Nollywood Queen Nkiru Sylvanus Opens Truth On Her Romance with Gov. Okorocha

Having starred in many movies which
have won her fans across the country,
Nkiru Sylvanus hardly needs any
introduction. But the Director-General of
Imo Film Academy is just as popular for
the few controversial headlines her tale
had inspired. She spoke with ORUKPE
NELSON.
Which of the movies you've starred in
do you consider the most memorable?
That has to be A Cry for Help. The movie
tells a story about the trials and
tribulations of an orphan girl played by
me. It's a touching story about the ordeal
of a lonely child and her need for a touch
to bring her out of her situation. I acted
alongside Clem Ohaneze, Andy Chukwu,
Amaechi Muonagor and Ejike Asiegbu.
The movie was directed by Andy Amenechi.

There is hardly any movie you don't cry. Are you
that emotional?
I can play any role. In reality I'm emotionally strong
and I hardly cry. But before you can see me
heartbroken, then I must have been really hurt.
Generally, I'm an emotionally strong person. The
truth is that any actor who knows his or her onions
must be able to play any role perfectly and that
informed my crying role in that movie, A Cry for
Help, and others.

Tell us about your movie, The Voice, and the
challenges encountered producing it?
The Voice marked my first foray into production. It's
a thriller adventure movie which premiered last year.
The challenges are numerous. Of course, it was
during the shoot of this movie that I was kidnapped.
So it's all in the past now. It is something I don't want
to talk about again.

What is your relationship with Governor Rochas
Okorocha?
His Excellency, Governor Rochas Anayo Owelle
Okorocha is my boss. He is a man that believes in
development and has this passion for the Igbo tribe.
He is always clamouring for them to have a deep
voice in the affairs of this nation. So it's a great
privilege working with such a man.

There have been mixed remarks about Governor
Okorocha's administration recently; what's your
reaction to this?
Like you said, it is a mixed reaction which means the
positive and negative from people of the state.
The positive reaction comes from the true sons and
daughters of Imo State who are happy with the
massive accomplishment of the governor in the state.
Under his administration, Imo State has become a
tourist haven. Also, because of his passion for
excellence in a short period, he has transformed the
state into the true 'Eastern Heartland ' it was meant to
be. He is also building about 305 public government
primary and secondary schools across the state
called The City Schools among other things. The
people with the negative reactions are the second
categories of people who are detractors. If you don't
have detractors, then you are probably not doing
something worthy. The governor's achievement
doesn't need much campaigning about; it is therefore
everyone to see.
Give us a typical day in your life as the Director-
General of the Imo Film Academy
I'm always busy attending to one proposal or another
and also seeing to the best way to develop the youth.
I go to the office first thing in the morning and I'm
stuck with work till evening. Many times, I get home
very late, but it's all good. The most important thing
is that you are touching the lives of people.

What legacy would you like to leave behind?
My dream legacy is simple: I want people to think
back and see that Nkiruka Sylvanus changed their
lives positively by helping them to achieve their
potential. The legacy I want to leave in one phrase is
to 'put smile on people's faces.'

Would you still have the time to combine your
new job and acting or will you give acting a
break?
My position as Director-General of Imo Film
Academy doesn't affect my acting job at all. I love
acting so much and it is still my first love. You can't
abandon your first love. Interestingly, my new job is
still in line with acting because under the Imo Film
Academy, we will be releasing body of works in
music, television, films and other related field. So I'm
still acting.

It was recently rumoured that you got married to
a long time boy friend and ex-husband of Oge
Okoye. How true is this?
I've spoken about this once and I said I'm not going to
speak about it again. I'm not married. Don't believe
everything you read or hear. People will always talk,
but if you know what you really want and where you
are heading you will walk on. Those things won't
mean anything to you.

So, are you thinking of settling down soon?
Right now, I'm not married. But I could think about
marriage very soon if the right man comes.

What makes you happy?
Seeing others happy is the only thing that makes me
happy. Like I said earlier, putting smiles on people's
face. That gives me fulfillment.