Entertainment

You don’t need to move to Lagos or Abuja to succeed – Patience Ozokwor tells young colleagues

Nollywood legend, Patience Ozokor, has said younger entertainers do not need to relocate to Abuja or Lagos to become a star in the Nigerian movie industry.

She made the comment on Tuesday night in Enugu during a candle light procession in honour of Madam Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, the late Chief Executive Officer and founder, Africa Movie Academy Awards.

Ozokwor encouraged up-and-coming thespians by saying that many actors and actresses started their careers in Enugu but relocated to Abuja and Lagos the moment they became stars and forgot their roots.

Using herself as an example, she said; “For me, I said I am going to stay in Enugu, inside the village and when I go to Lagos, I tell them I am a village woman.

“I stay at Ngwo in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State and God has shown me that you can become a star from anywhere. You don’t need to be in Lagos or Abuja”.

The veteran actress further said; “If you are good enough, they will call you even from America.”

In other news, Nigerian actor, Nkem Owoh has said he turned down requests for him to join politics because he wants to avoid getting infected by the ‘disease’ affecting Nigeria’s political system.

Owoh, popularly known as Osuofia, said people tried to lure him into politics, but he refused to give it any consideration despite their appeals.

Speaking in an interview, the movie star said he prefers using his personality to make people happy than to become a politician.

The Nollywood veteran who described himself as a fearless person, also spoke on the forthcoming general election.

Owoh said; “I will just go and vote. I have tried to reject Nigerian politics in its entirety even though I know there are still some good people inside the polity, but the system is like a diseased mesh.

“People have tried to draw me into politics but I know that if I put my head into it, I will be infected with the disease and I don’t want it. So, I prefer to stay at the flank. The country will become better when we have reasonable leadership in all directions. And soon it is going to come because I can see the rumples.

“My neck cannot carry it (politics). The thing is, I like where I can smile; you see that I am smiling and you are smiling. Also, I travel and move out alone as I am not afraid of anything. If I were to be in politics, I would have probably gotten to the height where I would be afraid and I don’t want to be afraid.”