Recently Kate
presented a coffee table book about her life as an actress to the public. I
could not make it. Here is a letter I wanted to be read at the event. As
Nollywood turns 20, I celebrate one of her finest members.
You have brought us so
much joy by your gift as a thespian working extremely hard on your craft to
ensure that everything you touch is believable. We cried with you and laughed
with you, your smile on and off screen, warm and welcoming; your laughter
ringing across Nations, from Rwanda to Morocco, from the Caracas to Lagos, and
from Asia to the Americas. Nigerians rush forward in love and curiosity when it
is all about Kate Henshaw.
Your recent cover
shoots show why we love you so much. Forever young; Kate Henshaw, is such an
apt title for one of them. You have kept your charm and simplicity in spite of
how much you have grown in the industry. Your pedigree and value add as a
frontline actress has led to multiple endorsements by an electronics giant and
a well-loved spice brand. As a brand bearer you have continued to carry
yourself with dignity.
I was therefore very
pleased with your decision to give us a coffee table book on your life, your
beginnings, your journey and your plans. You reached out to me for comments and
I was excited to be part of the book, pleased to share space on the blurb with
the respected Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Nigeria’s former Foreign affairs
minister whose words were as true as light on your professionalism, your
candour, your charity and your untiring effort to improve yourself.
Unfortunately due to
an earlier commitment I was unable to make the presentation of the book which
attracted no less a person than the affable wife of my brother, the Ekiti State
Governor, the lovely Mrs Fayemi.
You will recall how
difficult it was for me to break the news of my non-availability to you. I flew
into Lagos ahead of a planned trip to tell you myself. A phone call will not
have sufficed. As a creative, I admire you, as my sister, I believe in you, as a
human being, you never cease to amaze me with your humility. I watched as you
obliged security men and women and front office staff a photo opportunity at my
hotel in Ikeja. You were a natural, backslapping, posing and smiling and
jocularly demanding an appearance fee of ₦200 a copy, much to the amusement of
everyone.
Heartbroken as you
were that I could not make it, you were gracious and understood my plight. You
drove me yourself from Ikeja to Victoria Island, waving, smiling and bringing
on-lookers to their feet while giving fellow road users some warmth.
A realization, a
smile, recognition, and then a wave. “Aunty Eugenia, see how you are causing
go-slow in Lagos,” you joked.
I laughed. Always one
to be modest, you failed to admit that you were also part of the problem.
I recall your visit to
the National human rights commission’s office in Lagos at another time, as you
tried to find me, for a hug and a small discussion. Your presence in that
office energized staff and brought smiles to many faces. You are never too busy
for your fans and that is how it should be.
A few years ago, you
found time to honour an invitation from me +in Abuja to join 7 – 14 year olds
at the annual children’s writing workshop “The Treasured writers” [TTW].
You were selfless and a natural with children. You laughed with them and taught
them how to be actors, showing them qualities required therein. You also went
on to watch a movie with participants, queuing up and eating popcorn with them.
It was the highlight of our weeklong workshop that year.
It is always fun to be
with you and I look forward to your planned visit to Abuja where we can eat,
laugh and indulge in our favourite past time, the arts and how we can make
Nigeria better, one person at a time.
I have spent enough
time with you to know how much you love your country and how much you would
like Nigeria to be greater and better than any other Nation. Together we share
a passion for a better Nigeria. We are upset when work ethics are thrown out of
the window and wonder why customer service is at an all-time low. You do your
bit, I can attest to that.
As I always say, we
all have our shortcomings, but trust me Kate, you score over 85% in giving
value, giving back and you represent Naija well . You try to be a good role
model, an excellent mother, and the girl next door. We cannot have it all but
you have earned your stripes.
Congratulations my
darling on your new coffee table book. From the pictures at the event, I see
how much I missed out. Welcome to the authors club and I wish you glorious
years ahead. Your best is still ahead of you. We are mighty proud!
By: Eugenia
Abu
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