Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor, fondly known as Mama G, has opened up about her challenging journey to stardom in the entertainment industry. Her honest and emotional recount of her struggles has captured the hearts of many, as she shared the hardships she faced before becoming a household name.
Speaking at the pre-premiere dinner of Funke Akindele’s highly anticipated movie, Everybody Loves Jenifa, she revealed the sacrifices she made to support her family before her breakthrough in Nollywood. The intimate setting provided a space for Mama G to reflect on her early years and how she fought against all odds to give her children a better life.
Mama G shared heartfelt details of her past struggles and lauded Funke Akindele for her resilience and work ethic, acknowledging her as an example of strength in the industry. She spoke about the personal challenges she had to overcome and how these experiences shaped her character, noting the importance of hard work and determination in the face of adversity.
“Funke Akindele is a very strong woman. I love strong women. I am a strong woman. I went through thick and thin to become who I am today. I used to go to the mortuary to dress dead bodies so my children could go to school and eat. I did a lot of things to make my family what they are today,” the veteran actress said, breaking down the barriers of how she hustled to provide for her loved ones in a way few people would understand.
Mama G reflected on how her community recognized and appreciated her hard work, saying, “In my own place, they appreciate me a lot because they saw me through all these things.” Her sentiments reflect the deep bond between her and the people who witnessed her perseverance, which was ultimately rewarded with success in the film industry.
Drawing parallels between herself and Funke, she expressed admiration for the filmmaker’s determination, drawing inspiration from Funke’s own journey in the industry. “When I see Funke, I look at myself. She’s a replica of who I am,” Mama G added. This sentiment highlights the shared struggles and achievements between the two women, further reinforcing the power of perseverance and resilience in the face of obstacles.
Mama G’s story and her kind words for Funke Akindele resonated with fans, serving as an inspiring reminder of the strength and sacrifices behind many success stories. The powerful message of selflessness, hard work, and the pursuit of a better future for one’s family has touched many and continues to inspire countless people, especially women, to push forward despite the challenges they may face.
