As the highest-grossing filmmaker in Nigeria and a reputable actress, I’m proof that hard work and determination can take you far

I have seen it all in the film industry. You don’t want to know how depressed many upcoming and established Nigerian actors are. The average Nigerian actor is under immense pressure to live the good life and meet up with expected standards. In the process, there is no love for one another anymore. It is all pretence, and anyone can be sly and manipulative for the selfish glory. The culture is very individualistic now, and I can confidently say that things may be getting worse.

They (up and coming actors) should work on their God given talent first and then try and train to understand the business, they should also remain focused. It is much easier to make it in Nigeria as an actor or actress; of course they should go to the right places and hang out with the right crowd. Hard work is also part of the game, they shouldn't get tired of auditions even if they are not landing the parts, they should try harder, and eventually the producers and financiers will take notice.

Basically, I just hope that the Nigerian movie industry gets bigger and better, because we are still growing. I’ve heard a lot about sexual harassment in Nollywood, though I haven’t witnessed it. In Nollywood, I look up to Rita Dominic, I want to be like her. I also like Uche Jombo.

Filmmakers in Nollywood are really tenacious. No matter the obstacle we seem to overcome. If you put a Hollywood filmmaker in Nigeria I don’t think they’d ever survive. So I just wish we had the proper support to help us make magic.

Every country should respect its own local industry. We must look for ways to help Nigerians who put in a lot of hard work whether as cast or crew members. Their hope is to be able to earn a living from the sacrifices and efforts they put into supporting the production of the movies the Nigerian audience consume.

Acting in the Northern Nigeria is a problem because our people see is a profession that isn't normal for ladies to take up. Thankfully, all that is changing and today I am so proud that I am like a role model to others.

I thank God for my upbringing. I grew up with boys. There was a lot of challenges. For you to be acknowledged, you have to work twice as hard as a man and as a foreigner. If you are of an average ability, nobody will notice you among the multitude. You have to shine and surpass all others to be noticed or acknowledged. This was a big drive for my striving for perfection all the time. No half measure. That was what happened in England. In Nigeria, I had to work twice as hard as my men folks to get to where I got today. It had been sheer hard work. I never beg, cringe or scheme for anything. People say I’m proud. I am not proud, but I believe in myself. I don’t depend on people. I knew I have to work hard all the time, and that is the motto of my life. Do your best at all items. And that is what sustains me. I also know that God is on my side at all times.

The Nigerian film industry possesses immense potential and talents, and I believe that with continued dedication and cooperation, it will undoubtedly reach new heights

I had high expectations of myself from the start. I think I had a rather smooth journey in showbiz — I always had work opportunities knocking on my door, but rather than being stressed over a lack of work, I put pressure on myself because I wanted to do better. When you want to become better, you put more pressure on yourself as well.

I don't know, all I know is that I just try to do the best I can as a producer and an actor.

Nigerians should be patient. We would get there. Most of the movies out there are shot with personal funds. We can only do so much with such limited resources. However, if you compare the quality of movies now with those of some years ago, you would see that there is a big difference in terms of picture quality and other areas.

There are certain things I thought I couldn't do as an actress, but I've realised I can reach certain levels

It was tough especially not knowing many people in an industry that is dominated by the menfolk. I am so passionate about films that my determination helped and a lot of perseverance and learning about how things work here. How I learnt abroad and how it is done here, is very different. So you have to learn, ask questions, and work with other people to gather experience. But when I came to my own productions, I had very high standard for myself even as a producer/ director.