THISDAY

I Love My Plus Size…I Embrace My Curves and Stay Healthy

- Lisa Omorodion

Nollywood actress, Princess Lisa Omorodion is the CEO of Platinum Studios, a film production company. She is also on the board of Hensmor Oil and Gas Company, founded by her father. This film maker, just 30, is never scared to express her opinion on any issue. That was exactly what she did in this chat with Azuka Ogujiuba. Princess Lisa shares her opinion on feminism, working at the family company, her elder brother’s death, finding true love, challenges as a film maker, liposuctio­n, her family’s charity organisati­on and much more

Iam Princess Lisa Omorodion

am Princess Lisa Omorodion, the fifth child of Prince Dr. H.H Omorodion, the Odunaoba of Benin kingdom, and Barrister Chief Philomena Omorodion. I was born in London on the 27th of April 1990. I am an actress, film maker. I am vivacious, determined, and very resilient. I am living my best life and everyday is joy to experience.

Growing up in the Omorodion family

We are close knit family, growing up in that environmen­t was amazing. I have five siblings, Chief Joy Gbinije, late Prince Terry Omorodion, Princess Helen Igbeneki, Princess Trish Okereke and the youngest, Prince Harry Junior Omorodion. We had a very loving childhood. We did everything together and gave our parents grey hairs occasional­ly.

Background and career

I attended Corona Primary School where I joined the drama club, which is where my passion for the arts was ignited. I went on to Command Children School and Atlantic Hall School, both in Lagos for my secondary school education. I was also in the drama club in both schools. I studied Economics at the University of Lagos and started working for the family company upon graduation. I founded Platinum Studios at that time and have produced and starred in movies and television production­s like Schemes, Karma is Bee, Skinny Girl in transit and so much more.

Juggling oil and gas with film making

I love wearing both hats. In my role as an Executive Director at my family oil and gas industry, I oversee operations, depot logistics, staff performanc­e and revenue. I also develop and direct organisati­onal culture and strategy. My journey as a film maker has not been a walk in the park. It has been of determinat­ion, perseveran­ce and sheer hard work. Many people doubt my talent, thinking I would balk at the challenges of the movie industry. I am so happy and fulfilled to prove people wrong. This is my passion and I’m just getting started. Definitely, being in the limelight is like a two-edge sword. It is a blessing for people to see and love your work, it is also hard when your moves are scrutinise­d and your actions are misconstru­ed.

Family business

Learning the nitty gritty of the family business was very important to my parents. They made me to understand the value of serving and understand­ing from ground up, before leading others. I worked as a receptioni­st, later as his personal assistant, and now a director. My father always says ‘leadership is about service’ and stresses the importance of a good name. I grew up with strong family and moral values, and it has shaped me into the woman I am today.

Yes, I am a feminist

Feminism is about equality of genders, advocating for equal social, economic, political, and cultural rights and opportunit­ies for both sexes. It is not about women bashing men or vice versa. It is about creating a world where women and men can equally live and thrive and be the best. Yes, I am a feminist and I want that noted.

Liposuctio­n and my plus size

It’s a free world and people are allowed to make their choices. I do not feel pressured to undergo any surgery because of my size. I love being a voluptuous plus size woman. Being plus size is not shameful. I embrace my curves and stay healthy.

My favourites in Nollywood

I look forward to working with two of my favourites - Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jolade-Ekeinde.

Losing late Prince Terry Omorodion

My brother’s death is still a shock to my family. I have not spoken about it publicly because it’s still tough. He was an amazing son to our parents, loving brother to his siblings and loving husband to his wife and an affectiona­te father. He was the strongest person I knew and losing him was a big blow to my family, but God knows best. We miss him daily and our parents are still heartbroke­n about his demise. We take it and remember the moment and memories. It is still so difficult trying to live without him. Our family is a close-knit one. We are reminded of his absence everyday. It is so heartbreak­ing to lose a loved one. He is always in our heart and thoughts. Continue to rest in peace brother. My elder sister, Chief Joy Gbinije is now the Managing Director of the family business.

 ??  ?? Lisa Omorodion
Lisa Omorodion

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