By Rita Okoye
Ifeoma Faith Nebe aka Queen Ify is a talented actress, ex-beauty queen and humanitarian.
The Enugu State-born Queen Ify takes us down memory lane of her career journey, relationship and philanthropy. Please enjoy it.
You marked your birthday a few days ago. What was the feeling like?
I felt really blessed. The year has been a blessing and will continue to be so. I’m grateful for a lot of things.
How was your first time on set?
It was scary, filled with doubts but I was ready to give my all.
Can you mention some of the movies you’ve done so far?
I have done a lot. They include Premonition, Tales of Mmasi, Lagos Compound, War of Maidens, Retirement Plan, The Other Room, You Whom I Trusted and many more.
Acting comes with different challenges, how has the journey been?
Honestly, the journey has been challenging but most importantly, educative, fun filled and rewarding.
Can you recall any embarrassing moment on set?
Oh yes. I was lucky to be paired with a veteran actor and in a bid to impress her with my acting skills, I ended up overacting. But she was so nice; she just smiled.
You are beautiful and charming, how do you deal with male admirers?
Coping with male admirers is not quite easy. I try to politely deal with situations as they come. We need them as fans.
How do you handle the stubborn ones?
It’s being strict, which works most times. And if not, I just dissociate myself totally from the conversation.
What would make you reject a suitor?
I dislike men who don’t respect women or anybody at that. I can’t deal with liars and disrespectful men.
What’s the funniest DM you’ve received on your social media handles?
I could recall a very funny situation where a fan asked if my parents could adopt him (laughs).
What’s your career projection?
I want to become a great actor and producer.
What would make you reject a script?
I will reject a script if it’s against my beliefs and principles.
Are you currently in a relationship? And what do you look out for in a man?
No, I’m not in any relationship at the moment. I look out for everything in a man. I know the man is right for me by his reaction to my stubbornness (laughs). I know I am very stubborn. My heart will also alert me when he is really the one for me.
Why is such a beautiful lady like you still single?
I am not in a rush at all. I am not cut out for what our generation terms love and relationship. I’d rather wait for the right time and the right man.
So, you are single and searching?
Yes, I’m single and searching.
Tell us about your philanthropy?
I reach out to different people through my Foundation. Widows, kids, youths, I try as much I can to put smiles on their faces in my own little way.
What’s the inspiration behind your NGO?
I made mistakes growing up due to lack of information or poor knowledge. Right now, talking to youths who learn from my experiences is a win for me. My background while growing up mostly influenced my Foundation. I also have empathy for people.
What kind of mistake was that?
I rather not share it. It’s personal for me.
Okay, can you mention some humanitarian projects you’ve done?
I’ve done a couple of humanitarian projects like High School Reach Out, A Date with the Widows, Make a Child Smile, and many more.
How did your parents react to your choice of career?
They almost fainted when they got to know. They called a thousand family meetings, issued several warnings. My dad even threatened to disown me at some point. But with time and the promise not to take certain roles, they are coming around to it.