Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwo has opened up about her early journey into marriage, revealing that she was married off at a young age through arrangements made by her parents.
The celebrated actress disclosed that she was just 19 years old when she entered into marriage, a decision she said was entirely orchestrated by her family. Her emotional account was shared via a verified X account known as Igbo History and Fact.
Ozokwo explained that she initially struggled with fear and uncertainty, as she had to build a relationship with a man she did not personally choose. According to her, learning how to love under such circumstances was challenging at the beginning.
However, she revealed that with patience and time, genuine affection blossomed, strengthening their bond. She said she and her husband spent 23 years together, adding that he battled illness for 15 of those years before passing away in 2000.
The veteran actress further disclosed that their union was blessed with three biological children, and she later adopted five more. Sadly, one of the adopted children passed away, leaving her with seven children in total.
Following her husband’s death, Ozokwo said she chose not to remarry, instead dedicating her life fully to raising and nurturing her children.
Reflecting on modern-day marriages, the actress observed that many people now focus extensively on self-development, yet numerous relationships still end in separation. She contrasted this with her own era, where arranged marriages were handled with patience, responsibility, and endurance.
Ozokwo also highlighted the importance of instilling strong values in children, noting that she taught her daughters to be respectful and her sons to be responsible. She believes these principles helped her maintain a united family through difficult times.
She added that she consistently advises her children to avoid divorce and to build their homes on the foundations of love, respect, commitment, and sacrifice.
In her words:
“Marriage came to me at 19. It wasn’t my choice — my parents arranged it. At first, I was scared because I didn’t know how to love a man I hadn’t chosen.
“But as time went on, love grew between us. We spent 23 years together. He was ill for 15 of those years, and in 2000, he passed on.
“We had three children, and I adopted five more. Sadly, one died, so I now have seven.
“I have always told my children never to consider divorce. I raised my daughters to show respect and my sons to be responsible. That is how I built a strong home through hardship, love, respect, and sacrifice.”
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