For many Gen Zs, the name Maureen Solomon-Okereke may not immediately ring a bell. But for longtime Nollywood fans, she remains one of the most recognisable faces from the industry’s golden era, having featured prominently in numerous hit movies in the early 2000s.
At the peak of her career, however, the actress suddenly disappeared from the screen, leaving many fans wondering what had happened to one of Nollywood’s most beloved stars.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds, Solomon-Okereke finally shed light on the deeply personal decision that led her away from acting.
According to the actress, motherhood and the responsibilities that came with raising young children made it increasingly difficult to continue taking movie roles, especially as she could no longer bring her children along to film locations.
“It was a difficult decision to leave my work and take care of my family. When I had my son first, it was easy. I could take him to work, movie sets and the locations, but when my second child came, it was not that easy,” Okereke said.
Despite stepping away from a thriving acting career, she insists she has no regrets about prioritising her family.
She explained that, although she had domestic help, she eventually realised that her children needed more of her time and presence, prompting her to put acting on hold.
“Regrets how? I have a 20-year-old and I have a 19-year-old now, they are both grown, though I still have a seven-year-old but I mean, anyone can attest that if parents are there the difference is always there. I don’t regret it at all.
“It got to a point where my daughter was about 5 years, and it wasn’t just going well, so I had to stop and give my time to them,” she reflected.
Now, after years away from the spotlight, the actress says she is happy to be back in Nollywood, with her older children grown and more independent.
She noted that even during her long absence from the screen, she kept a close eye on developments within the industry and remained connected to its evolution.
Credit: channelstv.com
