I go to church to give thanks to God for making me an Igbo man, you know why?–Kenneth Okonkwo
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Veteran Nollywood actor and legal practitioner Kenneth Okonkwo has shared a passionate tribute to Igbo resilience and creativity, particularly highlighting their post-war recovery and contribution to Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Speaking on Symfoni TV, Okonkwo expressed deep pride in his Igbo heritage.
“I tell you something, at times I go to church to give thanks to God for the honor and privilege of making me an Igbo man, you know why?” Okonkwo revealed, before explaining the source of his pride.
The actor emphasized the Igbo people’s remarkable ability to overcome adversity: “Igbos are one of the rarest groups in the whole world that can create their way out of any problem. They are resilient.” He referenced their post-civil war recovery as evidence, stating, “After the war, they were given 20 pounds. Before 10 years after the war, they were already the richest wherever they are—adding value, creativity.”
Okonkwo particularly highlighted the Igbo contribution to Nigeria’s film industry, noting, “Twenty-two years after the war, we were already creating Nollywood, with ‘Living in Bondage,’ somewhere in Lagos.” He proudly pointed out the industry’s current global standing: “That has started a Nollywood that is ranking about the second now in the whole world.”
The actor attributed this success to what he called “Creativity, which is a gift from God,” underlining the cultural and economic impact of Igbo resilience in modern Nigeria.