I Have 50 Children-- Actress Hilda Dokubo

Actress Hilda Dokubo who is known for her soft and usually sorrowful roles in movies recently spoke to punch about her childhood, career and marriage.

What have you been up to recently?

I just finished a movie by Kunle Afolayan, and I’m working on another. I’m also writing a children’s book, and running a school. I’m just staying happy and excited. Kunle Afolayan’s The CEO is a beautiful work making waves at the moment. I worked with an awesome team, and the storyline was so simple but beautiful. I played the role of a superintendent of police who investigated some crimes. It was fantastic working with Kunle Afolayan.

Are you working on a film of your own?

Yes, it is titled Asawana. It is a story of the strength of the young, and the experience of the old. It is a work that talks about collaboration and strength of women in communities.

Why did you take a break from Nollywood?

Acting is like my second life. If you say I left acting , it is like saying that I died. What happened was I felt like giving back to the society that has loved me so much. I chose to go back to work with communities, see and feel like real people. I’m not done doing community work, but this is my time to come back and share those experiences in my work. I never left Nollywood, it was just a small break which was worthwhile.

You went into politics at some point…

I wanted to do something different and I wanted to give back to the society. I felt like my life was too monotonous. I was never in politics, I just held a political office. There is a huge difference between being a politician and holding a political office.

Can you relate a bit of your experience as a special adviser?

I am pleased with the little contribution I made. I did my thing as it came. Working with Governor Peter Odili, gave me a better understanding of government-related issues. It was a good training. I learnt a lot about administration and it gave me a platform to contribute to the development of young people.

Do you intend going back to politics anytime soon?

I really don’t know. If politics is what I see now, I have no interest. Nevertheless, if politics becomes a tool to contribute to the development of my people, then my answer is yes. I’m not sure I like what I see now.

What does acting mean to you?

Acting is a tool to achieve what I would really like to see. It is like Christianity, it is a way of life.

When exactly did you start acting?

I started when I was seven years old. The journey has been fantastic, I’ve lost count of the number of movies I have done. Ironically, I was not one of those who faced challenges because I started acting when I was seven. By the time I was an adult, I was already a professional actor because I had gone to school to study Theatre Arts. It just came naturally. The challenges I face these days are based on the roles I play because each role comes differently. It has just been a beautiful journey. Even though there are bumps everywhere, you just have to go past them