Nollywood actress and filmmaker Debbie Shokoya has credited her parents for laying the foundation that has shaped her life and career, expressing deep gratitude for their sacrifices and the values they instilled in her.
In a reflective Instagram post, Shokoya acknowledged the pivotal role her parents played in helping her become the woman she is today.
According to her, their efforts made it possible for her to face life with boldness, integrity, and purpose.
“My Parents Walked, So I Could Run. I Am Running, So My Children Can Fly!” she wrote.
Shokoya emphasized that the wisdom and discipline her parents instilled have guided her through many challenges. She noted that those lessons—ranging from contentment and hard work to sincerity and faith—were more valuable than anything money could buy.
“In the past and in fact present… so many things have happened in my daily life that I have managed well. All thanks to my father and mother. They taught, instilled, and gave me so many things that money can’t buy! Things that would forever make me wealthy. Few out of those things are contentment, sincerity, holding on to God, hard work, staying focused on goals and a lot more!”
Reflecting on her journey, the actress shared that she built her success from the ground up, overcoming setbacks through resilience and the strong moral grounding her parents gave her.
“I look at myself today and how far I have grown… Trust me, everything started from the scratch!!! I built everything to this point, brick by brick! There were times I saw a part of the building trying to collapse, but what do they say about a good foundation? I stand tall always.”
She described contentment as a powerful gift that has kept her grounded and unshaken by external pressures or competition.
“My parents built me to this point where I feel unshaken, I just stay focused! I move like I am perfect and not triggered about competition because I was taught the act of contentment from an early stage! I have lived with it, I have mastered it! I tell you with fact that contentment is a gift. If you have it, you are blessed and wealthier than a rich man.”
Looking ahead, Shokoya expressed hope that her children will one day be proud of her just as she is of her own parents. She prayed for a future where her family remains rooted in love, strength, and authenticity.
“I pray and hope that someday, my children will brag about how I trained them and positively impacted their lives. I pray that I will make them proud and also be proud of them! I pray that my home will forever be a safe place for us! I pray that I will continue to be the real me that I am, because I love how truthful I love to be with myself.”
