Nkem Owoh

Nkem Owoh, known affectionately as Osuofia, was born on February 7, 1958 in Udi Town, Enugu State, Nigeria. After completing his primary and secondary education, he pursued a degree in engineering at the University of Ilorin. However, even during his university days, Owoh's passion for acting and performing became evident as he actively participated in various television and film productions.

Owoh's breakthrough role came in the 2003 film "Osuofia in London," where he played the lead character. This comedy garnered significant acclaim, showcasing Owoh's exceptional talent for making people laugh. One of the most memorable aspects of his career is the song "I Go Chop Your Dollar," which humorously highlights advance fee fraud. However, the song faced controversy when it was banned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission.

In 2007, Owoh faced a challenging period when he was arrested in Amsterdam, Netherlands, as part of "Operation Apollo," a seven-month investigation by Dutch police targeting lottery fraud and immigration violations. Despite his arrest during a musical performance, Owoh was eventually released. Later, in November 2009, he endured another hardship when he was kidnapped in eastern Nigeria, with his captors demanding a ransom. Thankfully, Owoh was released after his family reportedly paid a ransom fee.

Throughout his illustrious career spanning approximately 30 years, Nkem Owoh has graced the screens with over 200 movie appearances. One of his earliest notable roles was in the TV series "Things Fall Apart," based on Chinua Achebe's acclaimed novel, even while he was still an undergraduate. From there, Owoh's talent flourished, and he delivered remarkable performances in films such as "Ukwa," "Kiss Me Quick," "Fake Doctor," "Long John," "Police Officer," "King of the Forest," and "Osuofia in London," among many others. His ability to captivate audiences with his unique style of comic acting solidified his status as a household name in Nigeria and beyond.

Nkem Owoh's exceptional talent and contribution to the Nigerian film industry have garnered him several prestigious awards and nominations. Notably, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award (LTAA) nomination at the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) in 2007, recognizing his enduring impact on the industry. In 2008, he won the AMAA for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in the Nigerian movie "Stronger than Pain." Owoh's achievements also include winning the Best Actor in a Comedy award at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice (AMVC) ceremony, among other notable accolades.