I boldly expose what people hide, Patience Ozokwor defends ‘Mama G’ roles

Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor has said she takes pride in the “villainous” characters she portrays in films, noting that they are designed to reflect and expose societal realities rather than define her personality.

Speaking during a recent video chat, the 67-year-old actress addressed long-standing public perceptions that often blur the line between her on-screen roles and her real-life identity.

Ozokwo, widely known for her “Mama G” persona, said many viewers mistakenly assume she is wicked in real life because of the harsh characters she plays in films.

She explained that her performances are intentional and meant to highlight societal ills, particularly those often ignored or normalised.

“I feel bold to expose the ills in society. Those things happen and nobody wants to expose them. I am exposing them,” she said.

The actress stressed that her roles as strict mothers, antagonistic in-laws, and other tough characters are purely professional interpretations, not reflections of her personal life.

“I am not like that, but I expose it. I am extremely proud of myself and Mama G lovers are proud of me,” she added.

Ozokwo noted that acting is a craft built on storytelling and moral reflection, and said she is pleased that many of her fans understand the message behind her performances.

Over the years, she has become one of Nollywood’s most recognisable figures, with a career defined by powerful portrayals of complex and often controversial characters.

Watch the video below:

Hannah Johnson

Hannah Johnson is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over three years of professional experience in reporting, storytelling, and digital content creation. She blends traditional reporting skills with a modern, digital-first approach to journalism, producing content tailored for both web and social platforms. Hannah is skilled at turning complex topics into clear, engaging, and relatable stories that resonate with a wide audience. Her work reflects hands-on newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a strong commitment to accurate, audience-focused journalism.