Encomium
– Chinedu Ikedieze (AKI)
Enormously talented thespian, Chinedu Ikedieze, MFR, has stepped into his father’s shoes. The first son and second child of his late dad (they are eight in their family), Aki, as he is fondly called, told ENCOMIUM Weekly in an exclusive interview that he has now assumed the duties of the head of the family his father left behind on May 18, 2013.
He also shared with us what he would miss about the business man and ex-footballer, amongst sundry issues that border on his career, state of Nollywood, married life, philanthropy, politics…
You lost your dad sometime in June, how was the burial?
The burial was okay. We had clement weather and people showed up. We gave our father a befitting burial. And we thank God for that.
When exactly was that?
June 22, 2013. He died on May 18, 2013 at 73.
How many are you in the house?
We are eight. I’m the first son and the second child.
What would you say you miss most about your late dad?
I miss his presence. I also miss that fatherly love. He was a great friend. So, I miss everything about him.
Painful as it is, how are you and your family coping without him?
As the first son, I have automatically assumed the duties of my father. I’m now like my mother’s husband. The grace of God is upon us.
Your mother cut across as a dutiful and reserved woman, how is she managing without her husband?
It has been really difficult for her, but she has our support. We all know that the only one who can give her that solace and comfort is God.
Like you said, you have now assumed your father’s responsibilities, would you be going home regularly?
I don’t need to go home physically. If I’m not there physically, I would be there spiritually.
And financially?
That is it.
Is there any particular advice your dad gave you that will sure work for you?
Yes, I can remember him always telling me to be upright in my dealings. I should call a spade a spade, be the man I am and leave the rest to God.
Would you say he influenced you, and in what ways?
He did to some extent. He taught me morals, the foundation norms and ethics. So, he made me have the fear of God and respect for elders. As a man, I need to incorporate them in my daily beliefs. My dad was the architect of not just my success story, but the personality I have built now. He started it.
Maybe, you should tell us more about him, since we were not in Abia for the burial?
My dad’s names are Ikedieze Ogbonna Okoronkwo. He was a hard working business man. My dad used to be a footballer. If Nigeria was a much more developed country like Britain, he would have been in the ranking of the world’s best football coaches.
He was a very good footballer before he veered into business. He did well. He tried his best as a businessman.
How is work?
My brother, we thank God o. I’m doing my best.
What is the current project you are on now?
I just finished a job, but I want to start doing my own movies. I will soon kick off. I don’t just want to dabble into independent production.
What would be your production outfit?
It should be Mikiz Media, an affiliate of Mikiz World Resources.
You seem to be very close to President Goodluck Jonathan?
My brother, I’m just your next door neighbour, working hard to make you happy (laughs).
What is your take on the N3 billion the federal government recently mapped out for Nollywood?
Personally, I would advise they use that money to build government owned cinemas across the country. That way, we won’t spend so much showing our movies. If in every state there are at least two cinemas, we won’t be complaining about piracy. I would have preferred they built cinemas.
The N3 billion might end up in wrong hands. We don’t trust those who will handle the money.
But they said the funds are for capacity building and film production?
That is also good. But sometimes, you don’t trust anybody.
Still on Jonathan, he also recently appointed star actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo and veteran musician, Bongos Ikwue into boards of federal commissions and parastatals. What’s your take on this development?
It is a wonderful development.
What is your assessment of the new Actors Guild of Nigeria leadership?
Ibinabo Fiberesima is doing very well. She has started doing visible things. Victor Osuagwu is also doing well as AGN Lagos chapter chairman. I know he has a lot to offer.
The impression is that Nollywood’s fortunes are dwindling?
We still have a lot of hope. The music and movie industries are all called Nollywood. So, there is no difference. That is the case in America, where you have more music stars than actors as brand ambassadors.
How is married life?
We thank God. Marriage is sweet.
How do you juggle your career with family life?
It is one thing at a time, this one comes and it gives way for another thing.
Your friends and fans are still asking when you will complete your Lagos twin duplex?
Uche, leave me out of this please o (laughs). See my head o.
You are not a politician, but you are supporting the Abia State governor, Dr T. A. Orji?
He is giving Abia State a new lease of life after the years of the locust.
You are also supporting Ifeanyi Ubah’s bid to be Anambra State governor?
I want the best for Ndi Igbo. And I know that Anambra State is like a father to us. So, Anambra people deserve the best. And if Ifeanyi Ubah will bring that positive change Anambra people need, what then are they waiting for? That is my position on Anambra 2013 guber poll.
What is happening to your foundation?
Aki and Pawpaw Child Care Foundation is doing very well. We are doing a lot to help children that are vulnerable, that is the needy. Our main objective is to take care of young African children who are homeless and hopeless. It was established in 2005. And we have been funding it independently.
We also learnt you have been contacted for the Flood with Love Campaign?
That is true. I have done a photo shoot for the campaign.
What is it you earnestly desire from God Almighty now?
First, long life, good health and wisdom. Every other thing is secondary.
– UCHE OLEHI
