Nollywood actress Obioma Ofoegbu, popularly known as Obytheart, has expressed her reservations about the idea of sharing financial responsibilities equally in romantic relationships, saying she believes men should assume the leading role in providing for their partners.
The actress made her position known during an interview with Saturday Beats, where she maintained that although she was willing to contribute financially, she did not support an arrangement in which both partners were expected to split expenses equally.
“I certainly don’t believe in 50/50. I believe a man should take the lead financially, and I will be able to support from time to time, but not a 50/50 situation. I’m one to reciprocate gestures once you, as the man, take the initiative.”
Speaking about her journey in the movie industry and the opportunities that had shaped her career, Ofoegbu credited her progress to her acting abilities and divine favour.
She explained that she had not personally witnessed casting directors making decisions about actors in selection meetings. However, based on her experience, she did not believe her skin colour had given her an advantage over other performers.
According to her, talent, charisma and physical appearance vary among actors, but she believes God’s grace remains an important factor in determining individual success.
“I would say my opportunities have been driven by God’s grace and talent as well. I haven’t been in a room where casting directors are deliberating on who to select for a role. However, to the best of my knowledge and personal experience, I don’t think my skin colour has given me an advantage over another actor with a different skin colour.
“A lot of times, there are actors who are more talented, more ‘light-skinned’, and more charismatic than you are, but God’s grace is ever sufficient, so we keep moving,” Ofoegbu said.
On her growth and development as an actress, Ofoegbu described herself as a work in progress, noting that every new project presents an opportunity to improve her craft and discover her capabilities.
She said her experience over time had helped her overcome self-imposed limitations, adding that adequate preparation and the right mindset could enable her to take on different characters convincingly.
“I think I’m still evolving, but with every role, I grow into a better version of myself as an actor than I was on my last job. I have discovered that there’s really no role I can’t deliver on as long as I put my mind to it and prepare thoroughly. I used to think I had limitations, but with time, I realised those limitations are simply a mindset,” she said.
The actress also revealed some of the characters she hopes to portray in future productions, particularly roles that would push her beyond familiar territory.
Among her aspirations is playing a passionate romantic lead in a love story capable of drawing viewers emotionally into the relationship between the central characters.
She noted that she had yet to receive an opportunity to portray such a character but remained optimistic that the right project would eventually come her way.
Beyond romance, Ofoegbu disclosed her interest in playing an upright legal practitioner whose commitment to justice remains unwavering despite challenging circumstances.
“Oh yes, I’d love to play a hopeless romantic! Like a full-on romance movie where my love interest and I are obsessed with each other against all odds. The one that would have viewers kicking their feet when they watch, lol. That would be fun. I’ve never gotten the chance to play that before, but I know the opportunity will present itself in due time.
“I would also love to play the role of an incorruptible lawyer. In fact, there’s a number of them, but we can stop here for now,” she said.
