Young People Should Remain Hopeful In Life— Nollywood Actress Okonkwo

Award-winning Nollywood actress and philanthropist Rechael Okonkwo has said she wrote her debut book, Odogwu Girl: From Dreams to Reality, to inspire women and young people to remain hopeful and overcome life’s challenges despite difficult circumstance.

Okonkwo, popularly known as Nkoli Nwa Nsukka, stated this recently during the launch of the memoir in Lagos.

According to the actress, the book chronicles her journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Nollywood’s most recognisable stars. It is intended to encourage readers to believe that their background does not determine their future.

“I feel proud of myself. I’m glad I’ve come this far, and I’m happy to have written something that will inspire, encourage and motivate women to keep believing in themselves, no matter what they are going through or where they come from. I want everyone who reads this book to leave feeling encouraged and empowered,” she said.

She explained that Odogwu Girl captures years of perseverance, resilience and faith, adding that the publication aligns with her long-standing commitment to empowering women and young people through mentorship, education and personal development.

The actress said readers should expect practical life lessons, personal experiences and words of encouragement drawn from her own life.

“This book is beyond acting. It contains my experiences, my insights about life and, most importantly, encouragement. Women are naturally emotional, and when life doesn’t go as planned, many lose hope. I want this book to remind them that the future is still bright and that they can rise above every setback,” she said.

Speaking about what inspired the memoir, Okonkwo said losing her father at age 13 and becoming responsible for supporting her five younger siblings motivated her to document her experiences.

“Life has never been easy for me, but one thing has always stood out: my decision to keep going and to thrive no matter what comes my way. My life is proof that a woman can overcome challenges, break stereotypes and still succeed,” she said.

Beyond recounting her career in the entertainment industry, the actress said the book explores themes of determination, purpose, self-belief and resilience, to inspire readers to remain focused despite setbacks.

She described Odogwu Girl as more than a memoir, expressing hope that it would become a movement encouraging women to discover their inner strength. According to her, the “Odogwu spirit” symbolises courage, resilience and the determination to keep moving forward despite life’s challenges.

The book, published by Inemesit Hanson, was officially unveiled at a launch attended by actors, filmmakers, comedians, content creators, family members, friends and colleagues from the entertainment industry.