Veteran actress Ngozi Nwosu has revealed why she married her late husband despite ‘red flags’ of physical violence.
In an interview with Ayo Adesanya, Nwosu said despite her initial decision to call off the wedding, her elder sister begged her not to discontinue the marriage plans, urging her to endure the abuse, assuring that it’d get better
Nwosu said that the physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her late husband almost led her to walk away from their wedding day.
Nwosu revealed that her late husband’s violent behaviour was a recurring issue, citing an incident where he dragged her by her hair, causing her to bleed.
She said: “I don’t believe marriage is a do-or-die affair. When the domestic violence is too much, you’ve got to move. If you take it once, get ready, you must be ready to take it for the rest of your life.
“My husband is this kind of violent person. I went to the kitchen to boil water, and he broke the kitchen door. I will never forget that day till I die. I plaited Bob Marley, he drew me, and one strand of the attachment came out with blood.
“I didn’t know where I got the strength from, but I picked up a pestle. I was ready to kill him that day and go to jail. My neighbours saw me naked.
“When I saw the domestic violence coming from his side, I walked away a day before our marriage and refused to sign the registrar.
“Don’t fall for any man who beats you and begs you later. Once bitten twice shy. If you take it once, you just be ready to take it for the rest of your life”.
Ngozi Nwosu emphasised that women should never tolerate abuse, stating that if a man is violent, it’s a clear sign to walk away.
She urged women to prioritise their safety and well-being, recognising that abuse can escalate over time.
•How Nigerian medical institution nearly killed me
Veteran Nigerian actress, Ngozi Nwosu, has made her mark on the Nigerian film scene with several productions to her name. She became a big name after appearing on the late Amaka Igwe’s rested soap opera, ‘Checkmate’ and later ‘Fuji House of Commotion’ and has gone on to register her name as one of Nigeria’s prolific role interpreters. She opened up to The NATION’s GBENGA BADA on her life, career, and marriage amongst other things in this interview.
You’ve been in the industry for a long time. Looking back now, what do you think has changed in the industry?
I don’t think you want us to go today if we start talking about change. So many, so many things have changed. Some have changed for the better, while some have changed for the worse.
Can you share a bit of both with us?
Okay. In those days, we were all one in the industry. We had each other’s back. But today, in fact, you are on your own. If they have to step on you to pass, they will step on you and pass, not minding. So that is one. Two, before in those days, there was jealousy, but it had a level. There were levels of jealousy. But now, if they step on you to go blind, nobody cares. But before, they would at least say, “Okay, let’s step on one eye, let’s leave the other one.” But now, oh God, in fact, if you leave your liver, they will step on it, blend it, and throw it away.
Is there a personal story to this?
No.
If you look at work ethics between your peers and the reigning stars, which category would you say does it better?
Please, withdraw. Eh, God. My God. Haven’t you heard of old wine? Old wine will forever taste better than the new ones. Though we have some of them that are really good, but I’m sorry to say, most of them are wishy-washy. Yes, an actor who is not versatile, who cannot lift his or herself from one role to the other. What we have now are people selling markets.
When you say selling markets, what exactly do you mean?
Well, what I meant by selling their market is simple. We have people who don’t really care these days about role interpretations. All they care about is how they look, whether their cleavage is really out, whether their leg is popping. That’s what we have these days. These days everybody can be artificial. You know it’s very hard now to see the original because if the nails are artificial, even eye, they can buy it now. From head to toe might be a fake.
You were on one of the biggest shows back then on TV and you had a followership for your character. If you look back, how does that make you feel compared to now?
You can say that again. Well, actually it was the fame that I acquired that time that really saved me when I needed help because the person who actually called the Lagos State governor did so because I was her favourite actor. That’s why when she heard that I was down, she called them and said “do not let this person go. It’s who I love.”
Now that you have taken us to that time of your sickness, how did it make you feel hearing what some people said about you faking the ailment among other tales?
People played ‘Who wants to be a millionaire?’ for me. When they saw me that time, how was I looking? If I was doing it to make money, may that sickness come upon the person. That’s all I would say. People saw me now, two people played for my life. Look, the backlash that I faced that time is something I don’t ever want to remember in my life because it got to a stage, some people were concorting rumours, there was rumour that I was dead. There was rumour that I was in Germany while I was in my house. There was a rumour that I had travelled all over. Meanwhile, I was still in my house in Nigeria. Yes. And the painful part of it is, the journalists, oh God. Nothing pains like when a journalist decides to kill you and kill you in your very before, with, “from the horse’s mouth.” Now, who is the horse? Who is the mouth? Oh God. From the horse’s, is that not supposed to be from a reliable source? Meanwhile, you people were writing rubbish that I was not even aware of. And yet you claim from the horse’s mouth. Abeg, who is the horse? See, that period was an era, I just give God the glory. I don’t even want to revisit it. Or is it, when I travelled to London for my treatment, the lady I took with me, the family called her and said, “Ah, she went to sell her kidney?” Oh God. Ah, somebody I paid for, to just go and take care of me there. Then the family called, “Eh, they heard that you are now in London selling your kidney.”
You also had a not-too-pleasant experience with the Nigerian medical institution. Can you tell us about it?
Yes sir, they almost killed me. Abeg, I don’t want to go there. They almost killed me. Thank God for going abroad.
But with all the tales and probably with what you’ve gained from someone who called somebody in higher authority to support you and all that would you say you regret having fame at that point in time?
Ah, well, I wouldn’t say that. But, it’s good to be famous in the right way, because fame actually paves the way for you in so many areas. But, I want to tell our press people, please, be authentic with what you are writing. And if you are not authentic, please say, so-so and so-so things happened. Don’t, don’t say you are from the horse’s mouth. Horse, as in how? I don’t understand.
You are not a Yoruba woman but you speak Yoruba very well. Can you tell us how you learned the language?
(Laughs) Hey, me that I stayed in Lagos until now. I was not born in Lagos but I came to Lagos when I was a kid and I grew up understanding the language.
Okay. Now, did you feel somehow that when you were ill, it was the Lagos State government that came to your aid and not your own state government?
Please, don’t, don’t let’s go there because I’ve personally said that there’s nothing my state will call me for. Ah, they will pay through their nose for me to be there.
Where are you from?
I’m from Arochukwu in Abia State.
Many people believe you were never married, what is the true state?
No, point of correction, I was married. Okay. I was a Mrs. We separated. I was married before and my ex-husband is late.
Did you get married as an actress or before acting came along?
Yes. My, my late husband, though he’s, he’s late. May he rest in perfect was a dancer.
So, he was also a creative person?
Yes.
So what was marriage like then?
Well, every walk of life has its ups and downs. So obviously, I mean, as a wife, it was okay because I planned. If you don’t plan, you will fail. So when I have productions, I plan my home down. That “Ogbeni, sorry I’m not available, but I’ve cooked everything. You can help yourself.” That was how we were doing it.
But what was your relationship after you both separated, before his death?
We were separated and he got married to somebody else before his death. He only died last year. But we were no longer together.
But you had a cordial relationship?
Yes.
Now, tell me, these days, when producers call you to play roles, what do you look for in a script?
Hmm. There has to be depth. In a script, there has to be depth.
So if I offer you a script now that is meaningless and I’m paying well, you’re not going to do it?
Ah, no. We will sit down. I will point out the problem I see there. And if you don’t want to make corrections, ah, we’ll move because I have come this far and I will not allow my name to be rubbished, to be put in the mud.
Bimbo Akintola granted an interview recently, where she said a lot of actresses are actually living a fake life because the kind of money she sees actresses throw around and push around is not available in the industry. What is your opinion on that?
For the one you said, Bimbo talked about actresses throwing money up and down, down and up. We all know how far. Because, me, that I’m here, I know that I have worked. And I am still working. And I know where I am. Did you see any Lamborghini parked in my compound? No. Because I am not doing any shady business.
But don’t you think that maybe the younger ones with social media, there are a lot of other things they could do to make money?
I know. I know. I know. But that is not up to the amount… Jesus! Leave this thing. You are a media person. I’m a media person, we must not deceive ourselves. So even if you are into other businesses, we know how far with the income now.
So what would you advise a young child who wants to be an actor to do?
For the up-and-coming people, my advice is this. School first. Because these days, the young ones have learned one thing and I don’t welcome it. They think that all that glitter is gold. So they want to cut corners. I have gone to schools where I went to give motivational talks and when I leave, these students will ask for my phone number. And when I give it to them, what they ask me for is alarming. And I’m like, face your studies now. Leave that thing. Face your book. Get the certificate first. Then you can diversify. You can do whatever you want to. I remember a lady who said her parents wanted her to be a lawyer and then she went to school and became a lawyer. After school, she threw it away. And what she wanted was business and a salon. And that’s what she’s doing. And she’s prospering. So for me, my advice to the younger ones, please, education is the key, first and foremost. And that is when you will not be cheated. You would know better if you were educated.
The film industry keeps getting bigger with streaming platforms, regular TVs, cinemas, and social media content creators who engage your services. Which of these platforms would you say gives you more in terms of remuneration and fame?
I would say TV. TV does because it’s all over. Now, I know that YouTube is another way to gain popularity. But it’s not as big as television.
Veteran actress Ngozi Nwosu has stated that she won’t be offering free services to her home state of Abia due to lack of support during her health struggles.
Nwosu, in 2012, faced a serious health crisis with a kidney-related illness, and according to her, the Abia state government didn’t lend a helping hand.
In a recent interview with Nollywood on Radio, the 61-year-old actress shared her disappointment and frustration with the situation.
She stated that from now on, any future services she provides to the state will come with a hefty price tag.
“I have personally said that there is nothing my state will call me for that I would go for free. They would pay through their nose for me to be there, I am from Arochukwu local government, Abia state,” she declared.
Nwosu recounted how she received vital assistance from the Lagos state government during her health struggles.
According to her, a woman who was a huge fan of her work, alerted the Lagos government.
“It was the fame I had through the roles I played in series then that helped me when I needed help.
“The person who called the Lagos state government did it because I was her favorite actor. So when she heard I was down she called the government to save my live because she loves me,” she added.
The actress began her career in Yoruba films and gained widespread recognition with her iconic role in ‘Living in Bondage’.
Veteran actress, Ngozi Nwosu, has shared a personal story revealing that she called off her wedding just two days before the ceremony due to her fiancé’s abusive behaviour.
In a recent interview on the “Talk To B” podcast hosted by Biola Bayo, Nwosu explained that her decision was prompted by a violent incident where she was physically assaulted by her ex-partner while pregnant.
Nwosu stressed that while infidelity might be forgivable, physical abuse is a non-negotiable reason to end a relationship.
She advised women to prioritise their safety and well-being.
She said: “For me, infidelity isn’t enough for you to let go of your man. But, if it’s battery, I advise any woman to, in fact, not take any of their property and run for your life because they will never stop. Once a man lifts his hand on you, he won’t stop.
“I called off my wedding two days before because that day, he gave me the beating of my life. I was pregnant then, and I was like, is this what I’m entering? Because he has never done it before.
Veteran actress Ngozi Nwosu has shared a disturbing experience from her early career, where a fan slapped her for her role in a movie.
During an interview on the Talk to B podcast, Nwosu recounted the incident, which occurred at Lawanson bus stop when she was struggling financially.
She said a man approached slapped and called her names for a character’s actions in a film.
He believed she was “wicked” and a “killer” due to her on-screen persona.
She said she was left dazed and shocked, and the encounter made her more cautious and aware of her surroundings.
“I have so many unforgettable experiences, is it about life or in this industry? I’ll share a story from when I just started newly. I had the experience at Lawanson bus stop precisely, that time I was going to catch a bus; you know, I had no money at that time so I was going to get a bus, and a guy walked up to me and the next thing he did was to give me a dirty slap.
“I won’t lie o I was dazed, and I was wondering, ‘What did I do to deserve this one?’ He started screaming, You’re a wicked woman!! For what you did to lagbaja, you are a killer.
“In a movie?” Biola, the host, asked in shock.
“Yes o,” she confirmed, “because he watched me being mean to someone in a movie. He was saying, ‘Don’t worry, I will tell my wife that I have retaliated.’ People around were asking him if he was okay and why he would slap a woman that way. He was adamant o, saying, I’m too wicked.”
Nwosu said: “That is an experience I will never forget and it made me walk and watch my back. I became very cautious of where I would go. After that, I became a taxi freak.”
“At one point, I regretted that decision, but after that, I was like, ‘Oh wow, thank god I chose my path’.
“I didn’t talk about it to the press; this is the first time I am saying it. I left him because of the battery. For me, infidelity, yes, but it isn’t enough for you to let go of your man. But, if it’s battery, I advise any woman to, in fact, not take any of their property and run for your life because they will never stop. Once a man lifts his hand on you, he won’t stop.
“For me, infidelity, yes. But it’s not really enough for you to let go of your man. I called off my wedding two days before because that day, he gave me a beating of my life. I was pregnant then, and I was like, is this what I’m entering? Because he has never done it before.”
Her heartfelt message read: “Sharon my baby! I had to do a whole feed post for you today! My heart is so filled with joy and happiness to see you finally become a MRS! I give God the glory and I pray that joy and peace will never cease from your life and home! Again, I’m sorry I couldn’t be there, but you know why. My gele is tied here, rejoicing that my Salewa babyyy has finally brought home a king!!! Eskelebetiolebebe! Congratulations my babyyyy, you know I love you @sharonooja.”
Veteran actress Ngozi Nwosu is always a smiling professional.
She is very dedicated to her craft and very reliable, that is why she is after so many years in the industry, a dependable thespian.
However, away from her art, Nwosu loves life. She loves to groove and she does it without any inhibition as the DJ kept dishing out old school classics after classics.
Nwosu, who was initially swaying in her seat to the rhythm of the songs, gradually began t sing along with each song that emanated from the speakers to the extent that she stood up and began to dance to the rhythm of various genres of old school tunes.
At one point, she dragged Yemi Shodimu to the dance floor and sure had a swell time.
When next you want to see Ngozi Nwosu dance, please, give her good old school songs.
Nollywood veteran actress Ngozi Nwosu, has said that she is searching for a responsible man.
The 55-year-old declared during a recent video interview with Plus TV Africa.
Nwosu fielded several questions about what she has been up to, including the violence at the recently held Lagos State All Progressives Congress rally which she attended.
On the state of her relationship, she talked about why her marriage crashed and her desire to move forward.
“I am single now and searching for a responsible beta man abeg,” she said.
This is reportedly coming after she advised parents not to pressure their children into marriage so as to reduce the high divorce rate in the country.
The actress said such was the pressure that forced her into her marriage which eventually failed.
“No parent should put pressure on their kids to marry, it is better to be late than to marry early and choose wrong. That was part of what happened to me. I was under pressure to marry and things eventually didn’t turn out right.”
Though much has not have been heard about Ngozi Nwosu in recent times but the popular actress is still very much active with her acting skills intact, going by her daily post on Instagram.
Nwosu who is part of the cast for the much publicized Nigeria’s first feature animated film, SADE, has announced she is currently on the set of a new movie. Although she would not disclose the title of the movie, the actress has been feeding her fans on her activities, including healthy videos she has been participating in.
“This is me,” she wrote on one of her pictures.
“Don’t wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles, and less than perfect conditions. So what? Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.”
In 2012, Nwosu’s health failed and she was diagnosed with kidney disease. She proceeded to UK for medical treatment and was scarcely seen at social events. However, she was a guest contestant on the popular TV game show, ‘Who Wants To be A Millionaire’, on Sunday, December 15, 2012, her first public outing since she took ill.
Speaking in an interview, an emotionally distraught Nwosu said she was saddened by the fact that a few years back, she was on the hot seat of the Game Show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, helping to raise funds for Usman Pategi of Samaja fame. And little did she know that, a few years down the line, she would appear on the same show, in company with two other persons playing to raise funds for her medical treatment. In 2013, she financial support from government and the public for her treatment in the UK.
