July 24, (THEWILL) – Caroline Danjuma (nee Ekanem) is many things rolled into one: An actress, a movie producer, a business woman, a humanitarian and now a politician as she was recently unveiled as the running mate to Iboro Otu, the African Action Congress governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State. In this interview with IVORY UKONU, she talks about some of the things that define who she is. Excerpts:
Your age has been the subject of controversy these past few weeks. Many believe that you are over 40, not 35 years-old as you claim. Why do people assume you are much older?
I honestly do not know. Maybe it is because of my achievements or because I got married early. People need to understand that we have different focus in life. I grew up with my grandmother who is full of wisdom and so, naturally, I grew up acting older than my age. Also, I finished school quite early. At 8, I was already in JSS1 at Federal Government Girls College, Oyo.
How was that possible?
I had double promotion in primary school. I remember that when I first arrived in primary school, my grandmother was asked to take me home. I was the youngest pupil in the school. I took the National Examination Council (NECO) examination in SS2. My West African School Certificate Examination and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Examination I did in one take. I was about 14 years old. Many teenagers actually finished secondary school at the age of 14 and were it not for the recent law passed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State to peg entry age into secondary schools at 11 or 12 years, this would still continue. I however did not finish at FGGC, Oyo. I moved to African Church Model College in Ifako, Gbagada, Lagos where my grandmother was a teacher. That was where I completed secondary school. She wanted me to be close to her so that she could keep an eye on me. So I do not consider it a big deal finishing school early. Everything I have done I started at a young age. I got married when I was 19 on October 28, 2006, to be precise. My husband (Musa Danjuma) celebrated my 19th birthday with me. I was 19 when I gave birth to my first child. That means I met my husband when I was 18 years-old.
At what point did you get admitted to the university?
I got admission to the University of Calabar almost immediately and graduated in 2010. So I was in my third year when I got married. In fact I was pregnant with my first child when I was in school. I remember I wrote my final exams while I was pregnant.
When exactly did you join Nollywood?
That was almost immediately after I left secondary school. I was still in the university when I joined the movie industry at 16. I was only in the industry for about two years. So when people say they saw my movies back in the day, I was only 16 years-old then and left after two years. The last movie I starred in was titled, Mass Destruction. It was released in 2006 shortly before I got married. So I really do not know what else to say about my age. I am sick and tired of going back and forth about it.
Some people have asked why I had a Master’s Degree at 35, if I truly got married early. My very first job in the entertainment industry was an advertising job with Multi-Sheen hair relaxer. I did other adverts, such as Delta Soap, before I moved fully into the movie industry. And how did I get into the industry? A friend of mine wanted to be an actress. She was an interior designer who was also into furniture making for Rita Dominic and so she spoke to Rita on my behalf. Rita was kind enough to introduce me to the late movie producer, Chico Ejiro. When he saw me, he exclaimed, ‘Oh my God, you are so small.’ He took interest in me and literally acted like my father in Nollywood, directing me on how to navigate through the industry.
Your grandmother allowed you to join Nollywood at such a young age?
No she wasn’t aware of it. I used to sneak out to act. I loved acting. The first time she saw me acting, she flogged the hell out of me. I come from a very disciplined home with a very strong Christian background. I wasn’t allowed to have friends. My grandmother would always counter me when I told her I needed to visit friends. She would prefer I stay at home and read my books or watch television. She really shielded me while imparting into me words of wisdom and I think that made me grow up really fast. So, I therefore find it puzzling when people question my age when they do not know my actual story. People feel you have to be an old woman to accomplish things. I mean we have eight-year-olds on YouTube cashing out. Look at reality show star, Kylie Jenner, for example. She became a billionaire at a very young age. A lot of intelligent ladies had their Master’s Degrees and PhDs in their 20s.
Age should not be a determining factor for one’s success. Yes, to have children, you must be of age and at 18 when I started bearing children, I was already of age. My parents were the ones who gave me out in marriage, they were okay with it. And then some people went as far as saying they attended the same school with me or that I was their senior and vice versa…. I really cannot remember everyone being the same age or in the same class with me. People in the same class or school with you are not in the same age bracket for some reasons. Everyone has a different start in life.
I think the misinformation started from Wikipedia. Why did you not edit your age on it?
I did not create the Wikipedia page. I don’t know who did. I have email evidences that shows communication between me and Wikipedia when I was still married, when I still had my Music Record Label. I wanted them to correct the wrong information on that page about my age, when I got married, how many children I have, the course I studied in school etc. Wikipedia said there was nothing they could do. Apparently, Wikipedia is like a village, anyone can create a page on the platform and edit it. This was as far back as 2017. The guy that created the page locked the page and wanted me to pay him before he could change anything. I let him be, hoping that he would leave the page when he gets tired. I tried to create an entirely new Wikipedia page but it wasn’t possible, so I just left it. After all, Wikipedia is not my life.
In fact, recently somebody edited the Wikipedia page and put my date of birth as 1998. There are many false social media pages that I did not create. I have tried to disassociate myself from these fake social media pages, but they don’t go away. So currently, as far as I am concerned, I have no Wikipedia page and the only social media pages I have are my Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram accounts bearing Caroline Hutchings.
Speaking of age, a lot has been said about the real age of one of the political gladiators vying for the number one seat in the country. Do you think people have the right to question his real age just as they have put yours on the front burner?
No, I do not think his age should be questioned. I think what we should concern ourselves with is his capabilities and health status, which shows that he isn’t looking well enough to handle the cumbersome nature of Nigeria as it concerns governance. Mentally he could be capable, but physically, based on what we all see, I am not quite sure. That being said, I do not think we have the right to question anyone’s age. You can’t measure people’s success by their age just as you can’t measure people’s success story by your own age which is what I am going through presently. I think we should leave people’s age alone and instead focus on their mental capabilities, their intelligence quotient, emotional intelligence etc.
How does it feel turning 35?
When it was the morning of my birthday, I said to myself, ‘Ah, I’m getting to 40.’ I am happy because when I look at the goals I set for myself and what I wanted to achieve for myself before turning 35, I am grateful to God. I have three beautiful children and one of the best decisions I made was to get married early. But I am yet to get there and I pray to God that I live long enough to achieve everything that I set out to achieve.
What lessons has life has taught you in all of 35 years?
Life has taught me to speak up, believe in myself, live my life the way I want it, to be happy, to ensure that no one comes to take me away from my comfort zone or take away the zen from me. Life has taught me not to be a people pleaser.
Looking back, is there anything you wish you should have done differently?
There are quite a few things I should have done differently. I should have been more focused on my businesses. Also, by now, I should have had my PhD, if I had been very focused and not procrastinated. I have learnt not to be afraid anymore and to take the bull by its horns.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement son far?
My children are my greatest achievement. When I look at them, I see success. A parent once commended my daughter for her good behaviour. My two sons are in boarding school in the United Kingdom and I am super proud of them. I am blessed.
And what do you consider to be your greatest challenge in life?
My divorce. My emotional and mental health being on edge as well as the stigmatisation that came with it, which still comes with it, has to be my greatest challenge in life.
How do you juxtapose marrying early with coming from a strict home?
Naturally my mother kicked against the marriage. She wanted me to finish school, my grandmother was confused, she cried during my traditional marriage, not because she didn’t like my husband but because she felt I was too young to get married. But I wanted to get married, I wanted to raise a family early. I have always wanted to have a family, I still want one now. I am the first child of my mother although my dad had seven children and I had to look out for my brothers at a very young age and that made me grow up early.
So I knew what I wanted in life. I have always been very focused about getting what I wanted out of life. I was in love with my husband and I was like, if it wasn’t him, I won’t marry anyone else. I prayed about it and we got married.
Looking back at what led to the divorce, do you regret ever marrying him?
I would marry him a billion times. He was my first love. Sometimes, people are more compatible as best friends than as husbands and wives. We didn’t date for a long time to enable us to understand the dos and don’ts of marriage. We both fell in love with each other and that was how I made up my mind to get married instead of waiting till I finish school and go for National Youth Service. I was ready for marriage at that time.
Saying you will marry him a billion times suggests that you could give him a second chance. Is that what you mean?
It depends. Some things have to change from both ends. We both have to be fully ready for it and if we are, why not? It is even better that way because I already with him, he knows me and we have three kids together. So I would prefer to be with him than being with someone new whose demons or angels I don’t know.
How cordial is your relationship with him?
He is literally my best friend. Despite being divorced from him, he has never pressurised me, taunted me or made me feel less of myself. He has been very supportive.
People say you married him because of his financial status. Is this true?
At the time I met and married him, I was not used to reading tabloids or newspapers. I didn’t even know who the Danjumas were, to be sincere. I listen to the news now because I am in business, but I didn’t do that back then. I knew he was wealthy, but I didn’t know how wealthy he was. It wasn’t like the family sat me down and there were auditors with his and his brother’s books to say ‘Caroline, come and look at how wealthy we are.’ No. I walked into the family and they accepted me warmly. Besides, I also come from a wealthy family.
My great great-grandfather was the first paramount ruler of Eket in Akwa Ibom State. My great grandfather was the first ordained Archbishop of the Methodist Church of Nigeria. A lot of my family members live outside the country. I am the only one out of my siblings living in Nigeria. I also come from a very affluent family, but we are not the kind of people that will blow our trumpet. If you go to Ekwere, Eket and ask after the Ekanem family, they will tell you who we are. We are not a small family. We are a very large royal family. My grandfathers from both sides are from royal families. One of them was recognised by the Queen of England. He lives in England. He was a judge in England and Wales. My step-father, Adekunle Afolabi’s father, was once featured in Times Magazine as one of the most influential men in the world. The family made roofing sheets before Alumaco came out and were one of the few families to own a private jet back in those days. So I come from a well recognised family, but I cannot be shouting about my family here in Lagos. I am a very humble person, I measure my wealth and success by my own personal achievement and not by family’s achievement.
If someone else comes along, would you be willing to move on with a totally different person?
I would like to leave that open. If God says this is the person I have ordained for you, I will marry the person. I am not saying marriage is the key to my success. I am just saying that I want a close-knit family.
You once ran a string of businesses in your shopping mall, but then you closed shop. What happened?
I had a successful salon that was recognised by L’Oreal Paris when they came to Nigeria. The salon was one of the many businesses in my shopping mall alongside my interior designing gig, the spa, a real estate business. I ran all of them while I was still married. Now running a salon is a full time business that requires one to be fully involved. When I saw that the salon was taking up most of my time and not allowing me to focus on what I really wanted, I had to shut it down and concentrate on my oil and gas business and real estate business. I just rented out the premises to another company.
Why oil and gas?
I studied Environmental Protection Management in the university. So going into oil and gas was inevitable. I dived into it after my divorce. When I was married, my husband forbade me to work for his friends. So after my divorce, I went for a 9 to 5 job in an oil company. I started as an intern and worked my way up the ladder from the downstream to the upstream department. Thereafter, I got an MBA. I am almost done with my MSc. I have acquired knowledge in it doing a lot of professional courses in the United Kingdom and the Lagos Business School. So for the years I left my marriage, I built and developed myself.
What is the company called?
Hutchings Limited. It is an umbrella company for agriculture, manufacturing, real estate, oil and gas. But I am focused on the last two. With the oil and gas, we are focused on the upstream sector, provide manpower, procurement and the rest and with the real estate, we develop estates and we have done two so far, one in Ikate and the other in Lekki, Lagos. I also do renovations, sell property, do interior decorating etc. We also work in the UK and Dubai as well.
You are hardly seen in Nollywood movies and your last appearance in a movie was Stalker, which you produced. Are you done with the movie industry for good?
Never. I will always be an actor. It used to be a passion, but now I take it as a profession. I am back to it and I will soon be producing my own movie.
What made you to get on The Real Housewives of Lagos show?
When I was contacted, I was told that it would be an opportunity to promote my businesses and my Non Governmental Organisation, Hopeville Foundation, which has been in existence since 2006. The foundation caters for women with fertility issues and children with birth defects. We have successfully done In-Vitro fertilisation for two families and another for two other families. We have been a part of the successful surgery of two conjoined twins, we have nine adopted children and handle everything from their education to their medicals. We have done quite a lot. When I say we, its just me and God because it is my personal funds that I use but now I am sourcing for funding. I am also thinking of building playgrounds in about five schools in the slum. My ex-husband has always supported me and he still does in one way or the other. So getting on the show, I didn’t think I was going to be doing otherwise than as explicitly spelt out to me
Eyebrows were raised when you said you spent N30 million of your own money to style yourself for the show despite the fact that you weren’t paid to be on it. How logical is this?
I had already signed the contract and because it is a new show, they weren’t really paying that much besides, the money was just for styling and it wasn’t even enough to style me through half of the show. Yes, I spent N30 million. Mimi Linda Yina, the CEO of Medlin Couture who is a stylist/personal shopper, styled me and she is not cheap. When you go to a designer these days, they charge from 1 million naira and above. So Mimi has to pay a designer between N1 million to N1.5 million for it. How many outfits did I wear on the show? This is besides the fact that I had to buy new designer bags and shoes. The diamond store where we shot a scene, I bought three diamond rings and I think two or three diamond bangles. They don’t come cheap. So when you calculate all of these, including hair styling, makeup, photo shoot and a few others, I did spend a lot of money. And I wasn’t saying it because I needed the funds back.
It came as a surprise to many when it was announced that you are the running mate to Iboro Otu, the African Action Congress governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State. Have you always wanted to be in politics?
What is politics really? Politics is in our everyday lives. I am involved in politics as a wife, a mother, a business woman, a humanitarian etc. I have never been one to sit on the sidelines, I take a stand always and that is the stand of justice. I have always spoken out against injustice on a general level and have taken the bullet for friends or relatives on a personal level. I have been involved in protests that can help better the lives of the average man and seeking the well being of your fellow man is what politics is to me in a nutshell.
If you win the election, what will you be bringing to the table different from what the previous government provided for the people of Akwa Ibom?
The question should be what is it that the people of Akwa Ibom want that we should be able to provide for them? All along it has always been what the persons vying for the position will be bringing to the table. This time around, it should be what do the people want, crave that we must pledge to provide. I am big on education, empowering the girl child and championing the cause of the downtrodden.
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