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Veteran Nollywood actress Maureen Solomon has opened up about one of the biggest decisions of her life, revealing why she stepped away from acting at the height of her career to focus on raising her children.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds, the actress said motherhood became more important than fame, adding that she has never regretted putting her flourishing acting career on hold to be present for her family.
According to the 42-year-old actress, balancing the demands of Nollywood with the responsibilities of motherhood eventually became too difficult, forcing her to make a life-changing choice.
Choosing Family Over Fame
Maureen Solomon explained that caring for her first child while still working in Nollywood was manageable because she could take him along to film locations and movie sets.
However, things became more challenging after the arrival of her second child.
“It was difficult because when I started having my children, I had to make a choice. When I had my first son, it was easy. I could take him to work, movie locations and everywhere,” she said.
“But when my second child came, it wasn’t that easy. I had help in the house, but when my daughter was about five years old, things were no longer going well. I had to stop and give my time to them.”
The actress noted that although she had domestic support, she realised her children needed more of her personal attention than anyone else could provide.
Her Upbringing Shaped Her Decision
Solomon revealed that her family values and upbringing played a major role in the decision to pause her acting career.
She explained that she never felt comfortable spending long periods away from home because of work commitments.
“Maybe because of how I was trained, I don’t really believe in going so far and leaving home for a very long time. So, I had to stay back,” she said.
The actress said she believed her presence at home was essential during her children’s formative years, regardless of the opportunities she was sacrificing professionally.
No Regrets About Her Career Break
Despite stepping away from the spotlight during one of the most successful periods of her career, Solomon insists she has no regrets.
Responding to questions about whether she wished she had continued acting, the actress said watching her children grow into responsible young adults has been more rewarding than any career achievement.
“Regrets how? I have a 20-year-old and a 19-year-old now. They are grown, though I still have a seven-year-old. Anyone can attest that if parents are present, it makes a difference. I don’t regret it at all,” she said.
According to her, being actively involved in her children’s lives remains one of the best decisions she has ever made.
Returning To Nollywood
With her older children now more independent, Solomon has gradually returned to the Nigerian movie industry.
She disclosed that re-entering Nollywood has been easier than many expected because she remained connected to the industry despite her absence.
The actress said she continued following developments in filmmaking and was aware of the major changes taking place within Nollywood.
These changes include the rapid growth of streaming platforms, increased cinema releases and the evolution of digital distribution, which have transformed how Nigerian movies reach audiences worldwide.
From Accidental Audition To Nollywood Star
Solomon also reflected on how her acting career began unexpectedly.
She revealed that she never initially planned to become an actress but accompanied her elder sister to an audition, where she ended up securing her first acting role.
That unexpected opportunity launched a successful career that saw her feature in several memorable productions.
Her screen debut came in Alternative, after which she went on to appear in films such as Not With My Daughter, Snake Girl, Final War, Angel of My Life, and Careless Soul.
She later stepped away from the industry after marrying medical doctor Okereke in 2005, choosing to focus on family life.
Today, the couple share three children together.
As she embraces a new chapter in both her personal life and acting career, Maureen Solomon says her journey proves that success is not measured only by professional achievements but also by the sacrifices made for the people who matter most.
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