The lifestyles of famous Nigerian Nollywwod actresses who transitioned from acting the play to the pulpit give the assurance that with God all things are indeed possible
By Chinedu Oguh, Port Harcourt
Several Nollywood actresses have transitioned from acting to preaching or pastoral work, often citing a divine calling or a shift in personal life priorities. The latest of them is Rivers State-born Tonto Dike, a prominent Nigerian actress, singer, philanthropist, known for her bold, often controversial roles in Nollywood. Her journey from Nollywood star to humanitarian activities and politics is a roller coaster of fame.
The actress who is now into full ministry made a shocking confession that she once joined cult and worked for the devil. The actress in a video report revealed this part of her history while confessing during a ministration in Tanzania.
Speaking about her journey in the movie and entertainment industry, Tonto, who has nicknames like “Poko”, “Tontolet”, “Mama King”, “King Tonto”, claimed to have been involved in many demonic activities, noting that she dedicated her life to demons.
“The devil has lost this battle, I don’t care what you think, I don’t care what they say, this is God! In the midst of trying to navigate life in the wicked world that I came from, I had put my hands into so many dirty things. And did filthy things.
“In the dark world I once lived in, I was involved in many wrong things. I gave myself fully to it. I knew it had nothing good left for me. But today, God said no. God stepped in and save me. And today, God said no. I’ll take you back and clean you up,” she said.
Tonto Dike who was born and bred in Port Harcourt is an Ikwerre native, studied petrochemical engineering at Rivers State University of Science and Technology. She began her acting career in 2005 with the Next Movie Star reality show, gaining fame for her role in “Dirty Secret” and breaking through with “Holy Cross”.
Known for being outspoken, she has faced public disputes with other celebrities and her ex-husband, actually ventured into politics, notably running as Deputy Governorship candidate for African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers state for the 2023 election.
Tentacle investigations revealed other Nollywood celebrities who pivoted to ministry, turned to pastor work or evangelism include Eucharia Anunobi, a renowned Nigerian veteran actress, producer, and ordained evangelist, famous for her breakout role in the 1994 movie “Glamour Girls”. A seasoned Nollywood star with over 250 movies, she later became a pastor in 2012.
Although, there was a rumour that she is romantically involved with the founder of Fresh Oil Ministry International Church, Pastor Psalm Okpe, but the 60-year-old, Imo state born preacher dismissed the false allegations. She maintained that she has lived a celibate life since her ordination nearly 14 years ago, despite having been in relationships during that period.
“I want to state here categorically that in almost 14 years since I have been midwifed into ministry, I have been celibate and have been keeping myself for the man that will be deserving of my new virginity” she said.
Liz Benson, the 58-year-old actress, was known as one of the actresses who steadily rose in the Nollywood industry in 1990s. The Akwa Ibom state born actress started her career as a child actress in 1971 at age of five, but gained fame after being featured as Mrs Agnes Johnson in a television soap opera titled “Fortunes” on NTA in 1993 when she was 27.
She also appeared in some classic movies in the 1990s. Some of the movies that stood her out include Glamour Girls (1994), True Confession (1995), Diamond Ring (1998) and Scores to Settle (1998).
In 1996, while she dominated the movie scenes, she dumped acting for reasons based on her faith. By 2006, Liz who was then 40 years old was ordained an evangelist.
In 2009, she married Great Emeya, a Bishop at Rainbow Christian Assembly Warri Delta state, which was her second marriage, having lost her first husband, Samuel Gabriel Etim to death.
Since her second marriage, she has been very picky about the movies she appears in and the roles she plays due to her status as a minister.
Patience Ozokwor (Mama G) the Enugu state born actress and widow was known for acting as a wicked mother. The famous actress who is now a certified gospel singer and preacher refused to remarry. She is now a grand mum.
Helen Ukpabio, the Akwa Ibom born former actress later became the founder of Liberty Foundation Gospel Ministries. Her church is one of the biggest in Akwa Ibom state. And since she became a woman of God, a lot of blackmail, gossip and criticism have followed her.
Vivian Metchie, transitioned to preach the gospel after changing her religious affiliations. While Linda Bakere is now fully focusing on her new found love ministry work. She is not looking back in her new faith.
Still on Nollywood celebrities who abandoned their crazy lifestyle for the work of God, Lola Alao and Liz Da Silva turned toward ministry and dumped acting that brought fame to them in answer to God’s calling.
Stella Damasus, although while still involved in entertainment, she has frequently engaged in ministry and gospel music.
Although, some of them may still appear in movies on rare occasions, Tentacle gathered that they have largely left the mainstream industry for pastoral work.
In another development, Nigerian adult film actress Mareme Edet has stirred massive reactions online after making a shocking revelation during an interview on the Clarity Zone Podcast.
Speaking openly about her life and choices, the actress revealed that as far back as 2013/2014, she had already been involved with about 100 men.
Interestingly, Mareme also claimed that the financial rewards from the industry have not been as great as people assume. She alleged that certain spiritual forces within her family have blocking her progress and preventing her from enjoying the fruits of her work.
Despite the controversy surrounding her career, the star says she has no regret about the part she chose.
In one of the most surprising moments of the interview, Mareme revealed that she has never been in a romantic relationship, even with her experience in the adult industry. Instead, she described wanting a partner who can consistently match her physical needs before she would even consider leaving the industry.
“If I ever come back to this world again”, she said confidently, “I would still do the same thing”.
Since the interview surface on media, reactions have been pouring in across media platforms. While some people applaud her honesty and boldness, others say her story raises deeper questions about the emotional and personal cost of such a lifestyle. She further stated that her journey into adult movies was not random but a response to a personal reflection.
