Father’s Day: Life-changing lessons we learnt from our Dads – Nollywood stars

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By Rita Okoye

In the run up to this day set aside to celebrate fathers, some Nollywood stars, who spoke with Sunday Sun have made interesting revelations about the powerful impact of their fathers’ guidance in their lives. Franging from personal values to career milestones, they reflect on the life lessons that continue to shape their journeys.

 

My father taught me that life is a battlefield – Sandra Bremaud

Speaking on the profound influence her father had on her upbringing, Sandra Bremaud revealed that one simple but powerful piece of advice has remained with her.

“My father always told me to ‘count your teeth with your tongue,’” she recalled

While the phrase may sound unusual at first, she explained that it carried a deeper message about caution, wisdom and self-awareness.

“He taught us that life is very complex and should be lived carefully. According to him, life is a battlefield, not a playground. He constantly reminded us to pause and carefully weigh our actions and inactions before making decisions,” she said.

The actress noted that her father’s guidance helped prepare her and her siblings for the realities of life, equipping them with the resilience and discernment needed to navigate challenges.

He told me education, career should come first before boys – Amandla Ebeye

For Amandla Ebeye, one piece of advice stood above all others: focus on education and personal achievement before romance.

“My father always told me that education and career come first, boys later,” she recalled.

The advice became a guiding principle that helped her remain focused on her goals from an early age.

“That lesson helped me understand that marriage is a component of life, not an achievement in itself. It kept me grounded and focused on accomplishing my goals first.”

Determined to follow that path, Ebeye pursued her education, earned her degree, and later ventured into Nollywood, where she built a career driven by passion and dedication. When the time came to embrace marriage and motherhood, she did so without abandoning her professional ambitions.

“I never gave up one for the other. My dad would always say, ‘There’s a time for everything,’ and he would also say, ‘Good things never finish.’”

Those words instilled in her a sense of optimism and resilience, teaching her not to be discouraged by temporary setbacks or delayed success.

“I grew up being content because I understood that I might not have everything now, but I could have it later. Good things never finish. My father was and still is very hardworking. He is completely career-driven, and that helped me stay focused when I joined Nollywood.”

As she celebrates Father’s Day, Ebeye expresses deep appreciation for the man whose guidance continues to influence her life.

“I love you, Dad, and I am glad that you are in my life. I’m grateful that you taught me contentment. Thank you for all your love.”

My father’s wisdom shaped my journey in Nollywood — Nosa Obaseki

Canada-based Nosa Obaseki said his father was more than a parent; he was a mentor whose lessons continue to influence his journey in the entertainment industry.

“My dad was somewhat of an entertainer himself,” the actor recalled. “When I decided to join the entertainment industry, he always advised me to be honest, humble, consistent, and willing to learn. Those words of wisdom have truly helped me grow and navigate my journey in the industry. I remain grateful for his guidance and the values he instilled in me.”

The actor noted that his father’s advice proved especially valuable during the early stages of his career when he was trying to balance multiple responsibilities.

Reflecting on his student days in Lagos, Obaseki said combining academics with a growing acting career was far from easy.

“In my early days in Lagos, I found it difficult to cope at times. I was studying at Lagos State University while pursuing my acting career, and balancing both was quite challenging. My dad taught me how to multitask effectively and manage my responsibilities. I took his advice seriously, and it helped me successfully navigate both school and acting. That lesson has remained valuable throughout my journey.”

Paying emotional tribute, Obaseki thanked his father for teaching him and his siblings the importance of humility, kindness, and respect for others.

“Thank you for teaching us the true meaning of humility, kindness, and respect. Your wisdom, love, and example have shaped the person I am today, and I will always be grateful for everything you did for us.”

My father taught me to give love always, no matter what I get in return – Bimbo Ademoye

Bimbo Ademoye revealed that one of the most valuable lessons her father taught her was the importance of showing love regardless of the circumstances, a principle she admits has not always been easy to uphold but has continued to shape her outlook on life and career.

According to the star actress, her father constantly reminded her that there would always be love waiting for her at home, a reassurance that gave her strength as she navigated the challenges of life and the highly competitive entertainment industry.

“Thank you for always reminding me that there’s love at home, for telling me to always give love no matter what I get in return. Thank you for showing and teaching me that hard work pays and for loving us unconditionally,” she said.

Expressing deep gratitude, the actress described her father as more than a parent, calling him her best friend, trusted confidant, and favourite gossip partner.

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