Joke Sylva is largely adjudged the undisputed queen of the Nigerian movie industry. Aunty Joke, as those who look up to her call her, was groomed in the UK before returning to Nigeria.
She had a stint with acting in the TV soap 'Mind Bending' in 1990, but shot her profile when she starred in the Yoruba film entitled 'Owurolojo' in 1993.

Ever since, this mother and wife of renowned thespian, Olu Jacobs has upped the ante in the industry, making it difficult if not impossible for others to reach. Joke Jacobs, nee Sylva, displays her dexterity and acting prowess beautifully to the delight of her fans.

As a role model, she remains one Nigerian actress that is near controversy- free. Her countless works both on stage and in Nollywood are sublime and always professional. In this chat with Vanguard Showtime, the delectable never-aging actress speaks on her career, on Lufodo and how she met her husband: renowned actor, Olu Jacobs.

Enjoy the excerpts.

How is life?

Life is good, we thank God.

You feature a lot together with your husband in films these days. Do you feel as normal as when home together with your husband when you play wife to him on set or stage?

It depends on what part we are playing. We don't take advantage of the fact that we are husband and wife. We do make the conscious effort to give each other professional space. The only time that you are likely to see us as husband and wife is when we come back together after work.

What is the secret that has kept you both together away from the usual scandal and rumours associated with your profession?

It is the grace of God. There is nothing like the wonderful grace of God and his manifold mercies. That much, I can say with total confidence.

How do you feel when people refer to you as their role model?

I have read quite a number of such myself and it makes me feel proud that one has made such an impact on the younger generation. It also gives one a sense of responsibility since you make such an impact in the professional lives of these people.

How far has Lufodo gone in helping to better the Nigerian movie industry?

We used to give training to upcoming actors basically for those who want to train. We went on one-on-one training. Now we are moving into a full blown programme where we'll be having classes and the first set of classes will be coming up in the second week of October.

We shall be concentrating on acting for the stage with camera and for the video. We are looking at all the skills that you need to make you a well rounded actor. That is all we are going to be looking at in that training programme and it shall be consistent and we hope to groom it into a school.

Has it been accredited by the NBTE?

Yes, we have the accreditation already and we are now starting with the eight weeks training programme. It is not long-term training; rather they are short-term courses for now.

So how has it been faring?

I believe it is something that will do very well because the curriculum we are using and have created is from our experience in working in the Nigerian terrain as actors. We are trying to see what areas need emphasis and strengthening from what we are seeing and from other people's work.

That is one aspect and the other is that we have always been distributors; we are the foundation members of FCON, the Film Cooperative of Nigeria, that was set up a couple of years ago. Now the new framework of distribution has come and it is being spear- headed by the D-G of National Film and Video Censors Board, Mr Emeka Mba. What is interesting about this new framework of distribution is that it has the backing of the Senate, the full weight of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and it also has the backing of forces like EFCC and all. So Lufodo is one of the new national distributors. Continued    Source: nigeriafilms.com - Nigeria Films