In the past, female celebrities in Nigeria especially those in the entertainment industry were seen as being more of beauty and glitz than brains. But with the recent giant strides taken by a growing number, that perception appears to be gradually changing. While a handful has carved a new identity for themselves by successful conceptualising businesses that have grown into resounding accomplishments, others are beginning to enhance their profiles in slightly different ways.
For example, in recent times, many leading female celebrities in Nigeria have found a new love in writing books. Though the topics and area of focus are different, the impact the release of such literatures by these ladies have made is quite the same.
Chika Ike
Last weekend, delectable Nollywood actress, Chika Ike, became the newest entrant into this new category of celebrity authors. Titled Boss Up, the screen diva, who said it took her seven years to finally put the material together, disclosed that the 41-chapter book is only her beginning into the world of book writing.
“Seven years of documenting my thoughts, emotions, truths and events that taught me some life lessons has brought me to this point,” she said.“Three years before my mum, who was also an author, passed away, she knew of my unpublished book and encouraged me to tell my truths.
“I am a very guarded person; my walls are up because life has thrown me so many curved balls. But I brought down all my walls in this book. I am happy I finally published my book,” she added
Shortly before Ike’s foray into the world of book writing, a former winner of Miss West Africa Beauty Pageant, Dr. May Ikeora, also mesmerised the public with the launch of her new book tilted Bilateral Cooperation and Human Trafficking.
According to the soft-spoken beauty, the book, which presents a case study of human trafficking from Nigeria to United Kingdom, will allow both countries tackle the problem more holistically and save many lives.
“Having seen first-hand what victims of trafficking have suffered in foreign lands, it is important for people to be educated on the dangers before falling prey to this scourge,” she said during its unveiling.
Another female celebrity that has equally etched her name into the growing list of book writers is media personality, Toke Makinwa.
Toke Makinwa
Though, largely focused on her battles and experience in a failed marriage, the book took the market by storm after its release, stirring all kinds of controversies in the weeks that followed.
“I had to accept that my life was a mess. That behind my smiles, the glam and the façade, I was a trembling hot mess. Accepting the truth was the first step on my long walk to forgiveness,” she said.
Young movie star, Olayode Juliana, who is popular for her role as ‘Toyo baby’ in Jenifa’s Diary, a widely-followed television series, has also published a book. The literature titled, ‘Rebirth: From grass to grace,’ became an instant hit after being released into the market in 2017.
Olayode Juliana
The celebrity, in the book, revealed how she lost her virginity to her music teacher at the age of 17 and how she had continued to struggle to make ends meet despite becoming a star.
In a similar vein, celebrated Nollywood diva, Omoni Oboli, has also published a book titled: Stars are ageless.
The book, which captures her captivating and delightful journey in the movie industry, has been described by many as an interesting and insightful document with dozens of important lessons embedded in it.
Commentary by Punch Metro
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