Exclusive: One year passed! “Thanks for this opportunity to really speak my heart out to you” Nollywood Actress Collette Orji tells Diamond Celebrities

One year has passed since Nollywood Actress Collette Orji lost her Father. Tomorrow 23th March, 2013 makes it exactly one year Late Mr Godwin Orji died at the Hospital in Enugu.

The beautiful Actress after keeping mum for a long time, sat down with Diamond Celebrities to talk about ‘how her father’s death affected her life and more.

The talented Anambra born actress and the CEO of Coco House is the only girl in the house with 5 brothers.

Collette is recently nominated as the Vanguard sexiest Actress in Nollywood.

By Delia Innoma

How has it been since your Dad passed away?

Hmmm, Delia, I think there is only one word to describe how it’s been since my dad passed away. Tough! It’s not been easy at all!

You truly will never give yours to someone, or, do I say, you may never fully understand a Dads role in your life till maybe he’s absent or travelled or something.

Did his sudden death affect your carrier and life in any way?

Are you kidding me Delia? Yes,yes,and Yes. Did it affect my life? Yes. It did. My Mum has been ill for most part of last year. Since I’ve been with my mum, she has never been hospitalized, but dear, in the last one year, my mum has been in hospitals in both sudden and planned moments. After my Father’s death and funeral, she visited a hospital in London and it was diagnosed she needed a knee surgery. She and I went to India for the surgery which was successful. I actually spent my festive seasons with my mum in the hospital in India. We got back this January and my mum was recently discharged from another hospital for other simple ailments. Each time all these happened, I was with her, home, hospital, thereby been away from the movie scenario. I’ve always understood Family, but now, I dig Family more. I put extra time all into family.

I am filming right now in Port Harcourt and this is only my third movie in about 5 months. Those in the system can tell you what this means. But to me, movies are not even second on my list; my first and second right now is Family, and Family.

One year has pass, what’s your goal for the future?

I think am a strong person you know Delia. I got no business ‘Not been strong’. We are like six in my family, and I’m almost the only one living in Nigeria permanently. There’s so much more to do. I’ve got businesses and shops going on for me. I’ve got staffs who work with me on such passionable levels that encourage me daily, and this is the second movie am filming in 2013.  I’ve got amazing friends who wanna just sit with me some days in the hospital when mum was ill, and in all this God has been faithful. I’m inspired daily.

I visited hospitals, orphanages; I even sent my staffs to visit other maternity hospitals. I gave out all my things I had this last February for charity and still took some of the cash sales to them. Most things I have now, I got them between December and today. I think I’ve been tested and God is proving himself daily. The Bible says if your strength fails you in times of adversity then your faith is weak. God is walking this path with me.

Are you back to the industry fully?
Am taking a one week holidays shortly, and by April now, knowing I have put so much into place, I will be back on your screens as Normal. I just need to always remind me that Movies is not even second on my priority right now.

Having experienced loss, what will u advice people who are passing through such situation now?

This is not an easy one. How do you truly advise someone who’s lost a loved one? How do you say please it is well, God knows best? These are very tough times for any one passing through such an ordeal. Let the love of that dead lost brother, sister build you on. Let the love of those who are consoling you make you strong. Let Gods love and Grace build you stronger and give you hope. You must learn to be consoled. Then let no one tell you otherwise, as painful as that situation is Remember this: Life is for the Living and where there’s Hope, there’s Life. Be Wise! Be Strong! Take Responsibility of your Own Life.

Words to your Fans?

To my Fans, thanks for the love and support. I’m always here for you too. I love you all. Family is the ultimate. Give one family member, one old friend a call today, someone you haven’t spoken to in a long while, let that persons smiles and laughter make your day. We miss our Dad.

Thank you for talking to Diamond Celebrities.

Thanks for this opportunity to really speak my heart out to you. Thank You Delia!