Congratulations, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman

Olusegun Adeniyi

Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman made history at the 12th Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) last week. She won both ‘Best Lead Actress’ for her role in ‘The Serpent’s Gift’ and ‘Best Supporting Actress’ for her role in ‘The Herd’. I cannot think of anybody more deserving of these honours. Linda is that rare combination of a young woman who blends talent with beauty, brain, and character—a thoroughbred professional whose inner strength is as admiring as her outer charm and grace.

The story of my friendship with Linda and her husband, Ibrahim, is quite an interesting one. Ten years ago, at the instance of Pastor (Dr) Evaristus Azodoh, The Everlasting Arms Parish (TEAP) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) initiated an annual teens career conference, with the aim of bringing accomplished Nigerians (at home and in the Diaspora) to inspire young people. Although a Christian programme, it is open to youth of all religious backgrounds—mostly undergraduates—from Abuja and environs and it is usually a big event with food, drinks, and music. 

In the first edition held in 2016 with the theme, ‘Your Life, Your Future: Not a Laughing Matter’, the lead speaker was Mr Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, popularly known as Ali Baba. Other speakers were then Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor, Dr Serah Alade, former Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) chair, Mrs Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru and the then Director General of PENCOM, Ms Chinelo Anohu. The theme for the second edition in 2017 was ‘Life is a Stage’ with foremost Nollywood actor, Mr Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD) as the anchor person. Other speakers included wife of then Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo and wife of the late former Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Mrs Charity Shekari. 

Considering the ease with which I secured the commitments of these two great thespians (Ali Baba and RMD) who came all the way from Lagos without demanding any money, I took it for granted that Nigerian movie/comedy/music stars are so public-spirited that they would seize opportunities to inspire young people. I have since learnt my lessons the hard way!

Subsequent efforts to invite other movie stars or musicians (including those in the Gospel genre) were met with ‘please talk to my manager’, ‘find out from my agent how much’ and all such demands. Some of the few with whom I had phone conversations even spoke to me as though they were talking to their houseboy. And then the fencing and all sorts of pranks from some that I even know personally. At the end, I came to the inescapable conclusion that even though they remain the biggest names in their crafts, Ali Baba and RMD (our own Amitabh Bachchan) were outliers. They just happen to be wonderful people.

So, when in planning the 2022 edition a number of teenagers suggested Linda’s name to headline the conference, I simply told them to forget it. I didn’t want to waste my time chasing another prima donna. It took a ‘why don’t you just try?’ plea from my wife for me to send a message to Linda after securing her email address. And then I got a pleasant surprise. After about a week, she sent this reply: “It will be an honour to be able to interact with the young people, alongside such illustrious members of the society. I will do all that I can to keep my calendar clear on the 20th August, to fly into Abuja on the day and return to Lagos on the 21st. I do not require an honorarium, as it is a charity cause. However, I do not travel alone, and would require identical logistics planned for my husband, who usually travels with me when my manager is unavailable. Kindly let me know if this works for you.”

With her husband by her side, the teenagers were able to ask Linda questions about the intersection between career and family, especially for young couples. And before they left for Lagos, I hosted them to lunch in our house. With teenagers, and friends joining us, it was a fitting climax to an amazing weekend. I still recall her parting words to the teenagers after sharing the story of her career trajectory. “Leaders are not immune to failure, just that their attitude to failure is different. They take time to reflect on what they did wrong and work on it. Leaders are focused people with vision, who are willing to ask questions,” she said while admonishing the teenagers never to forget the God factor in whatever they do. “He alone perfects all our plans.” 

Over the past four years, I have found Linda to be even sweeter than she is on screen. And her husband, Ibrahim, is now my beloved aburo. Therefore, while winning two awards at the AMVCA may be a big deal, this is just the beginning for Linda. The Academy (Oscar) Awards will come.

• You can follow me on my X (formerly Twitter) handle, @Olusegunverdict and on www.olusegunadeniyi.com