Nkiru Sylvanus Riches // (born 21 April 1985)[1] is a Nigerian actress and politician. She has featured in over two hundred movies and had been nominated for Best Actress of the Year at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards and Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.[1][2][3][4]

Nkiru Sylvanus Riches
Born (1985-04-21) 21 April 1985 (age 39)
EducationEnugu State University of Science and Technology
Occupations
  • Actress
  • politician
Years active2001–present
SpouseRiches Sammy
AwardsBest Actress of the Year at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards

Early life

edit

Sylvanus was born in Osisioma, Aba, a city located in Abia State,

Education

edit

She attended Ohabiam Primary and Secondary School, where she obtained her first school leaving certificate and West African Senior School Certificate. She also attended the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, graduating with a BSc degree in mass communication.[5][6][7]

Acting career

edit

Described by The Punch newspaper as a veteran, Sylvanus began her acting career at the age of 16, in 2001, and her breakout role came in 2002 with the film 'A Cry for Help', where she played Blessing, earning her the nickname 'Ble-Ble.[8] She has been featured in over 70 Nollywood movies.[1][9] Her first acting was by coincidence when Her house was asked to be used as a King's Palace in a movie.[10]

She has been featured twice (2017 & 2018) in The Guardian's publication on Celebrities Who Made Headlines.[9][11]

Political career

edit

In 2011, Sylvanus was included in the cabinet of former governor of Imo state Rochas Okorocha as his Special Assistant on Lagos State Affairs and later became his Special Adviser on Public Affairs.[12][13][14][15]

2012 kidnap and release

edit

Sylvanus, who was a special assistant to former Governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha on Public affairs was kidnapped on 15 December 2012 at 2.30pm as reported by various reputable Nigerian media houses. A Vanguard media publication reported that a ransom of a ₦100,000,000[7] (One hundred million naira) which was (per exchange rate) in 2012 equivalent to $640,000 (Six Hundred and forty thousand U.S dollars) was demanded by her captors in exchange for her release.[16][17][18][19][20] It was reported by Nigerian media houses that on 21 December 2012 at 10:30pm, Sylvanus was released from her kidnappers.[19]

Awards

edit

Personal life

edit

For The first time in her life, On January 12, 2023, she married the love of her life Riches Sammy traditionally in her hometown in Osisioma local Government Area Abia state. Her husband is a Japan base actor/ business mogul & Investor who invested in Japanese Nightlife entertainment and Hospitality Industry. Mr. Riches Sammy owns Club, Bars, Luxurious Restaurant & Lounge in Japan and Nigeria he is also into Importation of Beauty and Anti-Aging Equipment, Cars and few other businesses [22] They had their white/church wedding in Enugu state on January 15, 2023.[23] Sylvanus was a brand influencer for his brand 7th Planet International Ltd a Restaurant and a bar in Enugu State. [24] Riches is a Sports lover who played for the England Team in Japan Rugby World Cup Tv Promo in 2019.[25]

Controversies

edit

The Actress is said to have once married the aide to the former Vice President Sambo's aide, Umar Sani in 2013.[26] Not long after, She was involved with Stanley Duru the ex-husband of her industry colleague, Oge Okoye.[27]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c d "Nkiru Sylvanus Bio, Age, Education, Husband, Marriage, Wedding, Career". AfricanMania. 23 June 2017. Archived from the original on 28 November 2019. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
  2. ^ Haliwud (2 February 2016). "Photos: Veteran Nollywood Actress, Nkiru Sylvanus Flaunts Her New Look". Information Nigeria. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
  3. ^ "Veteran Actress, Nkiru Sylvanus Turns Musician, Releases Gospel Album". Within Nigeria. 7 June 2018. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
  4. ^ Obioji, Amaka (20 June 2018). "I've never been married. - Actress Nkiru Sylvanus". www.legit.ng. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
  5. ^ "The good, bad and sweet story of Nkiru Sylvanus". Vanguard News. 16 November 2012. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
  6. ^ "Nse, Nkiru Sylvanus and Ivie Okujaiye battle for AMVCA award tonight!". Vanguard News. 7 March 2014. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
  7. ^ a b "Gunmen kidnap Nkiru Sylvanus, demand N100m". Vanguard News. 16 December 2012. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
  8. ^ Onu, Stephen (1 June 2024). "Flashback: Nkiru Sylvanus's iconic role in 2002 Nollywood classic 'A Cry for Help'". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  9. ^ a b "Celebrities who made headlines in 2018". guardian.ng. 12 January 2019. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
  10. ^ Enenaite, Blessing (11 November 2023). "Belonging to cliques in Nollywood not my thing – Nkiru Umeh". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  11. ^ "Celebrities that made headlines in 2017 – Part 1". guardian.ng. 30 December 2017. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
  12. ^ "Nkiru Sylvanus 'I will act in more movies this year,' actress reveals". www.pulse.ng. 12 March 2016. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
  13. ^ Orenuga, Adenike (14 September 2014). "Nkiru Sylvanus gets new appointment in Imo". Retrieved 28 November 2019.
  14. ^ "Nkiru Sylvanus gets third political appointment in 3 years". Nigerian Entertainment Today. 17 September 2014. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
  15. ^ "Actress Nkiru Sylvanus Picks Another Juicy Job In Imo". P.M. News. 17 September 2014. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
  16. ^ "Gov. Okorocha's Aide, Nkiru Sylvanus, Kidnapped In Owerri". Sahara Reporters. 16 December 2012. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
  17. ^ "The Abduction of Nkiru Sylvanus in Owerri". The Nigerian Voice. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
  18. ^ "Kidnap of Nkiru Sylvanus".
  19. ^ a b "Jubilation as Nkiru Sylvanus, Okoli regain freedom". Vanguard News. 20 December 2012. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
  20. ^ "Actress-Cum-Politician, Nkiru Sylvanus Abducted By Gunmen". www.thenigerianvoice.com. Retrieved 28 November 2019.
  21. ^ "Nkiru Sylvanus". Culture Intelligence from RED. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  22. ^ "More photos from the traditional wedding of actress Nkiru Sylvanus". Linda Ikeji's Blog. 13 January 2023. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
  23. ^ ugochukwu. "Photos And Video From The White Wedding Of Actress Nkiru Sylvanus". igberetvnews.com. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  24. ^ Ovwe, Medeme (13 January 2023). "Meet Nkiru's Sylvanus Dashing Mystery Husband, Riches Sammy". Premium Times. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  25. ^ Ovwe, Medeme (13 January 2023). "Meet Nkiru's Sylvanus Mystery Husband, Riches Sammy". Premium Times. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  26. ^ ovwe, Medeme (13 January 2023). "Meet Nkiru Sylvanus Mystery Husband, Riches Sammy". Premium Times. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  27. ^ Ovwe, Medeme (13 January 2023). "Meet Nkiru Sylvanus Dashing Mystery Husband, Riches Sammy". Premium Times. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
edit