Veteran Nollywood actress, Patience Ozokwor, has recalled how selling buns and prepared chicken helped her survive while she pursued opportunities in the Nigerian film industry.
Ozokwor, popularly known as Mama G, said her experience taught her the value of hard work and influenced her decision to raise her children to understand that comfort comes with responsibility.
The actress made the remarks during an interview with Femi Bassey TV on YouTube, shared on Wednesday.
According to Ozokwor, she resorted to selling food at movie locations and audition venues to raise money for transportation and other needs when she was still struggling to establish herself in Nollywood.
“There was a time I was frying buns. When I first came into the industry, I would prepare chicken and dress it well. I would prepare buns for anyone you want to buy them,” she said.
She explained that she saved proceeds from the small business while juggling the responsibilities of raising her children and caring for her husband, who lived with diabetes and hypertension for several years.
Ozokwor said her difficult journey informed her belief that parents should not shield their children completely from struggle simply because they want to give them a better life.
“When you say, ‘I don’t want my children to suffer what I suffered when I was growing up,’ okay, that’s the best way to destroy your children,” she said.
The actress clarified that she was not advocating suffering for children, but believed they should experience manageable challenges that teach them how to work, persevere and appreciate what they have.
“I’m not saying allow them to suffer. What I’m saying is allow them to struggle. Go through the process,” she added.
She recalled that three of her sons participated in construction work while they were university students, saying she wanted them to understand the effort required to create and maintain the family’s comfort.
Ozokwor also warned parents against handing inherited wealth to their children without teaching them how to sustain it.
“Don’t get this on a platter of gold. It’s not easy. Your father built three houses, four houses and you think you can balance on eating it,” she said.
Reflecting on her marriage, the actress said she never depended entirely on her husband for her financial survival, noting that she understood his circumstances and chose to work hard to support the family.
“I didn’t wait for my husband. I studied my husband. I knew the kind of person he was. I buttoned up and then tied my belt and I struggled,” she said.
Ozokwor said exposing her children to the realities of hard work ultimately helped them become independent, adding that they are now able to live comfortably because they understand the sacrifices behind the family’s success.
“My children know the pains of making life better and that’s why they are all comfortable now, struggling on their own,” she said.
- Wike suspends FCDA director over illegal Abuja waterway approvals - September 2, 2026
- ‘I sold buns, chicken before Nollywood success’ — Patience Ozokwor - September 2, 2026
- NDC disowns 10 Anambra candidates listed by INEC - September 2, 2026
