One of Nollywood’s most iconic actors, Kenneth Okonkwo, has recently been in the news not for his acting skills, but for his growing political involvement. With over 30 years of experience in the film industry, the former lawyer has established himself as an influential political figure in recent years, serving as spokesperson for Peter Obi’s campaign for the 2023 presidential election.
In an interview with the Mic On podcast on March 23, 2024, Okonkwo explained that he turned to politics to save Nigeria from sinking. He emphasized that his political activities and other interests leave him little time to devote to his acting career.
“I made my fortune as a Nollywood actor. It was only in 2020 that I decided to take a step back,” he said. “I have made the decision to reduce my commitments in this area to devote more time to my fight for a new Nigeria. I turned down roles; I don’t have time for that anymore,” he added.
The 55-year-old actor clarified that he is not retiring from Nollywood. A part of him will always remain attached to the film industry, and he even plans to start a film school or become an executive producer.
However, he stressed that he would only return to the plateau if Nigeria managed to surpass the United States. “The possibility is there, because we have everything we need: men, resources, money. What we lack is the power to combine, use and allocate these resources optimally to produce the goods and services necessary to achieve our goals,” he said.
Kenneth Okonkwo’s transition from the screen to politics is attracting growing interest and raising questions about the role of celebrities in the public sphere. His commitment to a better Nigeria shows that he is ready to put his talents and his reputation at the service of causes that are close to his heart.
It also raises the question of the impact public figures can have on society and politics, using their influence to promote change and inspire others to get involved.