United Kingdom-based Theodora Ibekwe-Oyebade is an actress, movie producer, event promoter and one of the best Nigerian publicists in the UK. In this interview with ORUKPE NELSON, she talked about her works and how she rose to stardom.

What was growing up like?

I had a wonderful childhood; I am from Imo State but grew up in Edo State. I grew up with my three siblings and my ever loving and caring parents, who instilled a lot of discipline in us and of course gave us all the education that any child would have ever dreamt of having.

Was acting your first choice of career path?

I had always wanted to be an actress but my academic record meant that I would follow a different path. When I was a child, I was considered a genius. I read sciences even though I had a flair for acting even as a child. I read Education at Auchi Polytechnic before taking Accounting at University of Lagos. After my studies, I left the country for England. When I got to the UK, I didn’t even have acting in mind; I wanted to go back to school and do a postgraduate course, but it was expensive so I got jobs to make ends meet. Then one day, I got a call inviting me to be a TV presenter in a job I didn’t apply for. It was later I found that it came from the veteran speaker, Dayo Olomu. It was my work as co-presenter with Dayo Olomu on Passion TV that launched me into the entertainment world in the UK. That is why I tell people that what you are going to be can be delayed but never denied. This offer came on a platter from someone I never met and that gave me the big break I needed in the entertainment industry.

So acting was not really your first choice of career then. Tell us some of the movies you have featured in.

I fell into acting really. I’d been quite interested in acting but didn’t know how to go about it. I stood in as MC at an event and was later approached by a producer to be the lead in his first movie – ‘Heavy Mama’ – in London, which also starred Jim Iyke. Later on, I got involved in a Ben TV series called Everyday Life. My most recent film role is as Crystal in the soon to be premiered 18 Carat Mama. I have also just completed filming of a TV pilot of Housewives and Girlfriends. Others include Mum, Dad, Meet Sam with Joseph Benjamin; Purity of Heart; Battered; Heartless Career; Labo; The Broken Bride; Ikpaya; Amina and, of course, my very own movie, Shameful Deceit.

Tell us about Shameful Deceit. How is it faring in the market?

Shameful Deceit was the pride of 2013; it had the biggest premiere of any Nollywood film in the UK since Mirror Boy. It is still being talked about. Due to other work pressures, we have not had the time to take it on tour as we desired. We still plan to premiere it in Nigeria in the very near future. It was hard work to produce the film but a real joy. It has become a benchmark for film making in UK Nollywood.

Are we expecting more movie productions from Theodora’s stable in the near future?

Movie making for us in UK Nollywood is going to a different level. For our next movie, we are currently developing a script. Once we are happy with the screenplay, we will start casting and should be ready to shoot another movie very soon.

You were in the news a lot last year. Tell us about the awards you won last year.

I’ll say that I have paid my dues. I haven’t arrived yet but over the years people have seen my work, my beauty pageants, promotions, events, performances and my personality. I think I am a very warm, likeable person and people support me the way I have supported them. It was a joy to add to my huge tally of awards. I received BEFFTA awards for Best Producer and Rising Star; a NUBAA (Iroko TV sponsored) Favourite Actress award; a Recognition award from ZAFAA for my contribution to the advancement of African cinema in the UK. I am proud of these awards and thank God for the honour bestowed on me by my peers. It’s hard to stay relevant as there are many others in hot pursuit but I keep it real, with no airs and graces. My work ethic is very good and people can rely on me to deliver my best in everything.

How did you get to the top of London’s entertainment industry so fast?

I would not say that I have arrived, there is so much more to achieve. I reckon that I have gained recognition as a result of my early television work – working with Dayo Olomu, who is an accomplished motivational speaker in the UK; having a part in the OBE soap, Everyday Life; then becoming the founder and organiser of the Miss Elegant beauty pageant. Of course, as a public relations person, I have helped to publicise numerous personalities and events, being a catalyst of their success. I thank God for His grace, mercy and faithfulness, always.

You mentioned you are also into Public Relations. Are you an artiste promoter?

PR is what I do best. I have a knack for it and have a good relationship with many magazine publishers – both hard copy and online, in addition to having contacts in television – Ben TV, OH TV, Nollywood Movies, etc. It has given me a kind of leverage to successfully promote any individual or event that I am approached for. I feel that I have a flair for public relations. Having been a TV presenter on Passion TV and Ben TV, I gained a fan base that wanted to hear and read about what I was up to. As MC, I also had my clients. It was therefore natural for me to promote events that I am involved in. Over the years, people naturally gravitate towards me to promote their events.

Can you mention a few names of the celebrities you have done PR jobs for?

I have done PR for Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, John Utaka the footballer, and most Nollywood UK stars. I also assisted in the promotion of Chimamanda’s novel-turned-movie, Half of a Yellow Sun. Other movies that I have promoted include The Briefcase; Diary of a Thief (starring YulEdochie); Last Flight to Abuja. I promoted Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit 2013 and 2014; Nigerian Olympics Event 2012; John Utaka Foundation fundraising, Clarion Chukwura fundraising and that of Ngozi Nwosu.

What is the Nigerian entertainment industry like in the UK?

Nollywood UK is a growing industry, as more and more Nigerians are interested in appearing in our films, which is quite encouraging. There are some talented filmmakers and we have definitely gained a foothold here. I am also proud to be one of the new and hot Nollywood producers in the UK, building the Nigerian entertainment profile.

With the recent production of Chimamanda’s novel turned movie done on a very high budget, do you think this will take Nollywood films to a whole new level in terms of production?

Ah! You stole those words from my lips! Indeed, Nollywood in general is moving upwards and forward. Half of a Yellow Sun is an exception because we don’t have access to the kind of budget it had. Nollywood is making better movies which the world at large wants to see. We do not necessarily have to spend $10,000,000 to guarantee a good film. Big budgets will ensure that we get the job done without financial pressure – good sound, good picture quality, good actors, etc.

What is the general perception of Nigerian movies in the UK?

Nollywood is doing very well in the UK and indeed Europe and the Caribbean. There is a great demand for our films and the Caucasians are attending our premieres and enjoying the films.

How can we position Nollywood movies to fit into international movie settings?

We do have good story lines exploring social issues. However, we need to concentrate more on these rather than supernatural issues, which portray us as superstitious and backward. Good training at all levels of film making is necessary, from acting to directing, editing and post production to marketing and distribution. It is time Nollywood restricted movie running time to less than two hours except in exceptional epics; four VCDs with different titles just won’t do anymore. Our sound editing and mixing have improved and we use sophisticated camera equipment. We are on the right path.

Tell us more about the beauty pageant.

I started Miss Elegant in 2009; the first pageant was called Miss Nollywood. Miss Elegant is a different kind of pageant. We don’t look for slim people alone, everybody is eligible to apply. We look out for beauty, brains and poise. Miss Elegant international is a pageant where people from all over the world are eligible to participate, as there is also no age limit or restrictions on married ladies. I’m thinking of organising Miss Elegant Nigeria, which will be strictly for the Nigerian public.

What challenges do you encounter in the course of your job and how you manage them?

There are many challenges such as the usual rivalries, envy, the glass ceiling where women are still shut out. But I am blessed; I am driven and never back down. I am also a hardworking person. When I have an idea for anything, I am relentless and I do manage to win. It’s never been easy but I love challenges. I have been able to compete for PR assignments on a level playing field.

You got married last year. Why did you do it secretly?

My dear, it is because of bad belle of some people. That’s the main reason. I had ‘frienemies’, whose purpose in life was to destroy a previous relationship and I didn’t want any disruption of any kind on my happy day. Only very close family members were invited and it was a joyous occasion.

Is being married affecting your budding career in any way?

Being married has been a great bonus to my life. My hubby supports me in everything I do as he is very much into show business.

What attracted you to your husband?

Ayo is a warm and generous man. He goes out of his way to assist others and he complements me nicely.

Describe your style

I dress simply. I don’t go for fanciful stuff but I love to accessorize. Jewellery and belts help make my outfits stand out. Of course, I do have designers falling over themselves to make clothes for me, especially for movie premieres. Desiri Couture is my favourite designer.

What are the fashion items you cannot do without?

I love bling! Accessories are my favourites.

What fashion item are you crazy about?

I wouldn’t say I have a fetish for any fashion item but I do love bags. I can spot a designer bag from a mile off and most times, I’ve got to have that bag.

If you are going for a red carpet event, do you style yourself or do you have a professional stylist?

I do not have a stylist per se; however, my designer ensures that I look good during my fittings. My hair and make-up are usually done by the fabulous Libeks BC.

How do you relax?

I love to party. Of course, my status means that I am invited to most Nollywood movie premieres, award events and parties. I go clubbing with my friends and dance the night away. While chilling at home, I get engrossed in Nollywood movies and Facebook. I also love to go out eating when I am not in the kitchen cooking different delicacies

What is your inspiration?

Cliché, I know, but God inspires me. I have learnt in all circumstances to trust in Him, lean on Him and allow Him to guide my steps.

If you ever get the chance to rule Nigeria for a year, what will be the urgent thing you would like to do for your country?

The Nigerian presidency is a poisoned chalice and I’ll not take on the challenge. However, being a PR personality, I would love to run a PR campaign to improve Nigeria’s image in the world.

What puts you off people?

Lies, betrayal and unrepentant people, although I’m very forgiving.

Describe Theodora in one word

Blessed!