Kenneth Okonkwo: I’ll only return to acting when Nigeria gets better than US

Kenneth Okonkwo, the actor turned politician, says he will only return to Nollywood when Nigeria gets better than the United States.

Okonkwo, in a recent interview with Seun Okinbaloye, the media personality, said due to his dedication towards a “new Nigeria”, he might not return to acting.

The politician, however, said he does not “see this as retirement”.

“When you are consumed by the love of your nation, you will come to a point where you would think that you have done enough,” he said.

“You do not retire from acting but maybe from the public exhibition of acting. I have made a determination that should decrease so my fight for a new Nigeria will increase.

“I have seen roles and I have turned them down. There is no time anymore for any. There is no retirement age. A part of me for Nollywood would always be alive forever”.

When asked what would make him accept a role, the actor simply replied “If Nigeria becomes better than America”.

He also said he believes an inspiring leader who motivates the people is “crucial for Nigeria’s advancement”.

He added that he and his team are dedicated to fostering such leadership.

“The possibility is there but the only thing that is lacking is the leadership that has the ability to inspire people towards unusual creative ability not to manipulate or intimidate them. That is what is lacking and that is what we are coming in to produce,” he added.

Okonkwo joined Nollywood in 1992. He has featured in hundreds of movies including ‘Living in Bondage’, ‘World Apart’ and ‘Wives on Strike’.

He, however, ventured into politics by becoming an All Progressive Congress (APC) member.

Okonkwo dumped the ruling party in 2022 and joined the Labour Party (LP).