Actress Victoria Inyama has reflected on her Nollywood years and opened up about surviving an abusive marriage, saying she was only able to leave because the police intervened.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, the Girls Cot star said she remembers the Nollywood era for its sincerity. “We were very real, down-to-earth, humble, and hungry to showcase our talents. There was no competition, no obsession with views or popularity. We just wanted to act, even when many of us didn’t fully understand what the industry entailed. We got into it with passion and truly enjoyed it. That sincerity is what I remember the most,” she said.
On her marriage, Victoria revealed, “I didn’t leave; I was removed by the police. That’s the truth. I wouldn’t have left otherwise.”
The actress, who has spoken openly about enduring physical and psychological abuse, said psychology was key to her recovery. “Psychology has been instrumental in my healing. It gave me knowledge and tools to understand what I went through. My spirituality also helped, through forgiveness, gratitude, and letting go.”
Victoria lamented that domestic violence is normalised in Nigeria. “Unfortunately, many people in Nigeria don’t recognise domestic violence for what it is. They see it as normal. If the abuser is wealthy or influential, people excuse it. It used to hurt me deeply, but now I see how normalised it is. The mentality really needs to change.”
Offering advice to women, she said, “Move on and live your life. Improve yourself, release the pain, and don’t let the past destroy your future. In psychology, we say, ‘the body keeps the score.’ Stress leaves marks on the mind, heart, and even physical health.”
Victoria married writer Godwin Okri in 2003. Their union produced three children before it ended. She now lives in the UK, where she continues to raise awareness on domestic violence.
