Queeneth Agbor Talks About Her Career and Humanitarian Work

Actress Queeneth Agbor shares with TOFARATI IGE about her career, charity work, and more.

What projects are you currently working on?
I have several projects coming up, but right now, my main focus is my NGO, Queeneth Agbor Strength Beyond Walls. I believe serving humanity is the best thing anyone can do.

I am currently running an empowerment and rehabilitation program for inmates. I recently received an award from the Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos Command. This award means a lot to me because it shows I am on the right path with my work.

Strength Beyond Walls believes in second chances and kindness. Our goal is to give hope, nourishment, and love to those in need, especially people whose voices are often ignored. I want the organization to create opportunities for people to rebuild their lives and remind them that their circumstances do not define their future.

On the acting side, I am working on ‘Halima Abubakar: True Life Story’. I am very passionate about this project, and I believe it will impress people when it comes out. The story is filled with emotion and reality, and I think audiences will relate to it.

Out of everything you have shot recently, which role challenged you the most and why?
Every role has its challenges, but I recently finished a movie that was really demanding. I went to set fine, but I came back with a scar.

In this movie, my character is married into a family with a tyrant mother-in-law, and she suffers a lot of abuse. Some scenes were emotionally and physically challenging.

At one point, I broke down while filming because I thought about people who are going through such pain in abusive marriages. As actors, we sometimes portray painful situations, and it hits hard when you realize it is someone else’s reality.

That experience stayed with me. It made me think deeply about women in abusive relationships and the need for people to speak up and get help.

What is one thing people don’t know about the process of filming your current project?
People might be surprised to know that some scenes were shot outside the usual set, using phones. Some were filmed at the actors’ homes or other locations to make the story feel more real.

Since it is based on a true-life story, we wanted the audience to feel the reality rather than make everything look too staged. Sometimes, the simplest setting gives the most believable performance.

Looking back, what has been the most notable moment in your career so far?
Looking back, I would say the moment I truly felt success was after I shot ‘Namaste’, where I played an Indian character and used an Indian accent.

My fan base grew a lot after that film because people started recognizing me on the streets and calling me “Roshni,” the name of my character. It was interesting because I saw that the character became bigger than just a role to me.

When I met some of my fellow actors on set for the first time, they praised me for the character. Then the awards started coming in, which confirmed that my work was being recognized.

Which character you have played pushed you out of your comfort zone the most, and what did you learn from it?
The Indian character in ‘Namaste’ definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. I had to watch many Indian films to really understand the accent and mannerisms.

It was challenging because I wanted the character to feel real, not like someone just copying an Indian accent. I spent time studying how they spoke and behaved, and it paid off.

The funny thing is, I became hooked on Indian films after that. I still watch them now, so I guess that role introduced me to something I ended up loving.

What is the biggest lesson Nollywood has taught you since you started acting?
Nollywood has taught me to put myself first. This industry shows you how to let people treat you. I learned to set my boundaries and know my worth. If you don’t value yourself, it is tough for others to value you.

Over the years, I have learned to protect my peace, understand who I am, and not let others’ expectations control how I live or work.

Which actor, director or producer do you still dream of working with?
My mindset has changed so much that I don’t sit around dreaming of working with anyone. They should be dreaming of working with me! (Laughs).

I believe I have something valuable to bring to every project. Of course, I respect great talents, and I am open to working with them, but I know my worth and what I bring to the table.

What is the weirdest, funniest or most unexpected experience you have ever had with a fan?
I went to visit a friend who had neighbors, and we were on her balcony. I was still in my nightgown when one of her neighbors came in with a girl.

The girl was so surprised to see me that she started screaming and wanted to take a picture. I felt embarrassed and told her, “At least let me change into something proper!” But I never came out of the house again. (Laughs)

Looking back, I feel bad because she was probably just excited to see me, but it was really awkward at the time. Imagine being in your nightgown and someone recognizes you and screams.

How do you handle the pressure that comes with being in the public eye while still staying connected to the people who support you?
Over the years, I have learned to be myself and let the world adjust.

I appreciate my fans and those who support me, but I realized you cannot live your life trying to please everyone. The more comfortable you are with yourself, the easier it is to handle public pressure.

I listen to constructive criticism, but I don’t let every opinion control how I live. I stay true to myself while appreciating those who genuinely support me.

Are you currently in a relationship, or is it strictly career mode for you right now?
People should know that I am currently “seeing” myself; building myself and falling in love with the best version of me. (Laughs)

Right now, I am focused on myself, my growth, and everything I am building. I am becoming more intentional about the kind of life I want and the woman I want to be.

So, for now, I am enjoying the journey of discovering myself and becoming the best version of Queeneth.

What kind of man captures your attention?
I belong in the hands of a mature man who communicates, listens, and helps keep my baby-girl lifestyle soft.

I like a man who is emotionally mature, knows how to communicate, and listens. I also appreciate a man who understands a woman deserves to feel safe, loved, and cared for.

I don’t think love should be complicated. The right man should bring peace, not confusion.

How do you balance relationships with the demands of acting, public scrutiny, and social media?
Unlike my early days, when I sought public validation, the new me focuses on doing things right, setting healthy boundaries, and ignoring public noise.

If something is not beneficial to me, I shut it out. I learned that not everything needs a response, and some parts of your life should remain private. Protecting your peace is important.

How do you see Nollywood evolving in the next five years, and what role do you want to play in that evolution?
Nollywood has really evolved and continues to change. We have come a long way, and I believe there is still a lot of potential for the industry.

As for me, I want to take on wild roles with depth; roles that will make me unrecognizable. I want to challenge myself with characters that need emotional depth, physical transformation, and a fresh interpretation of who I am.

I want to keep growing as an actress and help create a Nollywood that can compete strongly on the global stage.

What is that one thing you would change about Nollywood today to make it better for actors and storytellers?
One thing I would love to change is the lack of support among people in the industry.

This industry can easily bring someone down. If that same energy went into supporting each other, we would be one of the best industries in the world.

There is enough room for everyone to succeed. We don’t have to tear someone down for another to rise. I want to see more collaboration, genuine support, and a stronger sense of community among actors, filmmakers, and other industry professionals.

Beyond acting, what are the dreams you still want to achieve in the industry?
I dream of working on international projects, and I believe they will happen soon by the grace of God.

But for now, I am focused on building generational wealth. That is why I am involved in different ventures outside acting. I have my brand, Ankara Beauty, my farm, and other projects I am developing.

My humanitarian side is something I want to focus on more. Through Strength Beyond Walls, I want to bring smiles to people, even in tough situations.

For me, success is not just about fame or money. I want to build something that will outlive me and make a difference in people’s lives. I want to look back and know I used my platform and resources to help someone.