Encomium
Thelma Okoduwa-Ojiji is an Edo born actress who studied Computer Science at the University of Port Harcourt. A notable friend of Rita Dominic, the beautiful actress in an interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly opened up on her marriage, reasons for being off the screen and her plans to fill in the spaces she left behind…
What can you say about the entertainment industry at the moment?
I would say we are on a different platform and level right now because thinking of where we are coming from, the change is really massive and we are doing great.
You have been off the screen, where have you been?
I am still very much in the industry. Although I was away for a while because I got married and have children now, I am fully back into the industry.
How would you rate your career over the years?
I would say it has been a bit slow but I am now ready to take over all the spaces I left behind.
How did you get into the movie industry?
I got into acting some years back. My first appearance was in Chico Ejiro’s movie but for sometime now, I’ve been featuring in soaps. I featured in soaps like Beautiful Liars, Treasures, Family Ties, Spider, Tinsel produced by M-Net, and a couple of other soaps.
Did your parents welcome your decision to go into acting?
My parents, while they lived, were very liberal. They were not opposed to our choices in terms of pursuing a decent career.
How was growing up like for you?
Growing up was fun. I’m from Uromi, Esan, Edo state. My upbringing was punctuated by a kind of strictness where we had to obey all the rules despite the fact that my parents are no more. I didn’t face so much challenges as a child because my movement was restricted. More so, I was very shy though I’ve out grown that now. I don’t want to say that the restriction was a challenge for me because I’ve always been an introvert .So, I was fine with the style.
Have you always wanted to do acting as a child or it came along the way?
I never thought about it as a child. I did a certificate course in Theatre Arts (CTA) at the University of Port Harcourt. Later, I switched to acquire a degree in Computer Science.
Did you study the course because you wanted to act?
No, I never thought I would become an actress some day, but I just loved to demonstrate anything I watched on screen. Till I graduated, I didn’t know I would go into acting. I guess circumstances led me into it.
Aside the movies, have you ever thought about settling down with ICT later?
Apart from being a mother and a wife, I also do other things. I deal in interior decoration, I actually sell them myself. So I’ll either go back to ICT or continue my business.
Can you tell us about your husband?
He is one of the most supportive men.
Tell us, what was the attraction?
Basically, his simplicity and mentality swept me off my feet. He is one of the simplest men I know.
How did you meet your husband?
I actually met my husband in the course of my job when I went to Abuja to do a stage performance. He didn’t come to watch the show because he’s not a Nollywood fan so he didn’t know me at all. But somehow I ran into him through a friend.
So, how does he feel whenever he watches some of the romantic roles you play in movies?
He has a problem with that but at least he believes in me. Before we got married, he used to insist on going through the script before I accept any role to ensure I won’t be kissing anybody.
But right now, he’s fine with it. It’s not as if he’s giving me the free hand to do all that but there’s a limit to which I can go.
How are you enjoying marriage?
I have been rocking it right from the start. My husband is the best man ever not because he is my husband but because he is just awesome.
How do you intend juggling between family and career?
I have actually been working and finding time for my family at the same time. My second child is three while my first child is older. We all have been doing the struggle together. My husband has been there for me, so it’s been good.
What should your fans look forward to?
They should look forward to the best of me and the best of my works.
– DOLAPO AMODENI
