Delectable Nollywood actress, Oge Okoye, is one role interpreter that has been dazzling movie lovers since her entrance into the make – believe world about ten years ago. Set to mark her one decade of acting with a special project before the end of the year, YES International! Magazine’s GBENGA SHABA had a chat with her and she shed more light on that and other issues.
Ten years in Nollywood and still counting, how has it been?
So far so good. The route hasn’t been that easy or smooth, because the job has a lot going on around it and for it. To the best of my knowledge, the journey has been innovative for me. It has given me room to improve as the year comes by.
Which of your movies would you say gave you the platform you are enjoying today?
The movie that gave me the platform that I’m enjoy today is Sister Mary. It was produced from the stable of Great Movies Productions.
How would you describe your experience in the industry?
My experience in the industry is still in the process; it has not ended yet. I still have people ahead of me who I can say I’m also learning from. Although, it has been great so far, I’m still learning.
Was there ever a time you felt like backing out?
Hell, no! Why would I want to back out from my passion? No matter what the challenges might look like, it only toughens me and gives me the urge to keep moving forward and not relent in anyway.
Many of you started at the same time, but some have faded. Why do you think most actresses fail?
Well, really, I’m not in the right position to speak for other people. So many actors and actresses would have different reasons why they will allow themselves fade. It has to be an experience from someone who has already faded.
Why do actresses always swim in scandals?
I don’t know o! Seriously, I don’t have anything to say about that. I have no comment at all.
Okay, what has acting done for you?
Acting has given me that recognition, more exposure, fame, built my confidence and will power. It has made me able to communicate with different people from different walks of life. It has been wonderful.
What has it not done?
Acting hasn’t broken me, it has not kept me limited or kept me rigid. And I’m thankful for this.
Why do most actresses find it difficult to sustain their marriages?
How am I supposed to answer that? I will only add that marriage is not all bed of roses. It comes with ups and downs, but the ingredients that sustain marriage are hard work, love, tolerance, being a submissive and prayerful wife. A prayerful family will wax so strong in the midst of gallops and challenges. Marriage is deep; deeper than what we think.
Despite being a mother of two kids, you still look smart and slim. What’s the secret?
The secret of looking smart and slim is eating the right kinds of food, the right way and at the right time of the day. Indulging in exercises. Drinking plenty of water before, during and after exercise.
You are constantly being mentioned as being at loggerheads with one actress or the other, why do you think you are always at the centre of all these scandals?
Honestly and truthfully, I don’t want to say anything about this question because people have different notions about other people and one can’t please everyone at every point in time. I would advice that one should be slow to passing judgment or to crucify. One should not be judged by what is felt or heard, but by close interaction and verbal communication.
You were once quoted as saying clubbing as a mother and a house wife is not a sin. What is your reaction to this?
Everyone has freedom of speech, but that wasn’t my exact quote. My going to clubs is always with my husband’s consent.
But what is your take on married women that go clubbing without their husbands?
I can’t speak for anyone or any family. It is different strokes for different folks. Every one lives his life the way they want it.
If not acting, whatelse would you have been doing?
I read Theatre Arts in school, and there are different branches connected to that stem and root. And you, if you were not in the media house, what would you have been doing too?
What are you doing presently? Any other project apart from acting?
Oh yes! I have other projects on the pipeline, so as it unfolds everyone will see them.
A word to your fans.
A word to my wonderfully made fans: Never say never. Be yourself, don’t measure yourself with anyone, believe in yourself and always pray before you make any decision. The sky will be your starting point and not your limit. I love you all from the depth of my heart.
NB: First published September 2012