In an exclusive interview with Theodora Ibekwe Oyebade, a traditional Queen with the title Ezenwanyi, Ada Ka Ibeya 1 of Nollywood; An Actress, Film Producer, Publicity Expert, Community Leader, Charity Supporter and Activist. Granted Bayo’s Blog as a face of the week, she revealed her Background, Experience in the Entertainment Industry and her Achievements.
* May we get to meet you; who really is Theodora?
My name is Theodora Ibekwe Oyebade, a
traditional Queen with the title Ezenwanyi, Ada Ka Ibeya 1 of Nollywood; I am
an Actress, Film Producer, Publicity Expert, Community Leader, Charity Supporter
and Activist.
* Can you please tell us about your background?
Born and raised in Edo State, I originally hail from Owerri in
Imo State, Nigeria.
* Briefly tell us about your educational background.
I was considered a child prodigy by my primary school tutors, my
parents wanted me to pursue education as far as I could take it. This led to a
certificate in Education at Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State. Later, I
studied Accounting at the University of Lagos.
* What do you do for a living?
I am an Actress, Film Producer, Publicity Expert, Community Leader, Charity Supporter and Activist.
* What inspired you?
I cannot really recall my
inspiration, however as a young lady I was always
interested in showbusiness.
* What dream did you have while growing
up?
I wanted to be a singer.
* Who is your mentor and why?
I wouldn’t say that I have a Mentor. My parents were a great inspiration
and I learnt a lot from them, as we all do. I admire Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and
have learnt from her, watching her movies and working with her.
* What do you like doing in your spare
time?
Spare time? What spare time? All my
time is taken with one thing or another. I love cooking for my hubby, Ayo; and
at present I am mentoring the Youth via my YouTube channel.
* Do you get used to being a celebrity?
That word Celebrity is so cliched.
Who really is a celebrity? Do they give back to the community that put them on
a pedestal? Do the Press not enjoy tearing them down? I am fortunate to have
had a loyal following over the past 14 years, but I would not consider myself a
celebrity despite the numerous awards and film appearances.
* What have you learned about yourself
since you became a celebrity?
That word
again? Hmmm. I have learnt that I am very easy going and approachable, which
may be why I have so many followers on Social Media and they attend most of my
events in droves. I have learnt humility, as I have seen many of my forerunners
falling from grace. I have never been uppity but learning a lot about human
nature.
* If you weren't famous what will you
be up to right now?
I started
out as a Teacher, in Nigeria, and wanted to become a Banker after my Accounting
degree. So, I would have probably pursued a Banking career although I became
disillusioned about that and ended up managing at Water Parks.
* Who is your celebrity crush?
Not sure
I have one. I do admire a few of the Nollywood Actors like Desmond Elliot, Van
Vicker, Bolanle Ninalowo but as a married woman I will not admit to having a
particular crush celebrity crush, lol!!
* What's the weirdest thing a fan has
ever done for you?
Can’t
recall any weird actions except that some of my fans have become close friends
and have gone on to imitate some of what I have done like, producing and beauty
pageants. Unfortunately, some have not been able to replicate my success and
have invariably turned against me and spread malicious rumours about me. On a
lighter note, a lot of fans send me gifts, and some have made me an ambassador
of their brand, etc.
* What are some of your achievements?
Wow!! Okay, I have supported Clarion
Chukwurah’s charity through fundraising; helped to fund raise for Theodora
Children’s Trust; fundraised for the John Utaka Trust. The list is endless, I
have been publicity secretary for various committees including Central
Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK); supported the Entertainment
activities during the London Olympics, Stratford Theatre Royal. I have received
numerous awards for acting, producing, presenting, community support, beauty
pageants.
* Can you please tell us about the
people you admire?
I have
mentioned a few already, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Clarion Chukwurah, Desmond
Elliot, Van Vicker, Bolanle Ninalowo, Joke Silva, Judi Dench.
* Are in a relationship; if yes what
advice would you give to young couple out there?
Yes, I am married to Ayo Oyebade, an accountant, actor, producer,
community leader, film finance executive. The only advice I can give to young
couples is to ensure that you keep the communication channels open. There is
nothing worse for a relationship when couples stop talking and start keeping
malice and going to bed without settling a quarrel. Love conquers all but it
must not be a worldly kind of love based on feelings and emotions. Love is
sacrificial, you let go of your selfish desires to be at one with your spouse.
Forgiveness is so essential.
* How do you manage your relationship
and profession?
It has been relatively easy
as my husband is very much interested in what I do and has been a student of
film for many years, long before we met. He has supported me in every venture
and has been on many of my film sets as an actor or behind the scenes. We
essentially work together. He therefore understands the stresses and strains of
being in show business.
* Are you ever depressed and why?
Everyone feels down at one time or
another and I am no exception. I wouldn’t say that I get depressed but rather
despondent when things don’t go according to plan; I have a cheerful and
positive disposition and of course, a great faith in God.
* Where do you hope to be in the next
four years?
As a Queen and humanitarian, my
focus is building a Foundation to benefit the African Youth. To support and
encourage them in whatever good vocation they are involved in. I will continue
to develop and produce films and plan to learn to direct. Most of all, I want
to be stronger in my relationship with God.
* How would you assess Nigeria economy
of today?
Access or assess? I am not based in
Nigeria, so, it would be difficult for me to assess Nigeria and to even access
the Nigerian market for my films without guidance. Film distribution is
incredibly difficult around the world. Nigerians in the diaspora have had
limited success with their films in Nigeria and some have taken the brave move
to make their films in Nigeria with varying degrees of success.
* What can be done to improve Nigeria
sector and entertainment industry?
Ha! What a question!! I will
make no comment on this as I do not know enough. However, I will say that we
need to get our movies to every corner of the corner, which means investing in
Cinema complexes all over the country. We need to make better movies, which will
attract more audiences than the American movies do; we need to have better
access to distribution channels but producers have to plan their movies better,
follow the proper trail: development, pre-production, principal photography,
post-production, marketing and distribution. But we also need to get
distributors and sales agents involved in our projects from the get-go. Better
scripts, better training for actors, better pay for practitioners.
* If you had to advise young people
what will you tell them?
Humility
will get you far. You don’t have to be a braggard. Do not think that you can
rise to any permanent heights by pulling your fellow man down. The negative
aura that you put out there is what you will receive. Build up one another,
support each other’s aspirations, learn the true meaning of love and practice
it, remember, love the Lord thy God with all your heart, might and strength
and, love your neighbour as yourself; this is the whole of the Law.