By Rita Chioma,

Yoruba actress,  Biodun Okeowo has also joined the #YetIWon challenge initiated by former beauty queen, Omowunmi Akinnifesi to tell the story of how she overcame her challenges.

Taking to Instagram, the actress, in a two-part post, shared her struggles as a single mother, writing:

“Eighteen years ago, I got pregnant. A mistake I thought has ruined my life. People laughed, jeered and mocked me… #YetIwon#

“The embarrassment was too much, that it gave me strength to decide I must go back to school. I enrolled at L.A.S.U (part-time)

“With no support from anyone except my mum. I did so many menial jobs to cater for myself and the new baby.

“I fried doughnuts and Chin chin, which I supply to retailers on campus.

“I sold rice outside mummy’s shop on days that I have no lectures.

“I sold hair extensions, make hair, ‘stay awake overnight to make hair for people (one million braid) was in vogue then.

“I remembered a particular day I fed my son with soaked garri! Yes, I couldn’t afford a tin of even the cheapest ‘My boy’ baby food then.. #yetIwon

“I  struggled, refused to beg, worked, toiled, laboured to be able to stand on my feet. Whatever you are going through be strong, positive, hardworking, and steadfast.

“And No matter how poor you are, invest the little you get into something.

“Fast track to 2006 I joined the movie industry after my IT at The Lagos State Television Agidingbi. Acting is another chapter in my life. I experienced mockery, intimidation. I was called different names, looked down upon, aliases like “Biodun oni cut and sew” and “Tolani Alankara”

“I could not afford the expensive cloth/costumes. I was not sophisticated enough. #YetIwon.

“Dresses/dressing didn’t pave way for me neither did it stop my success. However, my God given talent make it all possible and easy.

“The name people call you today doesn’t define you… be focused, strong, determined and be content with whatever you have.

“I almost quit because of intimidation, but that strength of “i must make it” came into play. I refused to be intimidated,bow to pressures,or borrow.

“I was contented with my “cut and sew”. #yetIwon

“Then came the trial that pushed me into becoming an entrepreneur.! For two years I was ignored, no movie jobs, not because of inexperience but because of… yet I persisted. #yetIwon.

“I prayed,fasted, and believed in myself. Thereafter, I did a movie that launched me back into reckoning.”

The actress continued:

“I prayed,fasted, and believed in myself. Thereafter, I did a movie that launched me back into reckoning . #YetIwon

“That experience pushed me into the business world in 2011, which wasn’t a success but I wasn’t discouraged. I ventured into another, gave all my being… prayer, Time, money.. Here I am.. a proud girl.. proud of the woman I become, I AM A WINNER.

“Don’t be pushed. Your time is different from mine. Mine is different from yours. God’s time is the best. The rejected stone has now become a cornerstone.”

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