Words By –  Yemisi Suleiman

This Mother’s Day, we shine the spotlight on Venita Akpofure, a talented actress, devoted mother, and former Big Brother Naija housemate. Since leaving the reality TV show, Venita has blossomed into a multifaceted creative force, making waves in Nollywood with notable roles in films like Mamba’s Diamond, The Silent Intruder,  More Than Friends, and My Village People.

However, beyond her professional accomplishments, Venita’s greatest joy is being a mother to her two beautiful girls. In this exclusive interview with Vanguard Allure, she opens up about her journey through motherhood, the values she hopes to instill in her children, and the importance of staying true to oneself amidst the demands of her flourishing career. Enjoy.

Today is Mother’s Day. How is motherhood like for you and how does it feel being the mother of two beautiful girls?
Being a mother to my two girls is the greatest gift of my life. It’s hard to put into words just how much they mean to me. Motherhood has reshaped my entire outlook on life — it’s deepened my understanding of love, patience, and sacrifice in ways I never thought possible. Everyday, I’m reminded of the incredible responsibility and privilege it is to nurture and guide them as they grow.
Seeing the world through their eyes has made me more intentional about how I live. They’ve taught me to slow down and appreciate life’s simple joys — from bedtime stories to laughter-filled mornings. Watching them discover their strengths, navigate challenges, and develop their unique personalities fills me with a sense of pride and awe. They are growing into such kind, smart, and strong young girls, and knowing that I have a hand in shaping their journey is both humbling and empowering.
Motherhood isn’t always easy; there are moments of exhaustion, uncertainty, and self-doubt, but the love I have for my girls pushes me to keep going. On days when I feel overwhelmed, just hearing their laughter or seeing their smiles reminds me that everything is worth it. They make me want to be a better person, not just for them, but for myself as well.
Today, on Mother’s Day, I’m simply grateful. Grateful for their love, their trust, and the bond we share. My girls are my heart, and being their mother is the most beautiful and fulfilling part of my life.

As a single career woman, how do you balance your parenting responsibilities with the demands of your career?
Balancing motherhood and a demanding career in the public eye is no small task, but I’m incredibly grateful for the strong support system I have around me. Despite not having the traditional family setting, I’ve been blessed with people who show up for me and my children in every way that matters. Their presence has helped create a sense of stability and balance for my kids, against the unpredictable nature of my career. Knowing that I have this foundation allows me to give my best to both my work and my family without feeling like one is suffering at the expense of the other.

What values do you hope to instill in your children amidst the glamour of the entertainment industry?
One of the most important values I hope to instill in my children is the courage to chase their dreams. Growing up in the spotlight means they’re exposed to both the glamour and the pressures that come with it, but I want them to understand that their path is theirs to define. I want them to know that it’s okay to dream big and to pursue those dreams with confidence, even when the journey gets difficult. Resilience, self-belief, and the willingness to keep going despite setbacks are lessons I hope they carry with them throughout life.
My career has given me access to a world that isn’t always forgiving, and I’m conscious of how that can affect young minds. That’s why I’m intentional about creating a home environment that’s rooted in love and stability. My children need to know that no matter what happens in the world outside, they have a safe place to come back to. That foundation of love and confidence is what I hope carries them through life.

You were in the House twice, what would you say were your most memorable moments at the BBNaija House?
I went into the house twice, and those times I was in the house, I made sure I applied myself with my full chest. My most memorable experiences in the house were not necessarily positive, I had a lot of betrayal.
But the best part about the experience is the ability to learn about yourself, learn about how others who are in proximity may view you, learn about who you are under strangest conditions. Learn and develop your character, so I’m very thankful for all the character developed, because I learnt so much about myself that I am able to hold on to and appreciate and carry on for the rest of my life. You know I made great memories there. I don’t regret either experience at all, instead, the experience has pushed me to level up and I’m leveled up. I’m a power house now, a machine now, and I am very happy about it.

How has it impacted your life, going forward?
It has opened more job opportunities for me in the creative industry and expanded my platform.

A lot of people have criticised the BBnaija show that it is filled with immorality and lacks substanc; what’s your take on this?
I don’t think that’s the case. I believe that, depending on what’s happening in the country at the time, the show is just an outlet for people to relax and have fun. I don’t have much to say about it, nor do I have exclusive comments.

You mentioned on Instagram that you had previously worked on a reality show with a major tech company. What was it all about?
I’m really excited about the opportunity to reflect on that experience. I’ve had the privilege of working with a renowned phone tech brand, one that we all know, on a reality digital competition that aired on YouTube. It was an incredible project that allowed me to engage with talented individuals and witnessed their creativity and drive firsthand. The competition wasn’t just about entertainment; it was a platform for discovering and showcasing raw talents while giving participants the tools and exposure they needed to succeed.
Partnering with such a major tech company elevated the entire experience. The level of professionalism and innovation behind the scenes was remarkable, and it was inspiring to see how technology could be used to amplify creative expression. The competition provided a unique blend of entertainment and empowerment, and the response from viewers was overwhelmingly positive.
Being part of a project like that reminded me of the importance of creating spaces where people can feel seen, heard, and valued. While that chapter has closed, the lessons and connections I gained from it have stayed with me. It’s not just about the success of the show — it’s about the stories that were told and the lives that were touched through it.

What’s fashion like for you?
Fashion for me is freedom of expression. To celebrate what you look like, what you want to present yourself as.

What inspires you in life?
My children, my mother. Beyonce used to and still does inspire me to a degree as an entertainer. I’m actually inspired by where I see myself and doing better.

Your journey hasn’t been without its challenges; how have you coped with criticism, rejection, and other setbacks?
Rejection isn’t something I’ve had to deal with much in my career because my resume simply doesn’t allow for it. I’ve worked hard to build a reputation of excellence and consistency, and that has created opportunities. With criticism, it’s a part of the life of an artiste, or any public figure. It comes with the territory, whether you’re creating something, performing, or simply living your life in the public eye. I’ve learned to separate constructive feedback from noise. Not all criticism is valuable so, it’s important to know what to take to heart and what to leave behind.
Setbacks, on the other hand, are inevitable. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and in those moments, the real challenge is coping with the internal conflict that comes with it. Maintaining good mental health during difficult times is key. I’ve found that staying grounded, protecting my peace, and knowing when to step back and recharge are essential. It’s easy to let setbacks define you, but I’ve learned that they are just temporary moments, not the full picture.

What advice would you give to young women facing obstacles in their career and life generally?
Surround yourself with people who will pour into you. Find a tribe of people who will speak life into you when you can’t see your own strength, who will remind you of your worth, and who will challenge you to keep going when you feel like giving up. You don’t have to face everything alone. Having a strong support system makes all the difference — it gives you the strength to stand tall, even when life tries to knock you down.
Also, be kind to yourself. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and failure isn’t the end of the story. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Trust the process, and know that your path is unique. Stay true to yourself, keep working hard, and don’t let anyone define your worth or potential.

Looking ahead, how do you plan to continue inspiring and uplifting your fans?
I’m focused on creating long-term impact. One of my major plans is to build a trust fund for my fans — something that will provide financial support and opportunities for those who need it most. I’m also passionate about working more closely with adolescents, encouraging them to remain consistent and grounded as they navigate life’s challenges.
My goal is to create spaces where they feel seen, valued, and supported. Ultimately, I hope my legacy reflects not just what I achieved, but how I made people feel and the lives I helped shape along the way.

What puts you off in people?
I hate laziness. I hate nonchalance. I hate intentional procrastination. I don’t like people who are not able to self-motivate.