Nollywood needs more love— Queeneth Agbor

Actress, Queeneth Agbor, tells TOFARATI IGE about her career, humanitarian activities and other issues

What projects are you currently working on?

I have several projects lined up, but right now, I am particularly focused on my non-governmental organisation— Queeneth Agbor Strength Beyond Walls. They say service to humanity is the best work of life, and I strongly believe in that.

At the moment, I am running an empowerment and rehabilitation programme for inmates. I also recently received an award from the Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos Command, which means a lot to me because it shows that I am on the right path with the work I am doing.

Strength Beyond Walls is a movement that believes in second chances and the power of kindness. Our goal is to give hope, nourishment and love to people in need, especially those whose voices are often forgotten. I want the organisation to continue creating opportunities for people to rebuild their lives, and remind them that their circumstances do not have to define their future.

On the acting front, I am currently working on ‘Halima Abubakar: True Life Story’. It is a project I am very passionate about, and I believe it will blow people’s minds when it is released. There is a lot of emotion and reality in the story, and I think audiences will connect with it.

Out of everything you have shot recently, which role challenged you the most and why?

Every role comes with its own challenges, but I recently finished filming a movie that was particularly demanding. I went to set completely fine but came back with a scar.

In the movie, my character is married into a family where the mother-in-law is a tyrant, and she suffers a lot of abuse. There were scenes that were emotionally and physically demanding.

At a point, I broke down while filming because I started thinking about the fact that there are actually people going through such torture in abusive marriages. As actors, we sometimes have to portray situations that are painful, but there are moments when you realise that what you are acting is someone else’s reality.

That experience stayed with me because it made me think deeply about women who are trapped in abusive relationships and the need for people to speak up and seek help.

What is one thing people don’t know about the process of filming your current project?

It will probably blow people’s minds to know that some of the scenes were shot outside the traditional set, using phones. Some were filmed in the comfort of the actors’ homes or at particular locations to make the story feel as real and authentic as possible.

Because it is based on a true-life story, we wanted the audience to feel the reality of the events rather than make everything look overly staged. Sometimes, the simplest setting gives you the most believable performance.

Looking back, what has been the most notable moment in your career so far?

Looking back, I would say the moment I truly felt that way was after I shot ‘Namaste’, where I played an Indian character and had to use an Indian accent.

My fan base grew significantly after that movie because people started recognising me on the streets and calling me the name of my character, “Roshni.” It was interesting because I realised that the character had become bigger than just a role I played on screen.

When I also met some of my fellow actors on set for the first time, they gave me accolades for the character. Then, the awards started coming in, and that was another confirmation that the work was being recognised.

Which character you have played pushed you out of your comfort zone the most, and what did you learn from it?

The Indian character in ‘Namaste’ definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. I had to watch several Indian films just to understand the accent and mannerisms properly.

It was challenging because I wanted the character to feel authentic rather than like someone simply imitating an Indian accent. I spent time studying the way they spoke and carried themselves, and eventually, it paid off.

The funny thing is that I became hooked on Indian films after that. I still watch them now. So, I guess the role introduced me to something I ended up loving.

What is the biggest lesson Nollywood has taught you since you started acting?

Nollywood has taught me to choose myself first.

This is an industry where you teach people how to treat you. I have learnt that you have to establish your boundaries and know your worth. If you don’t value yourself, it becomes difficult for other people to value you.

Over the years, I have learnt to protect my peace, understand who I am and not allow the expectations of other people to determine how I live or work.

Which actor, director or producer do you still dream of working with?

My current mindset has transformed me into a version of myself I never knew existed. My worth is so high now that I am not sitting around dreaming of working with anyone. They should rather be dreaming of working with awesome me! (Laughs).

I have reached a point where I believe I have something valuable to bring to every project. Of course, I respect great actors, directors and producers, and I am open to collaborations, but I also know my worth and what I bring to the table.

What is the weirdest, funniest or most unexpected experience you have ever had with a fan?

I went to visit a friend who had neighbours, and we were on her balcony. I was actually still in my nightgown when one of her neighbours came in with a girl.

The girl was so shocked to see me that she started screaming and wanted to take a picture with me. I was so embarrassed. I told her, “At least let me change into something proper!” But I never came out of the house again. (Laughs)

Looking back, I feel bad about it because she was probably just excited to see me, but at that time, it was really awkward. Imagine being in your nightgown and suddenly someone is screaming because they recognise you.

How do you handle the pressure that comes with being in the public eye while still staying connected to the people who support you?

Over the years, I have learnt to do me and let the world adjust.

I appreciate my fans and the people who support me, but I have also realised that you cannot live your life trying to satisfy everybody. The more you become comfortable with yourself, the easier it is to deal with public pressure.

I listen to constructive criticism, but I don’t allow every opinion to dictate how I live my life. I have learnt to stay true to myself while appreciating the people who genuinely support me.

Are you currently in a relationship, or is it strictly career mode for you right now?

People need to know that I am currently “seeing” me; building me and falling in love with the best version of myself. (laughs)

Right now, I am focused on myself, my growth and everything I am building. I am becoming more intentional about the kind of life I want and the woman I want to become.

So, for now, I am enjoying the journey of discovering myself and becoming the best version of Queeneth.

What kind of man captures your attention?

I belong in the hands of a grown, mature man who communicates, listens and keeps my baby-girl lifestyle soft.

I like a man who is emotionally mature, knows how to communicate and is willing to listen. I also appreciate a man who understands that a woman deserves to feel safe, loved and cared for.

I don’t think love should be unnecessarily complicated. The right man should bring peace, not confusion.

How do you balance relationships with the demands of acting, public scrutiny and social media?

Unlike in my early days, when I was obsessed with seeking public validation, the new me is all about doing me in the right ways, setting healthy boundaries and shutting out the public noise.

As long as something is not beneficial to me, I shut it out. I have realised that not everything needs a response and not every aspect of your life needs to be shared with the public.

Social media can make people feel like they have access to every part of your life, but I believe some things should remain private. Protecting your peace is important.

How do you see Nollywood evolving in the next five years, and what role do you want to play in that evolution?

Nollywood has really evolved and continues to evolve. We have come a long way, and I believe there is still so much potential for the industry.

As for me, I want to play wild roles with depth; roles that will make me completely unrecognisable. I want to challenge myself with characters that require emotional depth, physical transformation and a completely different interpretation of who I am.

I want to keep growing as an actress and contribute to the kind of Nollywood that can compete even more strongly on the global stage.

What is that one thing you would change about Nollywood today to make it better for actors and storytellers?

One thing I would love to change is the lack of love among people in the industry.

This is an industry where people can easily come together to bring someone down. If that same energy were channelled into supporting and building one another, we would be one of the best industries in the world.

There is enough room for everybody to succeed. We don’t have to tear one person down for another person to rise. I would love to see more collaboration, genuine support and a stronger sense of community among actors, filmmakers and other industry professionals.

Beyond acting, what are the dreams you still want to achieve in the industry?

I actually have dreams of working on international projects, and I believe they will happen soon by the grace of God.

But for now, I am more focused on building generational wealth. That is why I am involved in different things outside acting. I have my brand, Ankara Beauty, my farm and other ventures that I am developing.

My humanitarian side is also something I want to focus on even more. Through Strength Beyond Walls, I want to be the reason people smile, even in the hardest places or situations.

For me, success is not just about fame or money. I want to build something that will outlive me and make a difference in people’s lives. I want to be able to look back and know that I used my platform and resources to make someone’s life better.