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…Says triumph over skin challenge drives her passion to help other women
By Lucy Nnaji
Nkiruka Nwankwo Otigba is a rising Nigerian actress. Her passion for acting dates back to childhood, when she participated in school and church dramas. In this interview with Sunday Sun, Otigba shares insights on how she is embracing the challenge of balancing entrepreneurship, marriage and her growing acting career. Enjoy!
Tell us more about yourself.
I am an indigene of Delta State, where my parents hail from Delta State, but I was born in Onitsha. I am now an Anambra State woman by marriage. My family moved to Lagos when I was three years old. I grew up in the Olodi-Apapa area of the Lagos metropolis, where I lived with my parents and siblings. I attended nursery, primary, and secondary school in Olodi-Apapa, and went to university in Lagos. Later my family moved to Okota.
What was your lowest point in life?
My lowest point was losing my parents. It was an incredibly difficult and painful time for me. But that experience also taught me strength, resilience, and how to keep going even when life gets tough. It shaped me into the person I am today.
What was your highest moment?
My highest moment was when God remembered my family. It was a turning point for us. It was such a joyful and blessed time, and it reminded me that with God things can change for the better.
What’s the inspiration behind the launching of your beauty store?
I started my beauty store after many years of dealing with skin challenges. It lowered my self-esteem, and I wanted to find a lasting solution. That journey gave me the passion to help other women with their skin concerns, and that’s how the business began.
What was your biggest challenge when you started your beauty store?
The biggest challenge was building trust. Because skin is delicate, people needed to see proof and results before they could believe in the brand. I overcame that by being consistent and transparent, and by letting my results speak for themselves. That is the reason Fizzy’s Luxury Skincare & Spa has come this far.
How do you balance business, acting, and daily life?
Staying organized and managing my time well enables me balance my business, acting career, and daily life. Every minute counts for me. It’s not easy, but I prioritise my responsibilities, make time for my personal needs, and I don’t burn out.
When did you fall in love with acting?
I have always loved acting, right from when I was a child. I used to act in school and church dramas, and that’s where my passion started. I was also really inspired by my good friend and sister, Rachel Okonkwo, a.k.a Nkoli Nwa Nsukka. Seeing how she carried herself in the industry while staying true to her values made me realise that you can be an actor and still have your moral standards, principles, and integrity intact. She made me love acting even more.
What was your first lead role?
I wouldn’t say I have had my first big role yet because I’m still a work in progress. But I can’t tell my story without mentioning my director, Chijoke, aka, Zion First. He saw my ability and gave me the platform and opportunity to come on board. I’m really grateful for that chance. God bless him.
Who is your role model in the industry?
I have a lot of role models. A few people I really look up to are Rachel Okonkwo and Mercy Johnson. I also admire Frederick Leonard and Ngozi Ezeonu, a veteran actress. There are so many others too. I learn different things from each of them: their craft, their professionalism, and how they carry themselves.
How was your first day on a movie set?
My first day on a movie set was a mixture of excitement and nervousness. I was so eager to see how everything was done and how interesting the process would be. Even though I was a bit nervous, it felt amazing because this was what I had always wanted to do.
Was your family supportive of your acting career?
Yes, of course. My family has always been my greatest support system, especially my husband. He’s always been my biggest strength, encouraging me and telling me I can do it. It has truly been a blessing to have him by my side.
How is acting different from running a business?
Acting and business are two very different skills. With acting, it’s all about creativity, performance, and bringing a character to life. In business, it’s about planning, making the right decisions, and ensuring you deliver the best product and service to customers so the business can grow.
How did your customers feel when they saw you on the big screen?
They were so happy and excited for me. A lot of them reached out to wish me well in this new phase of my life. It really meant a lot to see that support from the people who already trust my brand.
What kind of movie roles do you want to play next? And which type of role do you enjoy most?
As an actor, I am open to any role I’m given because I’m very versatile. I love a challenge, and I’m committed to giving my best to any character that comes my way.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
In the next five years, I see myself growing in the industry and doing very well. By the grace of God, I see myself becoming one of the A-list actors in Nigeria and across Africa, taking on bigger roles and making a real impact.
What advice do you have for upcoming actors who have a passion for acting?
My advice to upcoming actors is to keep grinding and never give up. Do not be discouraged by what people say about you, because no matter what you do, people will always have something to say, positive or negative. Just keep moving forward. And most importantly, build a strong relationship with God, because He is the one who gives you that divine speed and the direction you need in life.
