For Naomi Nkechi Ihemelu, acting is her life. She became a household name after she picked up the role of Nurse Titi in the popular sitcom, Clinic Matters. In this interview with DUPE AYINLA-OLASUNKANMI, the Nollywood actress speaks on diverse issues, including her plans to go into directing and why she is yet to leave Clinic Matters.
WHY did you mark your birthday low-key this year?
Actually, I decided not to do the normal things that I always do, which is partying with friends. I just felt I needed to do something different. That was the reason I called on my parents, so they could remember the day they gave birth to me; and I even begged them to leave their busy schedules to celebrate with me and the less privileged ones in the society. It was also the reason I chose the Pacelli School for the Blind as well as the Heart of Gold Hospice. I just wanted the kids to feel loved. Again, I know God said when you give, you will receive more.
With what you have done, how do you feel?
The Heart of Gold is the second place we visited and I felt touched seeing those kids. I feel blessed being complete. These kids will always stay close to my heart. With what took place that day, life has taught me to be thankful and stay closer to God. You don’t know that you are blessed until you move around and see what people are going through. It’s not only by hearing, but sometimes it is good to go visit places like hospitals and the less privileged homes. By so doing, you have every reason to go back and thank God.
How often do you do this?
Honestly, this is my first time of coming to the less privileged homes. But on a good day, I try to help people who cannot do one or two things financially or in any way I can. Doing this is just to encourage other people and not leave everything to the government. We can do a whole lot for these kids without spending millions. Showing them love and making them have hope will better our society. Even if it is just a token, pay it into their accounts. We went upstairs and the kids were happy to have us-that is to show you how much they value people being around them all the time. They sang for me and I felt so much joy.
At the Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted Children, you started crying at a point. What was the reason for that?
You are going to make me cry again (tears streaming down her face). These kids could not see me, but I could see them. They could only hear me and I felt for them. It was tears of joy. I am a very emotional person. I am sure if you were the one, you would do more. In the little way I could, I know I have touched some lives. And by His grace, I know I will do more and encourage others to do more than I have done.
Do you have any plan to visit them another time?
My sister, if I can do this every day, I will. If I can have three square meals every day, I don’t mind giving one out and taking two because it will not kill me. So, if I can give them my breakfast, which is the richest, it will go a long way. Other ways I feel we can help is to contribute to their accounts, remember them in our prayers and visit them too.
How did your journey into the movie industry start?
I joined the movie industry in 2007 before I gained admission into the university. I have always had a flair for acting since my secondary school days. Then, I used to participate in church dramas and other activities. When I finished secondary school, I told my mum that I wanted to act and she said, “Okay”. I took a bold step and got myself fully registered with the Actors Guild of Nigeria. My colleagues were updating me on the auditions going on in town. So, I started attending auditions. It’s not by my power, it’s actually God. I did a couple of movies back then. But when I hit the limelight was when I did Clinic Matters in 2009. When we had the audition, there was a large crowd. It was tough because we were more than 400 girls and they needed only three. But I put my absolute trust in God. At the end of the audition, I was among the three persons who were picked.
Who are those you look up to in the industry?
Aunty Eucharia Anunobi,Joke Silva, Ini Edo and Emeka Ike, among others. These are the people who brought me close to them and taught me the ways of the movie industry.
You came to the limelight after you featured in Clinic Matters. So, what is it like doing home movies now?
I actually started with movies in 2007 with When You Are Mine. But Clinic Matters brought me to the limelight. So, going back to movies now is still the same for me. The only difference is the time phase. When we were shooting the soap, it took us like a month in the camp to shoot 26 episodes. But with movies, we were done between five and seven days and I would switch to another job. But if it comes to character and delivery, it is normal for me.
Tell us why you are not stereotyped like other actresses?
I cannot be stereotyped. I refuse to be stereotyped because it is not good for my character and career. I am an actress and I should be versatile. I should be able to deliver any role given to me. That is the reason I keep training myself every day. I do not relent or feel that I am there; I don’t even see myself as being good enough. I still stand in front of my mirror at home and train myself. I also do online study on acting and still go back to some things that can help my career. I am like a teacher and learner.
Recently, some actors have been going back to schools to do different courses pertaining to acting. Do you have any you are interested in?
When we were shooting Clinic Matters, I would say to the director, ‘Why don’t you let us do it this way?’ And they ended up calling me assistant director on the set. I have always had the flair in putting things right. And to do that, you have to be a director. So, I have it in mind and I see it coming soon to direct and produce my own movie, which will bring out something positive to the nation.
How far have you gone with your movie project?
The plan is to do a good movie. And that is why I am not so much in a hurry to produce the movie. In my own time, I will come out and do it. But for now, I am so busy with other people’s works. So, when I am done with them, I can then have the time to produce my own movie that you can watch and keep for other generations to enjoy too.
Let’s talk about your babyish face. Has this in anyway been a disadvantage?
No! In fact, I will say it has been a plus. This is because when people call me, they usually have a role for me. They end up saying “We want to give it to you because you will fit in as a secondary school girl.” We actually did a movie like that titled Secondary School Girls. And when it comes to playing older roles, the makeup does the magic. All I need to do is to get into the character and you will see a different person. Again, my smile has helped me a lot. When I go into an office, I just smile and it opens door for me. It is good to smile because it heals people.
Do you have any plan to leave Clinic Matters like your other colleagues?
I started Clinic Matters in 2009 and till date, I am still with the production house. Many have gone and many have been doing on and off. I have been there because God is keeping me there and nobody is moving me until He says so. I am so proud of the production, which I started with; and to be there till date, it is not easy. So many things happen on the set because you meet different people from different backgrounds. But God has helped me to be steadfast because I know what I want. I love Clinic Matters a lot and I have a great passion for it. It is like God created a job for me and said, ‘Take; it is yours.’
How do you male admirers?
Men are plenty on my list! They keep knocking on my door. But I know if I get any man now, I could get distracted. I wouldn’t say I am searching because I am so focused on my job. I don`t have time to hang around with men here and there. It is going to be a distraction for me, which I really do not want right now. So, I am single, but focused. I am too busy to have extra headache. I am not saying guys are headache. But for now, I don’t have any man in my life because I don’t need any distraction. Maybe when I graduate from the university, I can have one.
Are you set to allow a man into your heart now?
There is a way you can balance a relationship. But I might be able to balance mine and you might not be able to. So, it is vice-versa. For now, I can balance it and manage my time with it. But not just any man, but one who understands my career and understands that I am trying to balance my career with the relationship. So, we are going to be working along each other.
Could you describe your ideal man?
My ideal man must be God-fearing. He must be tall, dark and handsome and capable enough to take care of me. I would like him to give me attention. I like a man who is humble. I don’t need a noise maker. I need a man who can connect with my vision and dreams.
How was growing up for you?
Growing up was interesting for me. I grew up in a boarding school. I attended the Federal Government College, Ikorodu, Lagos. So, I grew up in Lagos. I grew up among different kinds of people with different backgrounds and different upbringings. In fact, growing up in the hostel is the best thing that can ever happen to anybody. When you are in a boarding school, there is no way you won’t be smart and intelligent. You get to learn different things. I am a Christian, but I know how to pray in the Islamic way. So, growing up wasn’t too challenging. But I know that I learnt a lot of things. Then, in school, I never thought I was going to be an actress. But I knew I loved entertainment. I loved socializing to the extent that they made me the social prefect of my school. I never had it in mind that I was going to act.
Have your parents always supported you?
At the initial stage, my dad was not just comfortable with my acting. It was not as if he didn’t support it, but he wasn’t just comfortable with it. It was normal in those days when parents wanted their children to be doctors, lawyers or something big. My dad wasn’t comfortable with my acting, but my mum was fully in support of it. Then, she wouldn’t say much, but she would encourage and give me transport fare. My father later consented because I had an aunt in the industry, who was doing well at that time. I am glad that all members of my family are happy with me today and they want me to do more in the industry.
What will you describe as your unique selling point?
I think it is my smile. When people look at my face, they would say that I am smiling. But it is not always good because people hardly know when you are sad. They will always keep complimenting you, even when you are sad. My smiling face and my legs are my unique selling points. People like my legs, especially when I am on heels. People fancy me because of who I am and the way I carry myself and the kind of things I do, despite the fact that I am not all that tall. Most times, what people keep telling me is that they like the way I dress; the way I package myself and the role I play in movies. A lot of people appreciate my fashion sense because I love fashion a lot.
I know you love fashion. So, how much can you spend to look good?
Well, it takes good money to look good. I spend good money to look good. I spend a lot when it comes to fashion. I love fashion a lot. Even when I am 100 years old, I want to look good. When you see Naomi Ihemelu, you see fashion personified. It’s not everybody who can wear a white uniform from morning till night, without it getting stained. When we’re shooting, we put on white uniforms from dawn to dusk. So, neatness in Clinic Matters is like five and six from the beginning to the end. I can spend as much as I have on accessories, as long as it will make me look good.
You are into modelling too, tell us about it?
I actually started as a model and you know that acting also entails fashion. In the movie industry, you have to be smart and clean. For fashion, I will say I grew up with it; my mum is a fashionable person. She loves fashion and she sells pure gold accessories. In fact, I grew up wearing gold. That’s what inspired my fashion sense. I am into photography modelling.
How do you put your busy schedule together?
God is my strength. Before I do anything, I have to go on my knees and pray. I am focused and I know what I am aiming at; so, if I get a little distraction, I can lose focus. I am managing my time well. Any little time I have, I make use of it. I still go back home to do my house chores: cook, wash etc.
How do you handle male fans?
I will tell you the truth; it has not been easy. My male fans, especially the stubborn ones, never want to let go. Even when I don’t attend to them, they are still pestering me. In the first place, I try to accommodate them. I don’t look down on them, shout at them or be a snob. But when the interaction is getting out of hand, I will quietly excuse myself. You might call me or send an email, I wouldn’t answer.
