Nkem Owoh is his real name but fondly known as Osuofia. He is a veteran Nigerian actor and comedian widely regarded as one of the funniest actors who has made much from the acting profession.
Osuofia was born on February 7, 1958 in Amagu Village, Udi Town, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Educational Background
Osuofia had his primary and secondary education in Enugu. He went to the University of Ilorin to study engineering.
He also studied at the Institute of Management Technology, Enugu where he bagged a degree.
His Acting Career
Osuofia’s journey into acting began from his primary to university days, featuring in various television and film productions. He however became fully involved in acting after completing his University studies.
In 2003, Osuofia featured in his popular movie, ‘Osuofia in London’. The movie was very successful and received wide recognition. In the movie, Osuofia played the role of a village man who was fortunate to enter London after the death of his wealthy brother.
The movie was not only popular but won many awards both home and abroad.
In 2008, Osuofia won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He is a multiple award winning actor with several other awards to his credits.
Osuofia has since starred in over 150 Nollywood movies, some of which include:
• Big Man, Big Trouble
• Long John
• Ukwa
• My Driver
• My Own Share
• Osuofia In London
• Lion Finger
• Police Recruit
• Johnbull
• The Dreamer
• The Barrister
• Military Zone
• Lion Heart among numerous others.
His Challenges
Osuofia is also a musician. His song “I Go Chop Your Dollar” was about advance fee fraud earned him a setback. The song was featured in the film The Master in which he acted as a fraudster. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission banned the song.
In 2007, Osuofia was faced with another challenge when he was arrested alongside 111 people in Amsterdam, Netherlands on suspicion of lottery fraud and immigration violations and was subsequently released.
In November 2009 Osuofia again had another setback. He was kidnapped in eastern Nigeria. His kidnappers asked for a 15 million Naira ransom. He was released after his family members were said to have paid a ransom fee of 1.4 million Naira.
Osuofia is a social commentator who believes in social justice and rule of law. In his recent interview, he maintained that the marginalization of the Ibos are responsible for agitations for Biafra.
He recommended equity and justice as fair play and concluded by asking the Ibos in Northern part of Nigeria to return home.
Osuofia is highly talented and this singular uniqueness marked him out of his colleagues in the movie industry. His immense contributions to the development of Nollywood industry cannot be overemphasized. The success of Nollywood cannot be complete without the mentioning of the veteran actor Osuofia. He is a veteran and indeed a living legend.
His Personal Life
Osuofia has been married to his lovely wife, Ngozi and the marriage is blessed with two daughters.
His Net Worth
Nkem Owoh Osuofia is a strong pillar of Nollywood, rated one of the richest and most influential with a net worth of about 4 million dollars.