By Rita Okoye
Bukola Ikuomola, a talented Nollywood actress and CEO of Erotics by Nicki, hails from Ilaje in Ondo State, but was raised in Warri, Delta State. Known for her soft-spoken demeanor, the actress opens up to Sunday Sun about the challenges of balancing her thriving acting career with managing her sex toy business.
Can you tell us about your role in your latest movie project, NENEH?
NENEH is a girl that every man wants in the movie.
Can you recall the most challenging role you have ever played?
I have taken on many roles as an actress, gradually building up my confidence and skill level. My most challenging roles have been in traditional Yoruba theatre or movies, where I had to read scripts and pronounce the words correctly. Even for someone with a Yoruba background, speaking in very deep Yoruba requires caution to avoid unintentionally cursing when you’re supposed to be praying. However, I’ve improved significantly over time.
Which role do you look forward to playing?
I would love to play a lead role in a Netflix. Or a comedy-drama, perhaps the headmistress of a local primary school, a lead or sublead as a WAFI girl so I can showcase the Warri blood in me or a Sapele girl in New York – something along those lines. I would also be excited to portray a scary character in a psychological thriller, somewhere I can showcase my full range of skills as a world-class Nollywood actress.
Have you ever acted with a co-actor that you had no chemistry with?
The skill of a good actress includes working with difficult actors. One must not let one’s irritation for a fellow actor appear in the scenes. I once acted with a famous actress whose name I will not mention. She was so mean and arrogant. But I was able to ignore her tantrums and I successfully got into character.
Has your business in any way affected your acting career?
My business has never affected my acting career at all. The entertainment industry is liberal and forward-looking, aiming to promote awareness about all aspects of human nature. I also make every effort not to be typecast into fixed roles. The roles I play have nothing to do with my business; they are two separate aspects of my life.
As a sex toy dealer, have you ever lost a relationship based on the kind of business you do?
No, I’ve never lost a relationship because of the nature of my business. Those who associate with me are open-minded and understand the difference between business and personal relationships. They are not judgmental and appreciate my true character.
Your man, how is he dealing with all of this? Is he not scared he might someday lose you to sex toys?
A real man is never threatened by sex toys. He knows they can never replace him, so he gives his woman complete liberty and sexual independence.
Do you think it is difficult for actresses to find true love?
Finding love depends on individual circumstances. It does not matter what profession one is involved in. Even bankers, engineers and nurses can find it difficult to find love. It all depends on the individual.
You said in an interview that sex is natural and not mysterious. Can you have more than one sex partner?
Personally, no. But I don’t believe in judging others’ sexual adventures and experiments. The important thing is that people should keep their personal affairs private.
How satisfying are sex toys compared to a human partner?
That’s something you should try for yourself to answer. We offer a wide selection of toys that can truly elevate your sex life.
How many sex toys do you own?
Personally? That’s for me to know. But I certainly have plenty available for sale.
The sex toy industry is still somewhat taboo in many parts of Nigeria. How have you navigated this challenge, and what has the response been like?
Who says it’s taboo? Maybe that was true in the past. You’d be surprised at how many people are now aware of and interested in sex toys. Not everyone considers it taboo anymore.
Many people are freeing themselves from the dogma that tells them to be ashamed of anything related to sex.
How do you educate your customers about sexual wellness, and what role do you believe your business plays in that?
The first thing I want people to know is that sex is a natural and important part of human well-being. Many problems arise from negative attitudes towards sex. Sex is connected to our metabolism and has significant mental, emotional, and psychological impacts. We should never close the door on learning more about sex and how it can benefit us. This is where sex toys and other products become valuable; they can even help improve relationships between couples by allowing them to explore and enjoy each other’s sexual needs without shame or inhibition.
How do you handle public perception and any criticism you might face due to your involvement in the sex toy business?
In this world, there will always be those who support you and those who oppose what you do. You should never expect everyone to approve of your choices. The good news is that we live in a diverse world. I want to thank my customers and encourage more people to open up and give sex products a try. I’m confident they’ll thank me later.
Does it make you feel shy sometimes to tell people what you do, especially in the public space?
Shy ke? There’s nothing to be shy or ashamed about. The pleasure of sex toys is just like the appreciation of a delicious meal prepared with exotic ingredients. Or the pleasure of listening to jazz played with a variety of excellent musical instruments. Every good artist is always proud of their enterprise.
Men and women who patronise you more?
Women, of course. Women are the most sexually underrated. Many men do not understand their needs and what makes them truly fulfilled. Men use our services too much, but not many of them are as eager as the women.
What were your family members’ reactions to your type of business?
Why, they’re fully supportive. They are open-minded and not inhibited in their thinking.
