Nigerian Icons: Genevieve Nnaji, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Kanu, and Okocha

Paul | January 21, 2024 | Nigeria | No Comments

Genevieve Nnaji is a Nigerian actress, producer, and director who has gained international recognition for her contributions to the Nigerian film industry, often referred to as Nollywood. Here are some key details about Genevieve Nnaji:

Date of birth	3 May, 1979
Net worth	$12 million
Husband	Never married
Daughter (date of birth)	Chimebuka Theodora (1999)
First movie appearance	Ripples by Zeb Ejiro
First movie (director)	Lion Heart (2018)
State of origin	Mbaise, Imo State
Primary school	Kemstar
Secondary school	Methodist Girls’ College, Yaba
University	University of Lagos
Siblings	7

Early Life:

Genevieve Nnaji was born on May 3, 1979, in Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria.
She grew up in Lagos, Nigeria.

Entry into Nollywood:

Genevieve Nnaji began her acting career in the late 1990s.
Her breakthrough came with the movie “Most Wanted” in 1998.

Acting Career:

She has appeared in numerous Nollywood films and is considered one of the most successful and influential actresses in the Nigerian film industry.
Some of her notable films include “Ije: The Journey,” “Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story,” “Lionheart,” and “Half of a Yellow Sun.”

International Recognition:

Genevieve Nnaji’s film “Lionheart” was Nigeria’s first-ever submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards (Oscars).

Awards and Achievements:

She has received several awards for her contributions to the film industry, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Producer and Director:

In addition to acting, Genevieve Nnaji has ventured into film production.
She produced the movie “Road to Yesterday” in 2015 and made her directorial debut with “Lionheart” in 2018.

Entrepreneurship:

Genevieve Nnaji is involved in various business ventures. She owns a fashion line called “St. Genevieve,” which includes clothing, accessories, and beauty products.

Philanthropy:

She is known for her philanthropic work and has been involved in campaigns focused on health, education, and women’s rights.

Global Recognition:

Genevieve Nnaji has been featured on international platforms and recognized as a global ambassador for Nollywood.

Genevieve Mental Health Scare :

Genevieve Nnaji’s uncharacteristic quietude was brought to light by her close friend and blogger, Stella Dimokokorkus. Stella confirmed on Instagram that the actress was currently contending with a health condition. She stated, “I have been aware of the medical condition she is facing but opted to keep it private until her recovery.”

Expressing frustration with the nurse who purportedly leaked information about the actress receiving treatment for mental health issues, Stella urged everyone to offer prayers and support to Genevieve. In her message, she emphasized that the Nollywood actress required love and prayers to overcome her challenges, cautioning against sensationalizing the situation with unfounded claims of drug misuse.

Real Reason Why Genevieve is Unmarried?

The prospect of a failed marriage has been identified by Genevieve as the primary restraining factor, and as of October 2015, she has not entered into matrimony. In expressing her sentiments, she stated, “If I get married, I want to stay married, and staying married is not easy. It means you are completely in tune with your partner. It means you have found your soul mate and will have to be able to stand a lot of disappointments that will definitely come, but then again, you have to learn how to forgive.”

This anxiety, which is viewed as dreadful, could be the reason behind the actress’s involvement in a series of unsuccessful relationships. Okechukwu Joseph, a well-known Nollywood actor, described their brief romance as “a disaster,” while Pat Attah, who also had a two-year relationship with the actress, characterized it as “great.”

Personal Life:
- Genevieve Nnaji is known for keeping her personal life private.

Genevieve Nnaji’s impact on Nollywood, both as an actress and a filmmaker, has contributed to the growth and recognition of the Nigerian film industry on the global stage.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: Nigerian Economist & Ex-Finance Minister

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a Nigerian economist, international development expert, and the first woman and African to serve as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Here are some key details about her:

Early Life and Education:

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was born on June 13, 1954, in Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State, Nigeria.
She holds Nigerian and American citizenship.

Short Profile
First Name	Ngozi
Last Name	Okonjo-Iweala
Profession	Economist
Age	65 years old
Birth Date	June 13, 1954
Birth Place	Nigeria
Country	Nigeria

Educational Background:

Okonjo-Iweala earned her Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Harvard University in 1976.
She obtained a Ph.D. in Regional Economics and Development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1981.

Career in Academia:

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala started her career as a development economist at the World Bank, where she worked for 25 years.
She held various positions at the World Bank, including Vice President and Corporate Secretary.

Political Career:

Okonjo-Iweala served as Nigeria’s Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy from 2003 to 2006 and later from 2011 to 2015.
During her tenure, she implemented economic reforms, including the privatization of state-owned enterprises and debt reduction.

International Roles:

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has held several international positions, including serving as a Managing Director at the World Bank.
In 2021, she made history by becoming the first woman and the first African to be appointed as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Global Impact:

Okonjo-Iweala is recognized for her efforts in advocating for global health initiatives, including the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
She has been involved in initiatives to address poverty, gender inequality, and economic development.

Authorship:

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the author of several books and articles on economic and development issues.

Recognition:

She has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to economic development, including being named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2021.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s career spans both academia and international development, and she has played a pivotal role in shaping economic policies and advocating for global issues. Her appointment as the Director-General of the WTO reflects her impact on the global stage.

The Famous ‘Papilo’: Nwankwo Kanu – Nigerian Football Great

Nwankwo Kanu, often simply known as Papilo or Kanu, is a retired Nigerian footballer who gained international acclaim for his skill, leadership, and achievements both at the club and national team levels. Born on August 1, 1976, in Owerri, Nigeria, Kanu had a successful career that spanned several clubs and included notable accomplishments.

Kanu is a native of Abia State, southeast Nigeria, and a member of the Aro sub-group of the Igbo ethnic group. Nwankwo means “Child born on Nkwo market day” in the Igbo language.

Kanu’s younger brother, Christopher, was also a footballer, who played as a defender; he also has another younger brother, Ogbonna. Kanu is a Christian.

Kanu was born with a congenital heart defect, which impeded his aortic valve from closing properly; it was discovered and operated on in 1996. Although it was feared that he would not play again, and that it would affect his career, he made a full recovery.^[63]^[82] He undergoes an annual medical check-up for the condition. In March 2014, he successfully underwent corrective heart surgery once again, in the United States

Here are key points about Nwankwo Kanu:

Club Career:

Ajax Amsterdam (1993–1996): Kanu started his professional career at Ajax in the Netherlands. He won several domestic and international honors with the club, including the Eredivisie title and the UEFA Champions League in the 1994-1995 season.
Internazionale (Inter Milan) (1996–1999): Kanu moved to Inter Milan in 1996. While at Inter, he continued to showcase his skill and versatility, although his time at the club was marked by a significant health setback.
Arsenal (1999–2004): Kanu joined Arsenal in 1999 and quickly became a fan favorite. He played a crucial role in Arsenal’s success during his time at the club, winning two English Premier League titles and two FA Cups.
Portsmouth (2006–2012): After a brief stint at West Bromwich Albion, Kanu moved to Portsmouth in 2006. He played a key role in helping Portsmouth win the FA Cup in the 2007-2008 season.

International Career:

Nigerian National Team: Kanu had a distinguished international career with the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles.
Olympic Gold Medal: He won the Olympic gold medal with Nigeria in the football tournament at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Kanu scored the winning goal in the final against Argentina.
African Cup of Nations: Kanu represented Nigeria in several Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, contributing to Nigeria’s success in the competition.

Individual Achievements:

African Footballer of the Year: Kanu was named the African Footballer of the Year twice, in 1996 and 1999, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to football.
FIFA 100: In 2004, Kanu was named in the FIFA 100 list of the greatest living players, as selected by Pelé.

Philanthropy:

Kanu Heart Foundation: Following his own experience with heart-related health issues, Kanu founded the Kanu Heart Foundation. The foundation aims to provide heart surgeries for underprivileged children in Africa.

Post-Retirement:

Business Ventures: After retiring from professional football, Kanu has been involved in various business ventures, including owning a sports club and engaging in real estate.

Nwankwo Kanu is not only remembered for his football prowess but also for his contributions to charitable causes, particularly through the Kanu Heart Foundation. He remains an iconic figure in Nigerian and international football.

Jay-Jay Okocha: Nigeria’s Greatest Footballer

Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, whose full name is Augustine Azuka Okocha, is a retired Nigerian footballer who is widely regarded as one of the most skillful and entertaining players of his generation. Born on August 14, 1973, in Enugu, Nigeria, Jay-Jay Okocha achieved success both at the club and international levels. Here are key points about Jay-Jay Okocha’s career:

Club Career:

Borussia Neunkirchen (Germany): Okocha’s professional career began in Germany with Borussia Neunkirchen in 1990. He later moved to Eintracht Frankfurt in 1992, where he gained attention for his skillful playing style.
Fenerbahçe (Turkey): In 1996, Okocha moved to Fenerbahçe in Turkey, where he continued to make a significant impact. His performances earned him recognition as one of the best players in the Turkish league.
Paris Saint-Germain (France): Okocha joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in France in 1998. During his time at PSG, he showcased his flair, creativity, and scoring ability. He won the French Cup with the club in the 2002-2003 season.
Bolton Wanderers (England): Okocha made a high-profile move to the English Premier League with Bolton Wanderers in 2002. He became a fan favorite at Bolton and served as the club captain. Okocha’s skillful performances earned him the nickname “Jay-Jay” among English football fans.
Qatar and Final Stints: After leaving Bolton in 2006, Okocha had brief spells with Qatar SC and Hull City before retiring from professional football.

International Career:

Nigerian National Team: Jay-Jay Okocha was a key figure in the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, during his international career.
African Cup of Nations: Okocha represented Nigeria in multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, contributing to Nigeria’s successes in the competition.
Olympic Gold Medal: He won an Olympic gold medal with Nigeria in the football tournament at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.

Playing Style:

Skill and Flair: Okocha was known for his exceptional skill, ball control, and flair on the field. His dribbling ability, tricks, and creativity made him a joy to watch.
Free Kicks: Okocha was renowned for his prowess in taking free kicks. He scored several memorable goals from free-kick situations during his career.

Post-Retirement:

Media Work: After retiring from professional football, Okocha ventured into media work, serving as a football pundit and commentator.
Ambassadorial Roles: Okocha has also been involved in ambassadorial roles and various football-related activities.

Jay-Jay Okocha, a legendary footballer, was honored as a “Legend” in the FIFA football game series in late 2014. In February 2015, he was elected as the Chair of the Delta State Football Association, and in April 2015, he expressed interest in becoming the president of the Nigeria Football Federation. Okocha played in a charity match in May 2016, scoring a hat-trick. However, in June 2019, he faced charges of alleged money laundering in Scotland. Since 2019, Okocha has worked as a football pundit for Supersports, offering analysis for major tournaments. In November 2021, he participated in a charity match for Bolton Wanderers Legends, scoring a penalty, to raise funds for a player’s mother diagnosed with motor neuron disease. In an interview, Okocha explained that he never played for big clubs like Real Madrid CF due to wage issues and racism, emphasizing that the offered money seemed like he was doing them a favor.

Jay-Jay Okocha’s impact on the football world goes beyond statistics; he is celebrated for his entertaining style of play and his ability to bring joy to fans with his extraordinary skills on the ball. He remains a respected figure in Nigerian and global football.