By Rita Okoye
Known for her stunning figure, Biodun Okeowo, better known as Omoborty, in this interview with Saturday Sun, discusses her break from Nollywood, dealing with public scrutiny, and her firm stance against on-screen nudity.
Excerpts:
You seem to be fully back into movie production; how has the journey been?
The journey has not been so smooth but I’m grateful to God. I quit production for about 10 years, but I’m back now.
Do you have any projects on the ground?
My new movie, December Party is yet to drop because my YouTube platform is not yet ready.
Would you extend it to other streaming platforms when it’s finally out?
For now, no. It’s strictly going to be on Omoborty Entertainment Studio on YouTube when it is released.
What inspired the movie?
The inspiration behind December Party came from real-life experiences and observations about the complexities of relationships, marriages, and the challenges we face in life. I wanted to create a story that reflects the realities many people go through, showing how transparency, resilience, and the influence of friends can impact our lives in both positive and negative ways. It’s a story of growth, understanding, and the importance of staying true to one’s self.
It’s a story that I believe women of today need. It is a must-watch, especially for married couples.
Who were your biggest inspirations growing up, both in and outside of Nollywood?
My biggest inspiration growing up was my mother. She was an incredibly hardworking, prayerful, and God-fearing woman. Her strength, determination, and unwavering faith shaped who I am today. Outside of Nollywood, she has been my greatest role model. Then talk of my career role model. It is Aunty Sola Sobowale, Aunty Shafy Bello and Aunty Joke Silva.
Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of achieving?
I’m not proud of anything because I don’t believe anything I’ve achieved is by my might or strength. However, I am deeply grateful to God for using the name I’ve made in the entertainment industry to open bigger doors for me, both at home and abroad. Even in my business, my name has fast-tracked my growth. Customers trust that I won’t sell anything that would damage the brand and reputation I’ve built over the years.
As a veteran actress, are there still movie roles you yearn to play?
Yes, there are still many roles I yearn to play. As an actress, I’ve had the privilege of portraying diverse characters, but there are still roles I’ve never been cast for that I would love to explore. I’m always eager to challenge myself and push the boundaries of my craft. I believe that with each new role, there’s an opportunity to grow as an actress, try something different, and bring something unique to the screen. I look forward to the roles that will allow me to tap into unexplored emotions and experiences, and I’m excited to see where the next chapter of my career will take me after my return.
Again, on the other hand, are there certain roles that you would categorically refuse to portray no matter how enticing the pay is?
Yes, there are roles I would refuse to portray. I would categorically reject any roles that require me to go naked or involve anything too explicit. For me, it’s about maintaining my values and staying true to myself, regardless of the pay. I prioritise God and my family above all else, and I will never do anything that would make me let them down.
How do you balance the demands of acting, filmmaking, motherhood, and managing your new home?
Balancing everything is a challenge, but God has been wonderful. I’ve learned what to prioritize and how to stay organized. For acting and filmmaking, I plan my schedule carefully and make the most of my downtime. Motherhood comes first, so I always ensure to create quality time for my family. My business is also very important, as it’s what helped me get out of poverty, so I make sure it gets the attention it deserves. Although I’m not an everyday actor, I plan to focus more on producing my films moving forward. I’m also planning to open an advertising office in the US to support entrepreneurs. Managing our new home is a team effort, and I’m deeply grateful for the support from my husband.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a filmmaker in the Nigerian film industry?
One of the biggest challenges is piracy and navigating the distribution landscape to ensure films reach a wide audience. However, I’m encouraged by the incredible growth of cinemas across the country, which has given filmmakers more platforms to showcase our work. In addition, platforms like YouTube have been game changers, allowing us to connect with global audiences and share our stories far beyond Nigeria.
How do you deal with online criticism and negativity?
Being in the public eye means not everyone will like or agree with what you do. If I’m not acting, I’m creating content, and I know some of it might not resonate with everyone. Over time, I’ve learned to develop a thick skin and focus on constructive feedback. Not everyone will understand my journey or decisions, and that’s okay. I stay grounded by reminding myself of my purpose and not letting negativity distract me from my goals.
For the year 2024, what are you most grateful for?
I’m most proud that I’ve been able to stay out of trouble, avoid scandals, and remain true to myself. My proudest moments are when people tell me that my films or posts have inspired them. It reminds me that what I do truly has meaning and impact.
What are your passions outside of the entertainment industry?
I’m passionate about beauty, which led me to venture into the skincare world and birth Victoria’s Beauty after several training sessions in Nigeria and abroad. As an entrepreneur, I enjoy mentoring others and sharing my knowledge, which is why I train people in skincare. Beyond that, I’m deeply committed to giving back silently. It’s my way of making an impact and supporting others.
You relocated to the US, how do you tend to run your beauty business from overseas?
Yes, I’ve relocated, but I don’t have any restrictions when it comes to travelling to Nigeria to produce my movies and my business. Glory be to God, with the support of my husband, I’ve been able to expand my business internationally and now have a branch of Victoria’s Beauty in the US. My husband understands my business and career path, so I will be travelling home a few times a year to shoot movies and attend to my business in Nigeria.
You are a very simple woman with a small circle in the industry; why?
My mother raised us single-handedly, so her children were her friends and by the woman she is, someone who doesn’t keep friends or go to parties. I adopted that from her. There was a time I tried testing the whole friendship and bestie thing, but I ended up getting burned, and that taught me to make my family my besties.
And then, I believe in quality over quantity. My small circle helps me maintain genuine connections with people I trust. It keeps me grounded and focused on what truly matters.
Can you give us any hints about what fans should expect from you this year?
I have some exciting projects in the works, including my small but mighty film titled December Party. December Party is a very educative movie that teaches about transparency, love and lust, a test of willpower, the struggles of life, and how friends can either make or break our lives.
