Nollywood veteran Kanayo Kanayo is experiencing a mix of joy and sorrow as his son, Clinton Kanayo, completes his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Sharing photos of Clinton in his NYSC uniform proudly holding his certificate, Kanayo reflected on the bittersweet nature of celebrating personal milestones while tragedy continues to shadow the country.
“Please join me in thanking Chukwu Okike Abiama, The Almighty God, for my son, Clinton Onyekwere, Onyeze Mbaise, on completion of his NYSC. More to say, but the bloodshed in the land would not let me. I rejoice. Others mourn. Pathetically sad,” he wrote, capturing both pride and heartbreak in one message.
Kanayo’s relationship with his children has often captured public attention. Last year, he playfully questioned Clinton after a video surfaced of him dancing at his NYSC orientation camp in Ede, Osun State, remarking that dancing “doesn’t run in our family.” In 2023, when Clinton secured admission to a university in the United States, Kanayo prayed that his son would stay true to his values, focus on his studies, and resist distractions.
Family traditions hold deep meaning for Kanayo. He has shared moments of visiting his parents’ graveside with his sons, hoping to pass on the practice of honoring family heritage. Two years ago, he melted hearts with a video of a surprise reunion with his other son, Montel, after a year apart abroad, capturing the warmth of their embrace.
Kanayo has also guided his children into the world of Nollywood. In 2023, he shared a video of himself mentoring Clinton on a movie set, highlighting his son’s quick grasp of the craft. Recently, he celebrated another milestone, blessing Clinton as he received his first salary as a production manager assistant in Nollywood. The actor advised the public to take their first earnings to their fathers for blessings rather than their pastors.
Beyond Clinton, Kanayo has been vocal about the expectations he holds for his daughter, Valerie. On her 25th birthday, he posted that before 2027, she should either be walking down the aisle, earning her PhD, or moving out of his house, reflecting his belief in discipline, ambition, and family values.
Through all these moments, Kanayo Kanayo balances pride in his children’s achievements with awareness of the challenges around them, celebrating personal joy even as he acknowledges the pain and unrest that many Nigerians continue to face.
