In an exclusive interview with Inside & About City Magazine, Nollywood actor Osita Iheme popularly known for his mischievous role as ‘Paw Paw’ in a Nigerian movie has revealed that he has interests in chasing a political ambition.
He also talks to the magazine about his personal life, his thoughts on the growth of Nollywood and much more.
Read excerpts below:
On his level of fame: I have always been a very optimistic person. I may not have seen how far I could go but I knew something great was coming. I can’t really tell you this is how far or this is how I knew it was going to be, but like I said, I had always believed that something great was around the corner.
On facing set-backs because of his height: No! No!! No!!! I have always seen myself as a leader especially when I am around my age mates. I have always put up a bold front because I am a bold person. I have been able to conquer and overcome the challenges that are around me irrespective of my nature and other things about my physical stature. I have been able to set aside anything that could bother me and moved on. I didn’t allow anything to really bother me while I was growing up.
On the Nigerian movie industry: We are moving forward. Where we are now is not where we were years ago. At the moment I can emphatically tell you that we are making good progress. Our technical expertise has improved as well as our acting. We have been involved in a lot of activities which include seminars and capacity building for film actors and new actors. The rate of production of new movies is still high. Now more movies are premiering at the cinemas. The Nigerian entertainment industry is indeed a million dollar industry. It has also become a rewarding venture for all the stakeholders.
On Nollywood rebranding Nigeria: Nollywood is a great brand ambassador of Nigeria. Nollywood has really showcased Nigeria’s positive influence in the African continent. Through Nollywood you can see not only Nigeria but the entire African culture. So far, Nigeria has benefitted in a lot of ways from Nollywood because a lot of people have been gainfully employed through it both home and abroad. A lot of people are also being sustained through Nollywood: the marketers, the actors, make-up artistes and many others.
On Nollywood stars in Politics: Definitely Yes! I am nursing a political ambition. I am hereby using this medium to let my colleagues know that we are the voice of the masses. People believe in us and it is high time we joined politics and start contributing and making changes. We can no longer keep watching from the sidelines. We have to be involved in the politics of this nation so that we can better the lot of the populace. We need to prove that we can change things. You cannot be a change agent if you are not involved in what is going on. So I support my colleagues; I support any entertainer who ventures into politics. I don’t think there is anything bad in it. It is a welcome development for us in the entertainment industry. I am also positive that my dream will come true someday.
On his legacy: I would like to inspire people. I want people to take a cue from me and not give up on themselves. I want to see myself as someone people will walk up to and say “you made me do this, I did this because you did it”. I want to be a role model and a mentor.
