Connect with us
Advertisment

Business

‘I’ll be the First Nigerian actress to feature in Hollywood’ – Nkechi Emmanuel AKA Nurse Titi

Published

on

48ecc167df720ae31c417a6796756f3e-1 gha

Advertisment
Nollywood actress, Nkechi Emmanuel A. K. A Nurse Titi who rose into prominence after her much talked about role in Movie series, Clinic Matters is no doubt one who is talented and passionate about her work as an actress.
     Just like every other successful person in life, she has been through some tough times too but through her strong will, she was able to scale through.
   In an interview with Saharaweekly, she revealed how she started her career, the challenges and how she was able to overcome.
   Excerpts below:

Q – How would you describe stardom and to what extent would you say clinic matters has helped you?

A- clinic matters has really helped me in every area of my life; career wise, it has boasted my career, it has boosted my career, it has open doors for me in nollywood,it has given me opportunities to work with better people in the industry and through that channel, they’ve been able to believe in me and in what I can deliver and give me the opportunity to do other jobs. Clinic matters was the last audition I attended, after that, I’ve just been getting my roles. I can’t even remember the last time I went for a table casting, all I do is receive call to pick a script and see if I like the story, I go for it so clinic matters is a great opportunity and a great channel for me.

Advertisment

Talking about my life, it has given me the opportunity to meet with other people everywhere I go, everyone likes me. my family have been able to come closer, not like we weren’t close before but the bond is now there, they feel happy and love has increased so clinic matters has been a plus in my life.

Q – I read a lot about you and I could remember then when you said you attend more than three auditions in a day in different locations, would we be right to say clinic matters is a move that shot you to limelight?

A – yes, it is. Like I said earlier, before clinic matters, I’ve been everywhere in lagos, I’ve been jumping from one place to another without even knowing if I’ll be chosen for the role or not. When I was doing clinic matters season 1, used to go to paul’s office casually and he will just call me to come get my script for the next season and I’ll just walk in and go. After season 2, I couldn’t pass his office peacefully anymore, anytime I get to his office, I will just sit in the car for like 10 – 15 minutes to gather up courage because he has people selling something around his office.most times, I met my other colleagues there and it’s always like a movie itself. It’s just been God, I’ve stopped doing what I used to do, that’s when I realized clinic matters has shot me to limelight.

Advertisement

Q – I could remember before then, people know you as sexy but now, it seems “Nurse Titi” has rub-off that nick from you, what’s your take on that?

A – I would say people usually call me ENKAY SEXY. Yes even till date but people who are closer to me still call me sexy, even till tomorrow, people will still call me sexy but most people who would prefer to call me nurse Titi call me that and some people even tag me as “sexy nurse Titi”. Even my sister calls me sexy at home.

Q – At what point did you dad actually accept you as actress and not the lawyer he wanted you to be?

A – it was when He started watching clinic matters on TV. Clinic matters was first aired on national TV and not on CD and every time I’m not in the house I maybe I’ve gone out for shooting, when I get back, I’m always like my dad is gonna scream, but when come in, he will be smiling and I started getting the knowledge that he’s been watching some episodes on TV. Gradually, he started accepting it cos of the role I’m playing. The role gave him more reason to accept it because I didn’t go on TV and start playing a romance scene, the character is cool, educative, in formative and he even got to learn some things from my mouth on TV so I think those are the things that made him relax.

Q – All that time when he was on your neck, was there a time you felt like giving up?

R – There was no time like that. There was no space because the thing just happened suddenly. There was a church programme which we all attended then, they brought actors to our church and that same day, I told my mum that I want to act and on Monday, I saw an advert on TV for those interested in acting and on Monday evening, I told my mum and requested for some money to go for audition, that same night, I prayed, gathered courage and told my dad. The whole thing happened in the course of the week, I went to national theatre on Thursday of the week and I started attending audition so there was no time for him to pressurize me and not after that,I got my first major role where I played the role of a nurse titled ‘ When you are mine’ and the producer of the movie is a fast person so in a week, the movie came out and it went viral so the producer of clinic matters saw my performance and the next week, he invited me for an audition. Immediately we finished audition, we started shooting and it went on air so in a month, everything happened so there was no space for him to really press me down.

Q – What would you describe as the secret of your success?

R –I would say its God, perseverance, focus and humility. I was opportuned to meet ‘Klint D Drunk; on a movie set and I watched him and was pleased. He was down to earth, playing with everybody, you will not even know he was the one. We became friends and he picked me as a sister, always advising me to always drop my shoulder and be humble, coupled with the fact that I was focused, determined, prayerful, and with my humility, everything just worked together and that has been what pushed me to success till date.

Q – What were the challenges you faced and how were you able to overcome them?

Q – I went through a lot of challenges; going for audition very early in the morning and seeing that you are number 71 on the list and looking around, you begin to wonder where the remaining 70 are. It was bad that some people would come very early, write their names and go back home to shower. I’ll stay under the sun, no food, no water, till they call you, the competition will be very high because you are not the only best actress and after you are done, they will promise to get back, some will, some will not, so many disappointments. Some will call you and give you role and promise to pay when you done but they eventually end up giving you stories, they will leave you empty handed. So many debt outside there but you can’t just start pursuing them, you just have to focus on what you want so the challenges have been so bad but I thank God I’ve overcome and outgrown some.

Q – Everybody has their source of Inspiration, anytime you are acting, what inspires you?

R – There was a job I was doing, I was acting and the director just stopped suddenly and asked me to come and said ‘ let me tell you something today and have it at the back your mind, job you are doing, always do it like it’s your last Job on earth’’ and after that word, I did the scene again and he was pleased. That got me going, you know, everytime I remember it, it just rings a bell to me and whenever I remember that, I act like it’s going to be my last. Another thing that inspires me is my Mother. She has always been supportive and likes to see every little thing I do. Anytime I act, she’s always glad to see it. She’s always been there to support my career. Whenever I’m driving out of the house, she comes to the veranda and start looking at me like I’m not going to return and she’s just somebody I don’t want to disappoint so anytime I remember her, I want to do more and she’s a woman who has always been there for her kids. She’s strong, I want to be stronger than she is, she has always been inspiring me.

In acting, I’ve always loved Angelina Jolie, she’s a strong woman. When she acts, she acts like there is no tomorrow so when I remember her, it give me motivation, even if nobody has ever broken that bond in Nigeria from Nollywood, I’ll do it.

I’ve made inquires about how it happens over there and I’ve seen how they do it. They have white skin Hollywood and black skin Hollywood. Going through the black skin Hollywood isn’t that easy not to talk of white skin Hollywood, it’s a No No and I’m like this barrier, I’ll break it. All I pray for is the strength; opportunity and I know it will come soon because I’m on that channel now.

Q – Why do you prefer acting in movies shot in Warri?

R – One, Warri people are fun to be with, two, the environment is conducive enough. I just like Warri, the way they talk alone can drag you to joy, there’s this their broken way of talking, their acting, when you see a small Warri boy, you won’t even know he’s small. Little things gives me Joy and I love to be wherever I find joy. My first film there was ‘Free Langua’ Where I had to learn how to speak their Langua, and act with it so it was fun.

 

Q- What’s your plan about shooting your own movie?

R – I don’t know if I would produce a movie of mine, if God says Yes. I’ll do it but for now, even if I want to do that, I wouldn’t want to venture into it ‘cos I see one or two people do it. I’ll want to go and study because it’s a course on it’s own, even if it’s for three months, I’ll have to study the basics so I don’t make mistakes in the end or regret. I know a whole lot of people who are now producing but I’ll have to study it first so I’ll go into it as a professional. Now, I’ve a lot on my desk as an actress so I’ll have to clear my desk first, only God knows maybe in the next five years.

Q – Who are those you admire in the industry?

 

R – I admire a lot of people, a lot inspires me, lot of role model I can’t start listing but I like Genevieve, Omotola Jolade.

In fact, when I was coming up, she was one of those that took me to her office and made me understand that I should study first cos I was in school then and that I should come back to acting later so I went back to study though I was still acting but when it comes to exam time, I put acting aside. I don’t know how the devil works, when it’s exam period, that’s when I get the best job.

Q – What can you say your smile has open doors for?

R – My smile, it has opened doors ooo…most times when I go to a place and it’s becoming difficult, I’ll be lie let me just see the Manager. Getting in there, i’ll smile to the person first because it says another different thing, it creates a better audience so when I smile to the person, no matter the sex, he or she will ask me to have my sit and from there, the conversation begins. Some other people will just call me to do a video of me smiling and many more, it’s a way of helping me look younger and open doors, it’s now part of me.

Q – Can you take us through your beauty routine?

R – When I wake up in morning, I do exercise, have my shower and use my cosmetics. I make sure I don’t sleep with my make-up on no matter how tired I am and I make sure I brush my teeth before I sleep. I also mind what I take into my body, not just because I don’t want to add up weight but I need to keep up my skin.

Q – Some people believe men are more emotional than women, what’s your take on this?

R – I’m a very emotional person but to compare between men and women, you guys are strong (laughs). Hardly will you see a man that will start crying over job loss, heart-break, but you can see a girl crying because she’s broke, you will still see a broke guy playing around with his friends.

Q – In your lonely moment, what do you do?

R – I just stuck in my headphone and listen to music then relax. The lyrics help me get over any situation and the next day, I’m good to go and sometimes, I could be like ‘ this life, I cannot kill myself’. I just call my friends or colleagues and party with them. I just let God take control.

Q – When was the last time you cried?

R – that was on a Movie set.

Q – In the midst of your busy schedule, how do you unwind?

R – I just find time, either I just want to be alone and listen to music or I go out to party.

Q – To what extent would you say fame rob-off your relationship?

R – It hasn’t

Q – How do you deal with crazy fans?

R – I’m one person that likes to give audience to my fans but we don’t get close. I’ve this fan that sent me a mess mess ago but I was busy doing something at the moment so I didn’t reply. Suddenly, I just saw his message, abusing me, insulting me, I just didn’t say a word. I understand how he felt but he didn’t understand I was just waiting for the perfect time. There’s another that sends me airtime every weekend. I accepted the first one so it doesn’t look like I’m rejecting but he kept sending it and it started looking like a weekend gift so I called his attention and he was like he’s not requesting for anything, that he just feels like giving me. I was surprised so I have so many of them. My male crazy fans are much but I thank God I handle them with wisdom. Some are beginning to understand that I’m trying ‘cos I got a lengthy message from one of them appreciating the fact that I’ve time to reply my fans, there are people who don’t reply at all

Q – What are you working on presently?

R – There’s something I’m working on presently but I don’t want to let it out now. I don’t want to say anything about it now. The next one is i’m working on a new TV series.

 

Advertisment
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Business

Wema Bank Celebrates Remarkable Journey of 79 years

Published

on

Wema Bank Celebrates Remarkable Journey of 79 years

 

Advertisment

 

In a remarkable celebration of heritage and innov ation, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT today announced a joint celebration marking Wema Bank’s 79th years and ALAT’s 7 years anniversaries. This significant celebration not only commemorates nearly eight decades of exceptional service and innovation in the Nigerian banking sector but also celebrates the bank’s seven years of digital excellence with ALAT.

Advertisment

 

Wema Bank Celebrates Remarkable Journey of 79 years

 

Advertisement

 

Since its inception in 1945, Wema Bank has been at the forefront of financial innovation, constantly adapting to meet the evolving needs of its customers. Over the decades, the bank has evolved from a regional bank to a national bank, adapting continuously to meet the dynamic needs of its customers and establishing itself as a pillar of trust and reliability for millions of individuals and businesses across Nigeria.

According to the MD/CEO Wema Bank, Mr. Moruf Oseni, the bank’s evolution from being Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank to being at the forefront of innovation, pioneering Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has been a true story of resilience and transformation.

“At 79, Wema Bank stand stronger than ever, and this achievement would not have been possible without the support of our customers and employees. We thank them for believing in the Wema vision, for entrusting their financial security to us, and for allowing us to contribute to their personal and professional aspirations. Their faith in us is deeply cherished, and we are honored to serve them.”

“As we mark our 79th year today, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering lives through innovation, and exceeding our customers expectations with unparalleled banking experiences tailored to their needs. Our pledge is to stand by our customers through every stage of life, offering enabling platforms to accelerate their growth and propel them to extraordinary heights.”

“While the past 79 years have been remarkable, we anticipate that the coming decades will be even more inspiring. With the partnership of our customers and employees, Wema Bank is poised to set new standards in financial services and redefine the future.” He concluded.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, Wema Bank and ALAT are rolling out a series of customer-focused activities designed to reward loyalty and enhance the customer experience. Throughout the anniversary month, customers will enjoy various promotions, including discounts on transactions, cash prizes, special loan offers and much more.

This anniversary is more than a celebration; it’s a reaffirmation of Wema Bank’s resilience and ongoing commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction in a competitive industry. Both Wema Bank and ALAT are poised for further growth, with strategic initiatives designed to enhance customer-centric services and expand the reach yearsw capability of digital banking solutions.

Advertisment
Continue Reading

Business

Federal Housing Authority goes digital …As the MD/CEO flags off Digitalisation drive

Published

on

Federal Housing Authority goes digital
…As the MD/CEO flags off Digitalisation drive.

 

Advertisment

 

The Managing Director and Chief Executive, Federal Housing Authority, Hon Oyetunde Ojo, May 1st, 2024 flagged off the Authority’s digitization drive.
In a ceremony at FHA’s head office, the MD CEO noted that the digitalisation effort is the first phase of the organisation’s march towards being a fully digitized outfit. This phase he stated covers all the Authority’s internal operations. He stated that the next phase that would take off in the coming weeks would be the real time interface with the public: allottees, prospective customers and Stakeholders.

Advertisment

 

 

 

Advertisement

Describing the event as a significant milestone in the Authority’s history and corporate existence, Hon Ojo noted that it has become necessary for FHA to embrace digitalisation to stay competitive and relevant.

 

Federal Housing Authority goes digital
...As the MD/CEO flags off Digitalisation drive.

 

In his words, the MD said : ” in today’s rapidly evolving world, where technology continues to reshape industries and redefine how we operate, it has become imperative for us to embrace digitalisation to stay competitive, efficient and relevant.
The FHA Chief Executive noted that when his management resumed duties about two months ago, they found It unacceptable to lead the nation’s premier housing agency operating analogue in the this 21st century. He noted that their resolve and commitment to modernize and streamline the Authority’s operations, enhance service delivery, and ultimately serve the Stakeholders better, was the driving and motivating force behind them.
Hon Oyetunde Ojo also emphasized that the robust programmes of his management towards expanding the operations of the Authority has made it expedient to embrace digitalisation.
Citing FHA’S role in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) on Housing, the commencement of the Authority’s Diaspora City initiative as some of the projects FHA is currently involved in, he pointed out that the enormity of the projects can only be supported by digitalisation.
According to him, “…it has become more pertinent now that FHA is in the fore front of Housing revolution in the country through President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in Housing… the Authority is also getting set fir the take off of the Diaspora City initiative, meant to help our people living outside the country to gave befitting homes back home”
Continuing, he said that the enormous nature of these projects has made digitization of FHA more expedient.
” We are repositioning an FHA where people could stay in the confines of their homes and monitor their investments with us, buy houses, obtain any information the want, just by the click of a button”. He said.
The MD revealed that the coming months and years will witness series of digital initiatives that would be rolled out across the Authority. He declared, ” … from automating manual processes to digitizing records, implementing advanced analytics, and enhancing cybersecurity measures, our digitalisation efforts will touch every aspect of our organization”.
Hon Ojo encouraged the staff to embrace the changes that comes with digitalisation. ” As we embark on this journey, I encourage each and every one of you to embrace change, to be open to new ideas, and actively participate in our digital transformation. Together, we have the opportunity to shape the future of FHA and pave the way for a more innovative, efficient, resilient organization “. He said.

Advertisment
Continue Reading

Business

Backward Integration: Dangote Targets 700,000MT of Refined Sugar in Four years

Published

on

Dangote reacts to EFCC’s visit to its Headquarters

Backward Integration: Dangote Targets 700,000MT of Refined Sugar in Four years

…As Q1 revenue rise by 20.1% to N122.7bn

 

Advertisment

Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc (DSR) has unveiled plans to produce 700,000 metric tonnes of refined sugar from locally grown sugarcane in the next four years, through its Backward Integration Programme (BIP).

Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Aliko Dangote stated this at the company’s 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held yesterday in Lagos, just as the Nigerian Exchange released the company’s first-quarter result for 2024, indicating an increase of 20.1 per cent in its revenue to N122.7 billion.

Advertisment

Dangote, at the AGM, said in alignment with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s policy guidelines, DSR continues to focus on and enhance its Backward Integration Project (BIP) by deploying and reviewing project strategies to ensure efficient delivery.

He noted that the 700,000 metric tonnes would meet 50 per cent of the current market demand for refined sugar. According to him, the 10-year sugar development plan to produce 1.5 million MT of sugar per annum from locally grown sugarcane remains a germane roadmap to the attainment of the Company’s objectives.

“Our focus is on achieving the revised targets set for DSR Numan Operations, Dangote Adamawa Sugar Limited, and Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited, while we are hopeful that the Taraba State Government will resolve the community payment issues that have led to the stoppage of activities at the Dangote Taraba Sugar Limited, Lau/Tau project.”

Advertisement

He added that “…During the year under review, despite the challenges we were faced with, the company significantly scaled up investment in the Backward Integration Projects with the ongoing expansion of the DSR Numan factory refining capacity from 3,000TCD to 9,800TCD year-end.

“The factory will be increased with an additional 5,200TCD to 15,000 TCD (tonnes of cane crushed per day) eventually to meet the need in view of the massive land development activities also going on at the site. The aim is to achieve 24,200 hectares in total by the year 2029.”

He also emphasised that despite the adverse impact on the business environment by the continuous increase in the inflationary trend, lack of liquidity and FX to fund the company’s equipment import among others for the backward integration projects, concerted efforts are ongoing to secure the needed funds for the development of the Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited project at Tunga in Awe Local Government Area of the state.

“This will enable the company to put in place the needed infrastructure for the eventual commencement of full-scale production and ensure that the Dangote Sugar Backward Integration ‘Sugar for Nigeria Project’ is achieved. In the end, over $700 million investment would be committed to the Backward Integration Programme,” he added.

Dangote said that the Dangote Sugar (Ghana) Limited, was established as a subsidiary of the Company during the year under review, in line with the plan to expand its presence in the sugar industry across Africa.

On outlook, he stated that “achievement of the goals of the Sugar Backward Integration Master Plan remains our focus. This will go a long way in delivering the anticipated benefits, especially in FX savings and cushioning its impact on our operations amongst other benefits to the company, all stakeholders, and the nation.”

Group Managing Director/CEO of Dangote Sugar, Ravindra Singhvi said, “Despite these challenges, we are resolute and focused on the delivery of our business targets in the medium to long term.”

He pointed out that “as we continue to navigate through the scarcity and high cost of foreign exchange, escalating costs of raw materials amongst others, our focus is to enhance the effectiveness of our supply chain processes, optimise cost, improve our operational efficiencies and delivery on our Sugar for Nigeria backward integration project.”

He said “the target is to produce a minimum of 1.5MT refined sugar annually from locally produced sugarcane at our integrated sugar production estates, which is expected to alleviate some pressure on costs and our demand for foreign currency.

“Achievement of a sustainable business remains one of our key strategies and concerted efforts were made towards sustaining the achievements we have recorded in the past,” Singhvi added.

Advertisment
Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending