91����

It’s hard to see Jade Osiberu’s Gangs of Lagos and not gush about how incredible Chioma Akpotha was in it. 

In an ensemble cast that combined some of the best from new and old Nollywood, Chioma’s performance was one of the film’s highlights, and the rest of the internet agrees.

While Gangs of Lagos may have started a conversation about how great Chioma is, I’m here to remind everyone that she’s always been an icon. 

Chioma was in the first and second highest-grossing Nollywood films of all time 

Chioma is one of the highest-grossing Nollywood actresses, with over five films on the . While being on the list is a feat in itself, she’s taken it a step further by being in both the first and second highest-grossing films of all time: Battle on Buka Street and Omo Ghetto. 

There are levels to this Nollywood thing, and Chioma is at the top after over 20 years in the game. 

Who do we have to beg to join Chioma’s iconic friendship group? 

Imagine being in the same squad as Rita Dominic, Omoni Oboli, Kate Henshaw, Uche Jumbo, Ini Edo and Ufuoma McDermott? These Nollywood baddies are always making fun of each other, going out for dinners and living their best lives together. I’m sorry, but has nothing on Chioma’s elite Nollywood posse. 

No one plays the naive good girl like Chioma 

Chioma Akpotha’s Sister Rose character from The Handkerchief is why I’d rather sweat like a goat than let anyone use their handkerchief to clean my face. What if they use juju on me? 

Her characters in The Apple and Sins of the Flesh are also cautionary tales that fornication is bad and we should all superglue our legs until marriage. No one carried the “good girl who ends up in a bad situation” trope like Chioma did back in the day. 

But she still has range for days 

While Chioma might be known for her good girl roles, the actress has incredible range and can be a badass anytime she wants to. She was Bianca the diva actress in Traumatized; area queen, Chummy Choko, in Omo Ghetto; and a villain in the remake of Nneka the Pretty Serpent. 

She’s also not afraid to tell the real-life Nigerian government to soro soke 

2020 was an insane year for Nigerians, and just like most of us, Chioma was on the streets, demanding justice and more from the Nigerian government during the #EndSARS protests. At a time when it would’ve been easy to maintain silence and ignore all the chaos, the actress was an active part of the movement. Love to see it.

RECOMMENDED: Everything You Need to Know About Jade Osiberu’s “Gangs of Lagos”

Looking for an actress who serves looks? Holla at Chioma 

Chelsea, come on now. Every look is a hit, back-to-back. 

We stan an actress who doesn’t take herself too seriously 

I dare you to keep a straight face while scrolling through Chioma’s TikTok page. From collaborations with skit makers to random rants and commentaries, Chioma isn’t afraid to go there when it comes to making her fans laugh. We need a good writer to cook up an epic comedic role for her to sink her teeth into. Nollywood, make this happen, please. 

Chioma and patriotism are like five and six 

Remember when we called out some of our fave musicians for failing to show up during the elections? Chioma wasn’t on that list, and for good reason. The actress was a major part of the 2023 elections, reporting live from her polling unit, encouraging people to vote, and even going as far as at her polling unit. 

Chioma was part of this iconic Nollywood choreography from back in the day 

P-Square is shaking. Kaffy is vibrating. This iconic scene featuring her with Kate Henshaw, Dakore Akande, Ini Edo, Jim Iyke, Mike Ezuruonye, Monalisa Chinda and Uche Jombo, dancing in all white at the end of Games Men Play lives rent-free in my head. We need a reunion, ASAP. 

Unsurprisingly, she wears many hats

Chioma is also a producer and singer. It’s giving talented multi-hyphenate, and I’m here for it.

Once again, Gangs of Lagos 

I hope Chioma’s mouth is doing okay after eating up all her scenes in Gangs of Lagos? Because I’ve checked, and nary a crumb is in sight. 

ALSO READ: Chike on the Hardest Scene He Had to Shoot in “Gangs of Lagos”