In an exclusive interview with Tonia Chukwurah, granted Bayo speaks as a face of the week. She revealed her background, way of life, career, achievements and lots more.

Read full interview below;

May we get to meet you; who really is Tonia?

Tonia is just a happy girl, who is putting in a lot of work to affect her world positively.

Can you please tell us about your background?

Well, I am from Onitsha in Anambra state but I was born and raised in Benin city because my mum was from Edo state. I am the first of four, three girls and a boy.

Briefly tell us about your educational background?

I did my primary, secondary and tertiary education in Edo state before I moved to Lagos. I studied biochemistry and got a BSc from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

What do you do for a living?

I am an Actor, a writer, a model.

That’s quite a lot..

 Lol! I actually do a lot, because i have the ability to do so.

What inspired you?

Well, i am addicted to films and got passionate by the characters i see on screen. So i decided to emulate that same passion to myself.

What dream did you have while growing up?

I have always wanted to be an actor and a writer. Writing is my passion and wrote a lot of scripts but didn’t get to the limelight. Lol!

Who is your mentor and why?

Mentor, hmmmm… I do have a lot of people who have positively shaped my life, my parents and some older friends.

I like to watch people from afar and pick what i can get from them! But my ultimate influence in everything is Jesus Christ.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Resting and writing.

Do you get used to being a celebrity?

Am I really one? Lol! Well, life is a journey and we all keep pushing. Getting on a journey is my way of life because i see no arrival. The destination isn’t here! So I keep going..

What have you learned about yourself since you became a celebrity?

I grew up being responsible and knowing a lot at an early age so there’s nothing I have discovered now that I didn’t know before or didn’t envision.

If you weren’t famous, what will you be up to right now?

I am not on Forbes yet and I haven’t really started touching as many lives as i want to yet. But i think i would have been a chef.

Who is your celebrity crush?

I appreciate a lot of people in the industry, Nollywood, Hollywood and every other wood. Lol! And i also appreciate Gabriel Afolayan.

What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever done for you?

My fans have never done any weird thing. Lol! They’re amazing, from buying me gifts to sending messages and their rooting are the best.

What are some of your achievements?

Winning awards and lots more.

A short film i featured in, won me an award. Cross line! And i also had my first international featured scene two years ago in a film directed by Justice John titled 19Willock place.

And other little achievements which i celebrate in anticipation for more to come.

Can you please tell us about the people you admire?

I do admire sincere people. You know the world we live now as forced everyone to be observant. It’s chaotic out there, so i do appreciate sincere people who are themselves.

Are in a relationship; if yes what advice would you give to young couple out there?

I’m not in a relationship. Young people out there shouldn’t allow anyone pressurize them into doing anything when the time isn’t right.

How do you manage your relationship and profession?

When i was in a relationship, it wasn’t an issue. My partner appreciated my craft and always cheered me on. That’s how it is meant to be.   

Are you ever depressed and why?

Well, I have a lot in my life to be grateful for so I am never depressed. I surround myself, my energy and space with positivity.

Where do you hope to be in the next four years?

Fulfilling my purpose, impacting lives in the way God has called me to and fulfilling God’s purpose for my life.

How would you asses Nigeria economy of today?

The Nigerian economy is a work in progress. I tried to avoid this topic because like I said, i like protecting my mind and space. Lol! But I have hope in Nigeria.. Great hope! That’s why i still live here.

What can be done to improve Nigeria sector and entertainment industry?

Is there really anything that i would say that hasn’t been said already? The thing is putting these changes into work. Everyone knows the right thing to do, deep down in their hearts but the thing is… Do they really want that change?

If you had to advise young people what will you tell them?

God created you to be like you and you alone. Don’t try to be like anyone else, just be yourself.

To know more about Tonia Chukwurah kindly follow her on instagram @toniachukwurah