In August 2013, Delectable Nollywood actress, Chika Ike finalized her divorce with her estranged husband, Tony Eberiri over alleged grounds of infidelity, domestic violence and more.
The movie star is excited to have found love again and she tells Kemi Filani Blog all about it and more in this exclusive interview…Enjoy!
Is Chika Ike a fulfilled woman yet?
Honestly, not yet. There are certain things I haven’t achieved. Everyday I wake up, I want to get to the zenith of my career, but all takes one step at a time. I’m still hoping to achieve more which would eventually make me a fulfilled woman.
We know you have finished the season 2 of your TV Reality show, African Diva, which just started airing, is there another pet projects you are working on?
Of course Yes! I have my movie project coming up next year. We are still working on it. But for now we are focused on African Diva.
What’s new about the African Diva reality show season 2?
We had 3 girls each from four African countries and the rest from Nigeria. The season 2 was thought through. It has better picture quality,the girls more organized, the task more interesting, the house more structured. Lots to learn about from this season 2.
You have been in Nollywood for a long time, how do you re-invent yourself to be always relevant?
Life is all about growth. The day you stopped growing, you start dying. The ability of not been satisfied, the thought of failure, scares me. It makes me to want to do for myself everyday.
How has life been generally for you as a Nigerian actress?
I started acting since 2005. I knew there was a world I could conquer back then beyond my father’s bakery wall at Ikotun- Egbe area of Lagos State.
It has been 11 years has been very rewarding.
But for a while now, your face has been scarce in movies, have you shunned acting on other people’s jobs?
Well, my latest movie is still in the cinema; Miss Teacher. I released it last year for the cinemas.
Adding to that, I have been busy with my pet projects and doing a lot of traveling too. But I have done about 4 movies this year, 2016 for Iroko TV.
What’s the striking thing you want to be remembered for in Nollywood, just like AY the comedian who has broken bonds and also made it to the Guinness book of World’s records?
Firstly, I tap into AY’s blessing, (laughs). Honestly, I want to get to higher places in life, but we all know that no matter how far and wide you project, you can only get there by the grace of God.
From my recent experiences, I know it’s all about God and his plans for me. I know he would crown my efforts and hard work with great success.
Would ever go under the knife to correct or enhance any part of your body?
No! I won’t. I’m comfortable in my skin and looks but that doesn’t mean I am against those that did or want to go through plastic surgeries.
I’m beautifully made by God, so there’s no need to go under the knife to tamper with any part of my body.
After what you went through in your first marriage, do you still want to give love and marriage a second chance?
Marriage is a beautiful institution. I will never talk down on marriage because it’s something I still look forward to. It’s what every average woman hopes for. But the thing is, right now, i’m focused on my career.
But do you have a special someone in your life?
Yes I do (blushes..). I have a very special person in my life right now.
Is he from the movie industry?
Well, that’s all I can say about my relationship; I have a special someone. His profile doesn’t matter to you right now.
On social media, especially Instagram, how do you react to critics that trail your posts?
Some years back, it bothered me a lot. But right now, I have learnt to develop thick skin for such negative comments and critics. I don’t waste my time responding to them. I just sieve; the good, bad and ugly ones.
I take note of the good ones, do what I need to do with them and discard the rest.
Your mum was a pastor before she passed on some months ago, how did she influence your life?
My mum was a very strong woman. There’s something she always says, don’t let anyone intimidate you; be confident. So, she’s the kind of mum that won’t you fail. She preached the gospel all over the world; American, London, everywhere. She was like a role model to me. She shaped me into the woman I am today.
How is this present bad economy tagged ‘recession affecting you?
To be honest, it’s affecting everyone. Businesses are folding up everyday. We just have to go through all these for a reason. Americans too went through recession. But it’s the ability to survive after the recession that matter.
I have strategy; I tell myself that I must survive till the recession ends. I just have to look for ways to survive.
Was that why you went into Real Estate business?
Well, i’m a business woman as whole. I love doing business and I like generating funds for myself, so I can give out. I like to help people a lot. That’s my basic thing.
I do acting, I have a beauty store, and ventured into Real Estate, 5 years ago.
The Real Estate business is on the down low because of the recession.