Veteran Nollywood, actress Patience Ozokwor, popularly known as Mama G, took a moment at the pre-premiere dinner of Funke Akindele’s movie Everybody Loves Jenifa to reflect on her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a household name. In a candid conversation with attendees, she opened up about her life before fame and the hardships she endured to provide for her family.
Speaking to a gathered crowd, Mama G revealed the struggles she faced while trying to make ends meet for her children. She shared how she took on odd jobs to support her family, including a particularly difficult one that left a lasting impact on her life. “I used to go to the morgue to dress dead bodies so my children could go to school and eat,” she revealed, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. “I did a lot of things to make my family what they are today.”
Mama G’s transparency about her past resonated deeply with the audience, as she spoke about the difficult times when she had to make extraordinary sacrifices to ensure her children had a future. Her words underscored her unwavering commitment to her family and her resilience in the face of adversity.
Despite these hardships, the actress emphasized the importance of perseverance, citing that her community recognizes and appreciates the efforts she made throughout her life. “You know they say no problem is accepted in his town, but in my own place, they appreciate me a lot because they saw me through all these things,” she said. Her words highlighted the local admiration she has earned for overcoming challenges to achieve her success.
Mama G also took the opportunity to praise her fellow Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele, who was at the event to promote her new film. The veteran actress expressed deep admiration for Funke’s work ethic and resilience, likening her to herself. “Funke Akindele is a very strong woman. I love strong women. I am a strong woman,” Mama G declared. “I am talking about the things that I do at home. I am a very strong woman, I went through thick and thin to become who I am today.”
In her remarks, Mama G acknowledged the similarities between her own life and Funke’s journey. She drew parallels between the challenges both women faced while building their careers and supporting their families. “That’s the way I see Funke. When I see her, I look at myself. She’s a replica of who I am,” Mama G said, emphasizing their shared resilience and determination.
At the pre-premiere dinner, both actresses were in good spirits as they interacted with the guests. Funke Akindele, whose film Everybody Loves Jenifa is highly anticipated, was the center of attention, but Mama G’s candid reflections on her past undoubtedly added a layer of inspiration to the evening.
As Mama G looked back on her journey, she underscored the power of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. Her story serves as a reminder of the challenges many face before finding success, but also of the rewards that come from unrelenting dedication. “I went through thick and thin,” she said, reiterating the resilience that shaped her journey.
