‘I am still enjoying motherhood despite it being stressful’ – LEPA SHANDY

FAMOUS thespian, Folashade Omoniyi-Adewale, otherwise known as Lepa Shandy, has admitted enjoying motherhood, despite it being stressful.  She also confessed that being away from the industry for a while has affected her career, but she is still enjoying being Lepa Shandy.
Since the Osogbo, Osun born actress remarried a couple of years back, she has relocated to Dublin, Republic of Ireland with her new husband, David Adewale, and God has blessed their marriage with two boys.  Lepa who is very excited and joyous about being a mother told ENCOMIUM Weekly on Thursday, May 1, 2014, when she was cornered at an event in Ikeja, Lagos, that she is still willing to give her husband a set of twins.

What’s your view about the industry at the moment?
Everything is getting worse.  Or what do you expect me to say?  But as far as I am concerned, I am even confused.  I don’t even want to say anything about it all.  Let’s just pretend that all is well.
But the Yoruba movie sector has divided into three now.  We have Association of Nigeria Theatre Art Practitioners (ANTP), Theatre Art and Motion Picture Practitioners of Nigeria (TAMPPAN) and The Movie Ambassadors (TMA).  Which one do you belong to?
I belong to everything so far it has theatre in it.  I don’t discriminate.
You have been around for quite a while, what do you have for your fans for them to know that Lepa Shandy is back fully?
It’s true I have been around for quite sometime, and I have done some jobs.  I thank God for that.  But don’t be surprised that I will soon leave Nigeria again.
Where do you intend going again?
UK of course, but we were formerly in Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
So soon, why?
As a matter of fact, was this the way I looked when I just came back?  I was better than this.  You too can assess my look now, you will agree with me that I have lost more flesh than ever.  In fact, there is too much stress in Nigeria, and I am fed up.  My husband had to come to Nigeria and asked me to leave.
Don’t you think the fact that you’re a nursing mother might have contributed to your physique now?
But I brought the children with me and I was a bit better. But now, I look so stressed.  Maybe because I just finished an event few days ago, where I overworked myself but at the same time, I am not supposed to be as lean as this.
How would you assess your career at the moment?
I will just say I thank God.  But to be sincere, I have not been shooting much movies.  But I give glory to God that I am still very much recognized anywhere I go.
Would you say being away for quite a while has affected your career?
I would say yes, because if you’re not around, you won’t be able to get scripts and the kind of jobs we do abroad are not too comfortable because of the conditions usually attached to them.  So, I would say because I have not been stable in Nigeria, that’s why jobs are not forthcoming.  But with the little time I had spent, I thank God that I am still recognized.
But you have been in Nigeria for more than a year?
Yes, but in between, I still travelled and came back.
You have two children in quick succession, how would you describe motherhood?
Interesting!  Although, it could be stressful, it’s still very much interesting, considering the fact that it took me a little while before I got them.  And I give glory to God for the very understanding husband He gave me.
Would you say you’re fulfilled now that you’re a mother after many years of waiting on the Lord for the fruit of the womb?
I won’t say that but I give thanks to God for making me a mother. It’s worth the wait, I am really enjoying it.
How many more do you still want to give your husband?
God willing, I want to give him twins.  And by God’s grace, I would have them. I so much love twins.
But considering your age, can you still stand the rigour in bearing more children because you should be 44 now…
(Cuts in) I am not, I am just 43.  If I want to make more children, it won’t be in Nigeria.
Where would it be and why?
It will be abroad where they will take good care of me.  They are more appreciative of life there than in Nigeria.

–  TADE ASIFAT