“I used to work at mortuary so my children could eat” – Patience Ozokwor

Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor, also known as Mama G, recently shared the poignant story of her journey to stardom, revealing the hardships she faced to provide for her family before her breakthrough in the entertainment industry. Speaking at the pre-premiere dinner for Funke Akindele's highly anticipated movie, *Everybody Loves Jenifa*, Mama G opened up about the sacrifices she made during her early years.

In an emotional moment, Mama G described the extreme lengths she went to, including working in the mortuary to prepare bodies for burial so her children could attend school and have food to eat. “I did a lot of things to make my family what they are today,” she shared. She also praised Funke Akindele, calling her a “very strong woman” and likening her own struggles to the filmmaker's work ethic and determination.

Mama G reflected on the recognition she received from her community for her perseverance, saying, “In my own place, they appreciate me a lot because they saw me through all these things.” She drew a parallel between herself and Funke, admiring how the younger star embodies many of the same qualities that helped her succeed. “When I see Funke, I look at myself. She’s a replica of who I am,” Mama G added.

Her story resonated deeply with fans, offering an inspiring look at the challenges behind the success of many prominent figures in the entertainment industry.