Nollywood actress and filmmaker Bolaji Ogunmola recently opened up about the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships and maintaining mental well-being in a new video posted on her YouTube channel. In the video, Ogunmola emphasized the value of keeping a small circle of friends, explaining that having fewer close relationships can lead to better mental health and personal fulfillment. “I don’t have a big circle of friends,” she said, adding, “I have a lot of colleagues and acquaintances, but friends who truly know me are not as many.” She stressed that while her professional life brings her into contact with many people, she prefers quality connections over quantity.
The actress also discussed the concept of helping others, advising her audience to do so selflessly, without expecting anything in return. “When you are helping people, never think of what you are going to get in return,” she shared, cautioning against an entitled attitude. “As human beings, we have a bit of entitlement when it comes to helping people. ‘Oh, I gave this person something.’ If you are going to do it with the expectation of something in return, I don’t think that is kindness.” Her message encouraged viewers to embrace genuine acts of kindness and generosity, free of personal expectations.
In addition to her thoughts on kindness, Ogunmola discussed the importance of self-advocacy, especially in the face of negativity and injustice. Reflecting on her own experiences, she urged people to stand up for themselves when faced with false accusations or harmful rumors. “When people are carrying negativity about you that is untrue, please stand up for yourself,” she advised, adding, “I used to say God will judge, karma will meet somebody somewhere. God will fight my battle. He does fight my battles. Speak up for yourself, especially in the face of injustice.” Her words resonated with many, reinforcing the idea that speaking out is necessary to protect one’s reputation and mental peace.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, Ogunmola also touched on her views about the portrayal of sensuality in Nollywood films. Defending the inclusion of sexual scenes when necessary to tell a story, she explained that it is important to stay true to the characters being portrayed. “I think it is needed sometimes to drive home certain aspects of the character portrayed,” she said. “One cannot be telling stories about pr*stitutes or strippers, and they would be fully clothed. If the story requires it, then let them show it.” She emphasized that a good film is remembered for its emotional depth, rather than just its provocative scenes. “When a film is very good, the sexual scenes are not the first thing people would remember. It would be about how the film made them feel,” she explained.
Ogunmola also spoke about her role in the movie Before Valentines, a project that has garnered significant attention and praise. “The reception the movie has enjoyed has been extremely humbling and very exciting,” she shared. “For one’s work to resonate with people is something to be thankful for.” She expressed her gratitude for the positive response to her performance and revealed how she drew inspiration for her character, ‘Chika.’ “My experience playing ‘Chika’ was wonderful,” she said. “I literally just had to ‘channel’ a friend I knew in university who was exactly like the character.” Ogunmola noted that Chika’s personality was one many people could relate to. “I think everyone knows or has experienced a Chika before; maybe without the drama, but we all know a Christian sister who is literally married to Jesus,” she added with a smile.