By OLANREWAJU AKOJEDE

Nollywood actress Rachael Okoronkwo has urged young people, especially women, to embrace resilience, consistency and self-belief as foundations for successful careers and enduring legacies.

Okoronkwo spoke on Sunday during the launch of her motivational book, Odogwu Girl, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

She said the book was inspired by her passion to encourage women facing challenges, stressing that success depended on resilience, determination and hard work, not gender.

According to her, everyone possesses limitless potential and should remain committed to personal growth, regardless of background, setbacks or difficult life circumstances.

“Success is the reward for hard work. It does not matter your size, colour, background or how many times you have failed.

“If you are consistent, resilient and believe in yourself, you will definitely become the person you aspire to be,” Okoronkwo said.

Speaking on the chapter titled Girl Power, she urged women to focus on building meaningful lives instead of seeking validation from society.

She said many people worried excessively about how they would be remembered after death instead of intentionally creating lives of purpose, value and lasting impact.

She said: “The whole essence of living is to become. You don’t just exist.

“As a young woman, ask yourself where you see yourself in the next 10 years and begin working towards that vision.”

Okoronkwo challenged the belief that wealth and success were gender-specific, insisting that excellence was earned through dedication, competence and unwavering commitment.

She explained that the title ‘Odogwu’ was personality-driven rather than gender-based, celebrating individuals distinguished by exceptional achievements, diligence and resilience.

The actress encouraged women to invest in self-development, acquire valuable skills and prepare themselves adequately for future opportunities instead of pursuing unrealistic lifestyles.

“Learn to package yourself, expand your knowledge and prepare yourself for the success you desire,” she advised.

Reflecting on her life, Okoronkwo recounted losing her father at 13 and her mother in 2020, describing both experiences as painful yet transformative.

She said those personal losses strengthened her resolve to remain focused on her purpose instead of allowing life’s challenges to define her future.

“No matter what happens, I keep moving because challenges do not determine where I am going.

“I always remind myself that I have responsibilities and dreams that require commitment and hard work,” she said.

On balancing ambition with societal expectations, she urged women to build confidence, remain focused on creating value and welcome constructive advice.

“What value do you bring to the table? That should be your greatest concern, not trying to impress people,” she said.

Okoronkwo said her experiences in the entertainment industry reinforced the importance of discipline, strong personal values and positive associations in shaping public perception.

Beyond acting, she said she remained committed to mentoring women through her online programme, Girl Power with Nkoli Nwansuka, inspiring participants to believe in themselves.

Chief Launcher and Chief Executive Officer of Lifecard International Investment Ltd., Mrs Grace Ofure-Ibhakhomu, encouraged women to remain steadfast in spite of societal obstacles.

According to Ofure-Ibhakhomu, becoming an ‘Odogwu’ demands sacrifices, resilience, determination and unwavering commitment to achieving personal aspirations.

“I was not born with a silver spoon. I sold second-hand clothes and did several menial jobs, but I remained determined to succeed.

“Dreams will remain dreams if they are not pursued with commitment and hard work,” Ofure-Ibhakhomu said.

Executive Director of TruCSR Consulting, Mrs Mary Ephraim Egbas, described Okoronkwo as a resilient woman whose life story should inspire others.

Egbas urged women to emulate the author’s determination by setting clear goals and working diligently towards achieving excellence in their chosen fields.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event attracted entertainment personalities, social media influencers and other distinguished guests.

Highlights included musical performances, keynote presentations and the official unveiling of Odogwu Girl, celebrating resilience, purpose and women’s empowerment. (NAN)

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