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By Rita Okoye
She first captured national attention with her breakout role in Mainframe Productions’ 1999 classic film, Saworoide. Since then, Oluwabukola Ajoke Wright, widely known as Bukky Wright, has built an extensive filmography, establishing herself as a cornerstone of Nigerian cinema. A seasoned actress, filmmaker, and serial entrepreneur, Wright’s enduring impact on Nollywood is undeniable.
In this interview with Sunday Sun, the veteran screen icon reflects on her journey in Nollywood, her career hiatus, personal evolution, and what lies ahead.
You took a long break from acting and returned with a bang. How has the reception been?
The long break from the screen was honestly necessary because I needed time to focus on some personal aspects of my life. It feels good to be back as though I never left. From Red Circle to Something About the Briggs and several other projects in the works, I’m excited to be fully back to my first love.
Did you miss the industry during that period?
Oh yes, I did. I missed the industry and was eager to return. Although I was away for a long time, I still stayed connected to the screen. In my spare time, I watched many trending movies, familiarised myself with the new faces, and kept up with what was happening in the industry. The world has gone digital so quickly, and I needed to catch up.
What was the one thing you were able to achieve during that break?
I felt like doing something different for myself. I decided to go back to school and explore another career path. I’m glad I did because today I can proudly say I’m a certified cybersecurity analyst. I’m certified in information security in the United States. It felt rewarding to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself. I’ve always believed in pushing beyond my limits. I don’t believe in impossibilities.
At the time I stepped away from acting, my children needed me more. I’m a mother, and I always say that I live for my children. There comes a stage in every mother’s life when her children need her the most, and when that time comes, you have to be there for them. That’s exactly what I did.
As a certified cybersecurity analyst, what does that add to your brand?
A lot. It took dedication, discipline, and resilience to complete the programme. Becoming certified means I completed professional training and passed recognised examinations. I’m proud of that achievement because my break from acting produced meaningful results.
One thing I want people in my age bracket to know is that there is no age limit to learning. You can become whatever you choose to be if you’re willing to put in the effort.
Now that the screen goddess is back, what should fans expect from you?
They should expect a lot. I’ve featured in several movies since my return. Still, my fans should especially look forward to my major project, The Return of Omotara Johnson, which premiered on July 5, 2026, at the Monarch Event Centre and opened in cinemas nationwide from July 10, 2026. Omotara Johnson is back—stronger, deeper, and more unforgettable than ever. I can’t wait for audiences to experience the magic we created.
Why did the sequel take so long to be released?
It took this long because I went back to the drawing board to re-strategise and develop a more intriguing and relatable storyline with no loose ends. It’s the continuation of my 2008 blockbuster, and people who have gone to the cinemas to watch it are please. Nile Entertainment Group is handling the distribution.
As a thespian, what attracts you to a project?
I have always prioritised the story above everything else, even beyond the financial reward. If I connect with the story, I’m ready to take on the role.
How did you overcome the painful experiences you’ve had over the years?
I survived because I refused to let my scars define me. Many parts of my journey remain untold, but what matters most is that I found the strength to rise again—stronger, wiser, and more determined. That resilience is something I am deeply proud of.
One story I often share is why I ventured into acting. I never set out to become a star. I wanted to create something my children could look back on one day so they would know where to find me and remember me.
There was a time when my children were taken away from me while they were still very young. I had married into a very wealthy family, and during that period, I felt as though my life had lost its direction. I never imagined I would become anything significant.
But today, I stand as proof that difficult circumstances do not have to determine your future. I chose to keep going, and that decision changed the course of my life.
