also a hard worker . Also , I can never tell my story without Emem and Uduak Isong . I also admire Genevieve Nnaji , Mildred Okwo and Toni Tones .
Relaxation
I read a lot and I like to watch movies , preferably with a glass of wine . I also like to play video games . I love to cook . I cook traditional dishes while my husband is the intercontinental chef.
Fashion
Anything that ’ s comfortable is what I like to wear . Comfort determines what I wear .
Copyright PUNCH .
