Best advice dad gave to me –Ene Ochu, actress

By Christy Anyanwu

Ene Ochu-Uzoma is an actor, model, entrepreneur, digital creator and owner of the Ene Ochu Foundation. 

Aside being in Nollywood, she has also done well  as a model. 

Speaking with Sunday Sun, she relayed her journey into the entertainment world, why she chose the path of philantropy and lots more. 

What influenced your decision to veer into acting, modelling and running an NGO? 

For acting, it started way back from the days of church dramas and plays. I took up an acting role in church and everyone applauded and complimented my acting when I was done. They all kept saying I was going to do well as an actor. After I was done from university, I thought to try acting in Nollywood and haven’t looked back since then. For modelling, i also had passion for it growing up. So, I tried pageantry and won the Miss Idoma Tourism contest in 2015. Also, being a face brand for some products and knowing that my face was needed for brands, it gave me that morale to veer into modelling the more. For my NGO, my mum is a widow. So, it motivated me to start an organisation to be of help to widows, knowing full well that some of them were going through a lot to feed themselves and their families. Also, there was a day I was exercising around the area where I stay and I saw some children begging to eat. In my head I was like, imagine me that sometimes when I am hungry, it feels like I want to faint, let alone a child that hasn’t eaten in days. I cried. I couldn’t withstand seeing those children begging on the road. So, I decided to start the NGO to help the underprivileged.

At what point did you become famous, when did you realise you were an influencer in social circles? 

I guess it was after my face started being out there in movies.

What was your parents’ perception about your choice of career? Any tongue lashing from friends or family at the beginning?

That part, it was not funny! My dad didn’t like my career choice, even my mum. I had to threaten them I was going to leave the house, if they didn’t allow me pursue my career path. It took lots of pleas from my dad’s friend. My dad then called me to his room, asked ne to sit on the his legs, then he advised me. The one out of the many pieces of advice I will not forget is, “Ene, never forget the family you come from, never bring me shame.” He made me assure him, and that’s how he started being my biggest supporter. Sadly, he isn’t here anymore to witness how I have grown.

Growing up, what was your ambition and who do you consider your role model? 

I wanted to be a banker. I had envisioned so many things for myself as a banker. Then I grew up and realised that wasn’t what I really wanted. My role model was my dad. Even though he isn’t here, he left me with so many things to hold onto, and I am grateful for that.

What else takes your time as regards pastimes? 

Learning new things, exploring places, creating content and reading interesting books.

What lessons have you learnt about life? 

Never look down on myself, I am good enough. In fact, I am the best. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Behind every dark cloud is a silver lining.

Tell us more about your NGO? 

We empower women to provide emotional and economic support to their families. Give aid to destitute. Help widows and old people, advocate for the prevention of teenage pregnancy and education of girl child, create a platform for promoting moral values and economic excellence in Youths, support governance efforts towards sustainable development, network with other organisations with similar aims and objectives.

We hope to fulfill purpose on earth and get the greatest reward from God. So far, we have helped widows, destitutes and orphans. We have visited places like Agege destitute home, Ajah destitute home and so many others.