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Aderonke Ademefunade
2 weeks ago
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Actress Patience Ozokwor reflects on marriage
Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor has revealed that she was married at the age of 19 through an arrangement made by her parents, describing the experience as one she did not choose for herself. The actress shared the personal account in a statement circulated on X by the verified handle Igbo History and Fact.
According to Ozokwo, the early days of the marriage were marked by fear and uncertainty, as she struggled to adjust to a union she had not planned. “Marriage found me at just 19. It wasn’t my choice; my parents arranged it. At first, I was scared. I didn’t know how to love a man I didn’t choose,” she said.
She explained that love eventually developed between her and her husband, and they spent 23 years together as a couple. Ozokwo disclosed that her husband was ill for 15 years before his death in 2000. The actress said they had three biological children and that she later adopted five others, though one of the adopted children passed away, leaving her with seven children. Ozokwo noted that she did not remarry after losing her husband, choosing instead to focus on raising her children.
Reflecting on modern marriages, she observed that despite increased emphasis on self-development today, many marriages still collapse. She added that marriages during her time, often arranged by parents were sustained by commitment, endurance, and shared values. She said instilling respect and responsibility in her children helped her maintain a stable home despite life’s challenges.
“I told my children never to think of divorce. I raised my daughters to be respectful and my sons to be responsible. That is how I built a strong home through hardship, love, respect, and sacrifice,” she concluded.
Credit: Blueprint
