Ejiro Okurame: My lesbianism experience

Interview with Ejiro Okurame

What's the secret to your success?

It's been challenging but I give the glory to God because He
has been faithful. It's not been easy trying to climb the
ladder of success. You encounter all kinds of challenges. A
lot of people will love you and a lot would hate you. But so
far I give Glory to God; I thank God for being there. He
has always been my strength. I always run to Him when I
have challenges.

What's been your most challenging role?

All the movies I have done are very challenging. Basically,
I could say that movieslike Warri Girl and Tough Wife
were the most challenging.

What are you currently working on?

I am working on a very big project, which I don't want to
talk about just yet. That's why I have refused to grant
interviews for the past two years. I am working on
something very serious; it should be ready by the end of the
year.
Outside of acting, who is Ejiro?
Ejiro is just a normal girl from Delta State. I am the last
from a family of seven. My parents are in Lagos.

How do you unwind?

I derive a lot of joy from sleeping at home when I am not
working. It is not that I don't club or go to events but I try
to be selective. My kind of work involves a lot and is very
challenging. Sometimes when I am not working I cook; I
love food a lot.

How was your growing up like?

Growing up was normal. I had a very healthy relationship
with my siblings. When we were in primary school, we
always competed against each other on who would make
first or second, though my elder sister was a class ahead of
me. My father encouraged us and helped to direct us on
what to do and what not to do. He used the Bible to teach us
about life.

Were you born with a silver spoon?

I am an average child; it's a combination of both worlds. I
am from a comfortable home; we are not too rich and not
poor.
Did your parents support you when you opted for
acting?
Funny enough they didn't know I was coming into the
industry and I did not study Theater Arts. All I have is a
Diploma in Public Relations from Ogun State Universityand
a BSC in Theology from Lagos State University. I
graduated in 2000. When I finished, I started a little
business around my house. From there, I met a friend and
the rest is history. I didn't tell my parents until they started
seeing me in movies and when they did, they encouraged
me; they were happy with me. Nobody tried to discourage
me; even neighbours were supportive.

What was your experience the first time you faced the
camera?

I give kudos to Rita Dominic because she was there for me.
I never knew her but the first time I got on set, I was
missing my lines and the director wanted to throw me out, I
was anxious and nervous. The set was intimidating. We had
Rita Dominic, Nobert Young and a lot of big stars.Little
wonder I was missing my lines. An actress got pissed off
because of my delivery but Rita didn't take it like that. She
was actually showing me so much love and kindness. Till
tomorrow, I respect her for that so I try to encourage the
younger ones around me any way I could.
What was your motivation in spite of those challenges?
What motivated me was passion because when I was in the
university studying Public Relations, I really wanted to go
into Mass Communication but there was no opportunity for
me.

What's your assessment of Nollywood?

It has created jobs and provided food for many families.
Nollywood has taking a lot of people to many places and
opened a lot of doors. It has built many career men and
women. Although, we still have some challenges here and
there but we are doing our best.
Were you sexually harassed as an upcoming actress?
I didn't set myself up to be sexually harassed. However, the
issue of sexual harassment is in every organization not just
Nollywood. It happens everywhere.

What's the craziest thing a fan did to you?

I think it's when I acted a movie called, My Love & Sorrow
in which I was cheating on my husband. A while later, I
was shooting a movie at Abule Ado in Lagos, I had scarcely
parked my car when I saw children gathered around me
shouting, 'why did you kill your husband and why did you
cheat on him?' Before I knew it, they were throwing stones
at me! I was really embarrassed!
Aside that, some fans would want to call you in the night
maybe around 11pm when you are with your partner and it
could cause confusion. But thank God I have someone who
is very understanding.
So, you are in a relationship now?
Yes, I am seeing my boyfriend.
What attracted you to him?
His composure and understanding makes him different.
Generally, he is that kind of a man that understands the
nature of my work. If I want to go anywhere, all he needs is
for me to tell him where I am going to work.

You are not getting younger. When is he taking you
down the aisle?

You will get the invite soon; I am old enough to get.
married and have children.
What kept you long from getting married?
What kept me long was that I had not found the right man.
Was it in Nollywood that you lost your virginity?
(Laughter) No comment bros, no comment. When did you
lose your own?

What is your view about lesbianism in the industry?

I think it is demonic. I won't say much about it because a
lot of people are involved. The industry needs divine
intervention so God can erase such people from the
industry. It has eaten deep and it is affecting us. That's why
we need to seek the presence of God. Lesbianism is a sign
of the end of time.
Have you been a victim before?
No, not really. I think it is when you give room for these
things that they occur. I was in Abuja for a particular event
when a lady asked me to sit on her laps. I was like 'what, sit
on your laps! For what?' I leftand got my own chair.

In the next five years, where would we see Ejiro?

In the next five years, I should be in my husband's house
with my kids. I should have my own production outfit too.
What is your regret so far?
I could say that my regret is that I didn't start early in the
industry. If I had started early when Nollywood was
established, I would have achieved a lot more and impacted
a lot more on the younger generation.

What's your advice for youths looking up to you?

A lot of people have come to me asking for advice on how
to join Nollywood and I tell them, 'don't because the
industry is terrible now.' I won't advise anybody to come in
right now. But if you insist, you should be prepared to
train. It is sad that they take advantage of all these young
girls including extorting money from them, sleeping with
them and even molesting them. It is terrible so I won't
advise anyone to come in now.
DAILY SUN