Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor has spoken about the loss of colleagues and admitted she often wonders how she would cope if Pete Edochie died before her.
In an interview with Femi Babs TV, she said the thought sits with her. She also spoke of Olu Jacobs’ condition, saying it leaves her uneasy and that she would rather not dwell on it. She explained that she holds people’s company dear, which is why deaths of fellow actors hit her hard.
She recalled crying like a child when a colleague known for comedy died, because they used to work those scenes together and she could not make sense of his passing. When Mr Ibu died, she said the feeling returned, though she tried to hold herself together as she grew older. Sam Loco’s death came when she was younger, she added, and she now tries to be gentler with her age.
A few weeks ago she posted a clip of herself dancing Ogene with Nkem Owoh, popularly called Osuofia. She said their director brought a band on set to welcome them and that she was grateful she could still dance.
Veteran Kanayo O. Kanayo later shared pictures of himself with Patience and Pete Edochie, saying wisdom, wickedness and sacrifice open the door to success.
Patience, often called Mama G, has spent decades in the industry and has begun to see the fruit of that labour. She was inducted into a Hall of Fame at the Reffa Awards in Ghana and thanked the organisers for honouring her while she is still alive. In 2024 she asked for support as she counted down to 45 years in the business, reminding fans that the journey started with one step.
In 2023, after a Lifetime Achievement Award, she wrote to her children about the years they spent without her at home while she was on set. She thanked them for surrounding her with love and acceptance.
On her birthday, comedian Basketmouth remembered asking her to join his film and said the support she gave him meant a great deal. He added that sharing a birthday with her felt like a blessing.
