My Dad Died On The 12th Of January 1971 And My Mom Made Me Come Back And I Never Left Again” — Hanks Anuku

Veteran Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku has revealed that his late mother was instrumental in his decision to return to Nigeria, a move that eventually led to his career in the Nigerian film industry.

Speaking on the Honest Bunch Podcast, Anuku recalled that his father died on January 12, 1971, after which his mother persuaded him to return to Nigeria. According to the actor, he would not have willingly returned to the country at the time if his mother had not encouraged him to come back.

Anuku explained that settling back in Nigeria was not an easy decision initially. Having spent time abroad, he struggled to adjust to his surroundings and understand the environment. However, his repeated visits and desire to spend time with his mother gradually influenced him to remain in the country.

He recalled that his first return was during a vacation, when he enjoyed spending time with his mother before eventually travelling abroad again. He later returned once more, and after a series of developments, decided that he would stay permanently.

The actor acknowledged that adjusting to life in Nigeria came with difficulties, particularly because of the social and economic challenges he encountered. Despite this, he gradually became more familiar with his surroundings and developed a stronger appreciation for the people and culture.

Anuku said living in different parts of Nigeria also helped him adapt. He became interested in meeting people, learning various Nigerian languages and travelling from one location to another, experiences that helped him gain a deeper understanding of the country.

Reflecting on the decision that eventually shaped his career, Anuku said his mother’s insistence that he return home became a significant turning point in his life. Although he initially found it difficult to adjust, he eventually settled in Nigeria and built a successful career in Nollywood.

In his words: “I still travel, but I love Nigeria. My mom made me come back. My dad had gone to the great beyond on the 12th of January, 1971. So my mom made me come back, I wouldn’t have come back. I came on vacation and I felt comfortable being with her, I went back, I came back again, and something happened and I said well, I’m just going to have to stay.”

He added that it took time for him to fully understand Nigeria, but his experiences with people, languages and different communities gradually made the country more familiar to him. According to Anuku, what started as a return encouraged by his mother eventually became the foundation of his life and career in Nollywood.

Watch on YouTube around 12:43 to 13:50 Minutes Timestamp.