Stephanie
Sassy and sexy actress, Stephanie Okereke’s tenacity, wit, intelligence, grace and natural acting abilities has no doubt earned her a reputation as one of the best actresses in Nollywood and indeed, the African continent.
The graduate of English and Literary Studies, made a bold entry into Nollywood in 1997 and by 2003, had already won the Reel Awards Best Actress, for her superlative role in the movie “Emotional Crack.” In 2005, she was a nominee for the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). On her way to AMAA, however, tragedy struck when she was involved in a fatal car accident that left her with a broken leg and burns on her face and hands. Determined and hardworking, Okereke eventually bounced back in 2006 and won the Afro-Hollywood Awards and the Film Makers USA Award for Excellence. She continued her winning streaks in 2007, with the Miriam Makeba Award for Excellence and Beyond the Tears Humanitarian Awards, for her work against rape and Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) and HIV/AIDS, in 2008.
Okereke also studied film at the New York Film Academy at Universal Studios, Los Angeles. As the honcho of Next Page Productions, she recently expanded her rich resume to include the titles of director, writer, and producer with her first feature Hollywood-Nollywood blockbuster, Through the Glass, which hit the cinemas nationwide on September 16, 2005.
Well-traveled, Miss Okereke, in this exclusive chat, spoke passionately on a wide range of issues, including her recent US award, latest movie, humanitarian projects, re-branding, love life and many more.
Enjoy the interaction!
Your fatal accident in 2005, seems to be a blessing in disguise of sort, you came out of it stronger, bigger and better. Going down memory lane again, what actually happened that fateful day on your way to AMAA in Bayelsa?
Everything is by the grace of God. The accident happened the period I was shooting in Owerri in 2005, I was nominated for that year’s AMAA. I did not want to go at first, I had a double mind, should I go or should I not go? That day came and I eventually hired a Mercedes Benz car from Owerri to Bayelsa, because I was supposed to go quickly and come back to the set. So while we were driving to Bayelsa, at some point the driver wanted to buy fuel for the car, but unfortunately the station had no fuel. He now came out of the car while I was sitting in the front; I was even talking to him and removed my seat belt because I was stretching out in the car. It was 3.p.m and less than 30 minute’s drive to Bayelsa.
In a split second, I looked up and immediately saw this big trailer that lost control, the driver was swerving from one side of the road to another. We were moving forward and he was coming towards us in an opposite direction and the Rivers-Bayelsa road was very narrow. I’m using this medium to call on the government to dualise it because it’s horrible; you have a lot of accidents happening there. In between our car and the trailer, there was this big truck, a fuel tanker. I could remember my driver was like should I stop or should I just drive past these vehicles. While he was still contemplating, the truck fell on the other side and hit the other trailer at the other rear end and it collided with our car.
The moment that happened I had a black out, later my senses started coming back and that was when it occurred to me that I just had an accident. I suddenly remembered those action movies that we used to watch in foreign films when a car crashes, it might probably explode. Besides, the heat coming out of our car was already melting and burning my whole body, in fact, I was seeing my leg melt, but fortunately there was no explosion. So in a bid to run away from the car, I brought out one of my legs but the left leg could not come along with me.
That was when it dawned on me that it had been broken. It was broken based on the impact of the heat, the grasses their also caught fire, but I still managed to make my way out the car and fell on the grass, but couldn’t run. That moment, the left leg (my femur) that was affected was now wobbling. People came around and were screaming oh my God, the actress! I told them to stop panicking and just take me to the hospital. Miraculously, God just brought three guys (Efosa, Uche, I’ve forgotten the other guy’s name). They came with a Hilux truck, drove everybody away and rushed me to the hospital.
That’s another sad thing about Nigeria, there is no rapid response and now people have stopped helping because, most times, if one does and the person dies, the family will say you have killed our daughter/brother. Police will also come after you and the nation is just so disorganised.
When the guys carried me and my broken leg, I could hear the bones clicking. The most painful part is when you have burns on your body and air blows on your skin. Jesus! It’s more painful than the bones clicking together. We finally got to BMA Hospital in Port-Harcourt, where the first set of treatment started.
Sincerely, I did not know that people liked me that much until that accident happened. Daily you’d see school children queuing up after school to see me, nurses, oil company workers and different people were coming. And the one that really touched my heart the most was the visit of an old woman.
The only time I felt down was after I had spent three months in that Port-Harcourt hospital and got back to Lagos, only to discover that the operation that I did in Port-Harcourt had failed. I was re-admitted at Igbobi hospital for one month in Lagos and was lying on my bed with one of my legs hung up for one month, I didn’t move.
Did you ever nurse the fear of being amputated?
I thought about it at first, but when I was in Port-Harcourt hospital, there was this doctor, we call him Harry, one day he came and I asked him if they were going to cut my leg, he just looked at my leg and said no that they are not going to do any of that. It was the look on his face that gave me the courage. It was after going to Igbobi hospital, they now said that they were going to do another operation, that was when I now said, no Nigeria, I am tired, I have to do this one outside Nigeria. That was when I went to South Africa, that’s where they kind of did it and it was okay. But I had another operation in London, so you see it was a difficult journey for me for those two years.
The first three months that you were on the hospital bed, what was going through your mind?
If you watch the pictures of me during those periods of those painful two years, I think I had such a positive spirit. And that spirit came from the people that were around me. You know one starts dying if the spirit dies, but for you to heal fast, you need to take control of your spirit, your outlook. You know then my face was peeling off but I was busy smiling to those coming to greet me at the hospital. I was already preparing myself for the next phase of my life, whatever or however it was going to turn out.
But fortunately, God had better plans for me and blessed me all over again. I resumed work in 2007, but all those period I went to the USA and stayed there for a long time. I shot my film and then went to school. I was supposed to go through another operation for my leg in USA, when the doctor now said no, that my Cellos was forming, that I would not need another operation, that was like the best news for me in a century. I screamed but the doctor didn’t understand that I had gone through three operations in two years and was now going to be free from the pains of another operation. He now said at least for now that I can wear little heeled shoes, I was so happy. Looking back, I thank God for his words which say: “For our shame he is going to give us double blessings”. It was on the hospital bed that I met a lot of great people.
Like you said, it was a blessing in disguise, but certain things happen for some reasons. Maybe, you are moving too fast, certain things need to happen to you to slow you down a bit, to thrust you in the direction of your course. They all add to your story, that you have to tell in life and they add to the fact that people want to listen to you because they know that you have gone through this ordeal and came out stronger.
When you were going through all these, did committing suicide ever cross your mind?
No. Another thing was also the encouragements I got from the entertainment industry, the industry was so kind to me, they wrote scripts that I acted in with my broken legs, it was so funny actually.
Any regrets?
I have no regrets whatsoever, even looking at my scars, I might sometimes want to wear short skirt and I will remember my scars, but regardless of that I will still go ahead and wear it.
Does having the scars sometimes weigh you down?
No, it only reminds me of the goodness of God in my life; it does not weigh me down at all.
Do you intend removing the scars through surgery in the future?
No, I have already done that, with time it’s going to heal.
How does your fiancé feel about these scars?
He does not prevent me from wearing skirts, he loves the scars, in fact, he kisses my scars always.
Tell us all about Stephanie Okereke and her family background
My name is Stephanie Onyekachi Okereke; Onyekachi means who is greater than God. I was born in Benin City, Edo State, and grew up in Asaba, Delta State; my parents still live there. My parents are retired civil servants. We are eight in number and I am the sixth child, (three boys and five girls). I am from Ngor-Okpala LGA in Imo State. I did my secondary school at Saint Brigid’s Girls Grammar School, Asaba, and later went to the University of Calabar, where I studied English and Literary Studies. I did my NYSC in Akure, Ondo state.
Which was your first movie in Nollywood and how did you come in?
The movie Compromise 2, courtesy of Teco Benson, was my first in Nollywood and that was after I finished secondary school in 1997. It was shot in Onitsha, I went for audition and got the role.
However, I have been doing entertainment since I was young; I was a dancer in the high praise choir of my church, because I grew up worshipping in Church of God Mission. I also wrote plays as the president of the drama and debating club of my school. I went for debates and won. I wrote dramas and staged plays.
Did your parents support your going into the movie industry?
They supported me; they gave me their full support.
Did you feel bad when you contested the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant and lost?
I think that was the year Chinenye Ochuba won the MBGN, I did not feel bad .Thank God I did not win, MBGN for me was not the whole essence, and it’s not the competition that defines who you are. My confidence level has now gone down a bit, then I was over confident, it does not matter who wins, it’s a journey in life, it gets you prepared for the task ahead. I did that because I actually wanted to see if I could stand in front of a huge crowd and I did. The result does not determine who you are, if you believe in yourself, work hard, it will always happen for you.
How do you cope with men especially your male fans and those who throw advances at you?
I don’t know if there is any special skill used in handling men; I handle them the way I handle every other person with respect.
What has been the biggest battle you’ve fought and won?
My accident experience, I fought and won, maybe, I am yet to face my biggest battle.
Once again, congratulations on your recently held Del-York/New York Film Academy training programme?
Thank you too, we are very grateful to God that everything worked out smoothly and also the fact that the students were able to blend with the amount of education they got from the school. I am very delighted; it was wonderful working with Linus Idahosa, he’s such a great leader and such a great person. You know he has great vision and bringing me along into this project was great. He is a very passionate person especially in everything he does. I am very grateful to God that we had no casualty everybody went home safely and that’s just it.
You recently signed mouth-watering contracts with Kanekalon range of hair beauty products and LG phones, as their ambassador, how big are these deals?
Okay, over time I have had companies approach me, it’s either you don’t agree with the terms and conditions or you just don’t agree on certain things but you still move on. When one comes and you feel they are giving you a fair deal and the working relationship is fine and all the conditions are right, you go for it, especially when you are endorsing quality products. We are looking for more actually, but I won’t tell you the financial details of both contracts. The Kanekalon deal is for one year, although, we are still trying to expand on other things too, but the LG arrangement is what I won’t divulge any detail about for now.
Why don’t you want to tell us how much both deals are worth?
I’m sorry, my lips are sealed.
How do you feel being the only Nollywood star chosen as the face of both LG phones and Kanekalon range of hair products?
I feel good and thank God for making it possible. It further goes to show that one’s efforts over the years are being appreciated within and outside our shores.
After Through the Glass in 2009; we have not seen another blockbuster from you, what’s happening, are you cooking something new?
I have done a couple of films since then, maybe they went straight to DVD, but for my own personal project, I am currently working on one. I am looking at what’s the next project because I see myself as a pacesetter. I ask myself what is the most innovative thing I have to do, what is the other style, what is the thing that we are going to strike to change some kind of trend or movement? But right now I am concentrating on the film. I want to do a film on Vesico Vaginal Fistula and I have been talking about it for a long time. So now, I want to even stop talking about it till I do it.
When exactly are you looking at, this year or next?
We are still making plans; we are still speaking to actors and people who are going to feature in the film. I don’t know the exact time it’s coming out, everything is still under works. I have other projects signed on, but I’m still going to do it maybe, this year or next year, you know if you want to shoot a good film, it takes quality time to plan. Again, I have these other deals coming in and taking some of my time with photo shoots here and there. Like I said earlier, I have done lots of movie jobs, which keep coming my way.
Currently, what is in the offing for you, movie wise?
I have a lot of scripts being thrown at me, there is even one, an Igbo film they just told me about, but sometimes you read them and you don’t like them. That is what is in the offing for now.
Do you speak Igbo language fluently?
Why won’t I speak Igbo, please, spare me I’m an original Igbo girl. But appearing in the movie is what I don’t know yet, it depends on the story. Aside the fact that it’s an Igbo film, I also need to see the story. Most times you get the script and keep looking for what is the thing that will make it outstanding when it’s being shot. I am also supposed to be on location in Switzerland. I am supposed to shoot another film this year in America. There are so many other things happening to me this year. I’m still checking out which one I am going to do now and the ones that would be done later. Sincerely, it’s been a very busy year for me.
It’s already one year that your fiancé, Linus Idahosa proposed to you at a well-attended birthday bash he organized for you, since then nothing has happened. A lot of your fans and friends expected that marriage would have followed suit. So when exactly are you going to walk down the aisle?
Who told you nothing has happened, I don’t need to tell you what has happened, it’s my privacy let me hold on to it. I have everybody asking when? When? When? But the thing is when I am ready, I will tell you.
Will it be this year or next year?
I don’t know Azuh Amatus, when I am ready you will know, there are different stages in marriage plans, the one I want you to know you will definitely know.
For Linus to have won your heart he must be a very strong man. How did he do it? What was the magic?
He is a very charismatic guy, there is this aura about him, he is very confident… I don’t know, he just hit me on the right spot, I think they say if you see it, you will know it, just like you seeing your wife and knowing she belongs to you.
Since your marriage will be coming up soon, how come you don’t know the date or you just don’t want to tell us?
You know me, I like to keep things on the down-low till I am ready to let people know. You are trying to drag my legs out, but that won’t happen till we are ready.
Will you still be acting after marriage?
Yeah, why not…
How are you coping with family pressures concerning marriage, are your parents not worried about your single status?
No, they don’t give me pressures, marriage is something you have to really think deep, you have to really be prepared for it and the fact that you have to spend the rest of your life with just this one person, it’s not something you have to be in a hurry. If you do, you might still rush out. So, you have to take time and think deeply and be ready and committed to it. My parents are not harassing me; I am still very young, so why are you harassing me.
But as a busy actress, are you truly set for marriage if it comes now?
Mind you, I’m engaged to be married, remember. If I’m not ready I will not be engaged right now. Please, let my private life be.
You campaigned vigorously for Jonathan during the last presidential election, are you expecting any political appointment in return, just like some of your colleagues did at the states’ levels?
I don’t want any appointment; I have other ambitions for myself. Please, do not ask me because they are personal and known to me alone.
Are you saying that you don’t want to go into politics?
Well, I don’t know about that, that was not what I went in for at all, we all came out, it was not only Stephanie Okereke that came out to campaign for Mr. President.
But you were the most outstanding among your colleagues?
Well, if you want to put that on my forehead, no problems.
Your recent birthday coincided with our country’s 51st independence anniversary and lot of people have been saying that there was nothing to really celebrate. What’s your take on this?
I am in the middle actually, but we have to celebrate because we have life and the fact that we are still a country and we are not divided and there has never been any form of war are enough reasons for us to celebrate. Although, we have challenges here and there, but we are still one and we are still fighting together to make sure we are one. Based on the fact that we are still in Nigeria, we are still together and we are still thriving and praying, we all need to celebrate. Nigeria is worth celebrating at 51.
Again, this is the 21st century, with the increasing level of technology, certain things like health care, education, electricity, unemployment and a whole lot of other things are supposed to have improved. I think we are sort of misplacing priorities and it’s so sad that with all the knowledge and access to knowledge that we have, things are not moving the way they should be. That is another sad point about government that we all need to be angry about. But on the other hand, we have tried and let’s keep striving and see how we can get better.
Government should improve in the areas of security and electricity because if we are insecure, a lot of things would not happen and foreign investors would not come and invest. So that also is a major part that government has to do something fast about. Security is very important, but if we get electricity fully in place, every other thing will follow. For me, electricity is the major issue and with light, we can start food productions, good health care, in fact, with proper electricity the cost of living will go down. Imagine in my house, I run generator morning till night, mobile phone communications companies tariffs are high, I am sure if there is constant light, they would reduce their tariffs. So, I believe that if they get electricity right, every other thing will fall into place.
Based on the deteriorating security situation in the nation, as a star, do you sometimes get scared when you move around in the country?
Well, I try not to allow it get to that level, all I do every day is pray and tell God that I am in your hands, guide my paths and lead me through. But there is also the need for us all to be security conscious especially around our vicinities. I’m a child of God any time, any day.
As a child of God, don’t you get scared?
Come on! We are all human beings and as human beings we have our flaws and we have fears sometimes too, but when you remember that you have God, that is what gives you the confidence.
Talking about fears, in recent times we have seen marriages in Nollywood crashing. Have you ever nurse such fears concerning your forthcoming marriage, considering the fact that we are human beings?
No, I try not to start having fear by concentrating on doing the good things and enjoying the marriage, not to start thinking of how the marriage is going to work. Why will I start thinking about it? I like enjoying it, living it and doing the right things and walking through all the difficult challenges. All these can only happen when you are very much committed to the relationship, it’s all about commitment, you put your mind to it, mend it, adjust it and see it work. Linus is a man of vision, I thought I had ideas, I thought I had a better vision until I met him. Again because I am star, most of the things he does, I probably get credit for, when he actually had done all the work. But, he does it because he knows where he is going; he is very sound in what he is doing.
How and when did your paths cross?
We met three years ago (2009), but I won’t tell you how because that’s our little secret, probably until we do our joint interview, we can then tell you how we met.
I was there the night he proposed to you, were you expecting that from him?
No, I was not expecting it on that day. Remember, I went to another event and Linus was supposed to come to that event, but since he did not come, I was like from there, I will come over where he was. So when I came over to where he was, he was kneeling, I was like what are you doing? Seriously, I was shocked and speechless! I think that’s what every woman wants, when the guy you are dating or you are with treats you like a real queen. Anywhere that’s what every girl wants. Sincerely, such treatment is what I want from my man.
So you were secretly expecting that?
See, you have to be mentally prepared for marriage if one has to get into it. Because if you are not, no matter how hard you are, when the storm comes it will blow you away. I think he as a man also needs to be mentally prepared for it. Hmm! it was nice the way he did it, meaning that he thinks really deep.
Why do you want to shoot a movie on VVF?
Talking about VVF, you know as a woman when you see a lot of injustice done to women and also live in a society where women are not being properly cared for, it hurts. It’s also worrisome and also looking at the fact that our health care system is just horrible, the rate of maternal mortality is increasing by the day. The issue of early marriages, where young girls are given out in marriages against their wish at a very tender age is bad. These are children, even if you have decided who their husbands are, at least allow them get the basic education, so that they can know how to take care of themselves and even be able to run the family, and be able to cater for themselves. Also, checking the health care system in Nigeria, look at the women that don’t have access to quality health care education, you will see them suffering from different kinds of diseases, especially VVF. All these are my reasons for coming to help fight the war against VVF in our society using the medium of film and entertainment.
First published, October 2011
