THIS IS NOT ABOUT YOU” World class movie premier produced by Florence Okonkwo the Queen of Red Carpet Watch Out.

CITATION OF MS FLORENCE OKONKWO THE QUEEN OF RED CARPET.

The task of crafting a citation on a strong, personable, unassuming, yet consummate and incredible personality as Ms Florence Okonkwo, popularly addressed as Queen of Red Carpet is no doubt herculean. I have therefore endeavored to dish out what, in my considered opinion, appears like an abridged oration in honour of this highly industrious and wonderful woman

Ms Florence Okonkwo popularly addressed as Queen of Red Carpet is a multiple Global award winner in the movie and entertainment industry as well as in the community.

Ms Florence Okonkwo, the Queen of Red Carpet is no doubt herculean. I have therefore endeavoured to dish out what, in my considered opinion, appears like an abridged oration in honour of this highly industrious and wonderful woman.

The community of Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State of Nigeria witnessed the birth of a beautiful baby girl, a little over 4 decades ago. The young damsel was welcomed into the family of devout Catholics named Mr. and Mrs. Fidelis and Margaret Okonkwo, an Insurance broker and a school teacher respectively. In accordance with the catholic dictates, the young girl was named Florence by the closely knit family comprising 3 boys and 2 girls. She however enjoyed the privilege of being the younger of the 2 girls and the 4th child in her lineage.

Therefore, she was showered with love and radiance of a seemingly spoilt child. Interestingly, rather than take undue advantage of this candour of affluence, the young Florence instead adapted the multifarious opportunities at her disposal to develop a strong character from childhood.

Florence schooled at Nazareth Primary School, Fectac, Lagos from where she got admitted to Holy Mary College, Ikoyi, Lagos. She furthered her education at the Lagos State University (LASU) where she bagged a Second Class (Upper) degree in Banking and Finance and ultimately enrolled for post-graduate studies in Marketing at Middlesex University, United Kingdom.

Florence copiously manifested the zeal for social services, selflessness and humanitarian gestures throughout her educational career as she was at different time member of such societies including Brownies and Girls Guide, Red Cross, etc. Her sterling qualities leadership, coupled with a knack for proactive gestures, have usually devolved on her positions of responsibility at every level of her education. These qualities equally attracted various beneficial gestures in her favour, one of which was the scholarship for a Master’s degree at University of Middlesex.

Sequel to a successful educational sojourn, Florence began to explore the competitive and highly challenging movie industry where she played leading role in classy movies and acted as Producer and/or Director in some others, including, but not limited to Shameful Deceit; The Soul; 18 Carat Mama; Heartless Carer; Broken Cross; Oga Detective; Return of the Don; The Baron; Love Conquer; Golden Love; Passport Sake; Top Range and Queen of the Red Carpet. It is particularly worthy to note that Ms Okonkwo weathered the storm and all challenges to stardom in environment mostly considered masculine and displayed rare courage and sportsmanship.

One could not, but marvel at the mannerism which this incredible role model has managed her career with the daunting challenges of family and quasi-societal needs. In fact, a critical assessment of her role in such movies as Top Range, 18 Carat Mama and Oga Detective, Love of Money to mention a few clearly attests to her quality as a quintessential character, easy to adore.

It is important therefore to remark that Florence toiled, paid her dues at acceptable measures, and underwent requisite tutelage in order to attract an audience which has remained steadfast to date. Apparently, the earlier days were cloudy, but the level of resilience of this lady facilitated much strength to clear the teething hitches.

Accordingly, she has amassed an intimidating number of awards spread across 4 continents. These include Hollywood -Africa Prestigious Award best actress 2018, BEFFTA best Producer 2018 and Film Producer 2014, ZAFAA Recognition award 2018, MAFAA Ambassador for peace a 2018, EPRA Leadership and Entrepreneurial Awards 2017, MBGA The most beautiful girl in Abuja, Judge and recognition award. New Brand Amb. UK the official Hollwood and African Prestigious awards, Global hidden treasures award, Cameroon film & movie academy Award, Podium recognition 2016, LA NUIT DES OSCAR UK special Diaspora prize, Queen of Red Carpet Award 2016, Queen of Nollywood  2016, BEFFTA Community Champion  2016, London of Borough of Southwark 2011. Florence is the founder and convener of ‘Stand By Me Network and member of UK Nollywood Producers Guild UKNPG.

Florence Okonkwo is equally responsible at the home front nurturing her 2 boys to carry on her humanitarian gestures. Indeed, the young of these boys has featured in one movie at the tender age of 12.

Arising from the sad experience of losing 2 of her siblings, to Sickle Cell at the tender age, Ms Okonkwo resolved to do all within her reach to reduce the scourge of the disease from the society. Her efforts in this respect have attracted an award recognition both from the Deputy Mayor of Southwark, Counsellor Lorraine Lauder and Carol Nwosu, the founder of ‘Sickle Cell and Young Stroke Survivor’ in the UK. She is now the proud founder of ‘M & M FOUNDATION’, a charity organisation, established to help vulnerable and grass-root people in Africa; set up in 2018.

As a practitioner, it is always interesting to imagine how this naturally gifted lady combines intricate measure of affection, love, suspense, skillsmanship, understanding and predictive ability in her role in movies. In the combined history Hollywood and Nollywood, Blaster gained an inroad at a relatively tender age and was able to amass, though the greatest number of awards to a single artiste either as an Actor or Actress, Producer, Executive Producer or Premiere critic.