Actress and producer, Linda Ejiofor, has said talent alone is not enough to succeed in Nollywood, insisting that discipline, humility, patience and constant learning are also critical for anyone hoping to last in the industry.

Ejiofor stated this while reflecting on her journey after recording a historic achievement at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, where she won both Best Lead Actress and Best Supporting Actress.

The actress said her rise in Nollywood was shaped by years of resilience, uncertainty and commitment to improving with every role.

“My early days taught me resilience. I simply wanted to become a better actress with every role,” she said.

“I learnt very quickly that talent alone isn’t enough. You need discipline, humility, patience, and a willingness to keep learning. Every set, every director, and every role contributed to my growth.”

Speaking on her record-breaking AMVCA success, Ejiofor said gratitude was the strongest emotion she felt when she looked back at how far she had come.

According to her, the award reminded her of the different seasons she had passed through, including the wins, setbacks, waiting period and personal growth.

“When I look back at where I started, I see a young woman with big dreams, a lot of hope, and very little certainty about how things would unfold,” she said.

“To be where I am today, with my work recognised in such a historic way, is incredibly humbling.”

Ejiofor admitted that her early years in the industry came with difficult moments, especially when opportunities were not coming as often as she hoped.

She said there were times she questioned whether she was doing enough or whether she was on the right path.

“The uncertainty can be difficult because so much of this industry is outside your control,” she said.

“But I learnt to focus on what I could control, which include my preparation, professionalism, and commitment to the craft.”

The actress, who has built a career largely free of public controversy, said she never deliberately created that image as a strategy, but simply chose to remain true to herself.

She said she has always believed that the work should speak louder than anything else.

“Staying true to yourself can be challenging in any industry, especially one that’s constantly changing, but I’ve learnt that authenticity lasts longer than trends,” she said.

“I have never felt pressured to become someone else to remain relevant.”

Ejiofor described her AMVCA win as both a reward for years of dedication and the beginning of a new chapter with greater responsibility.

She said the recognition has challenged her to keep growing creatively and to pursue roles that stretch her as an actress.

“This win is incredibly meaningful because it acknowledges years of dedication to my craft,” she said.

“Going forward, it encourages me to continue seeking roles that challenge me creatively and allow me to tell meaningful stories.”

On the legacy she hopes to build, Ejiofor said the award had strengthened her sense of responsibility to the industry.

She added that she wants to leave behind a body of work that inspires people and stands the test of time.

The actress also said she hopes the recognition will open more doors for her locally and internationally.

“I hope it creates opportunities to collaborate with more filmmakers, explore diverse stories, and work across different markets,” she said.

“Storytelling is universal, and I’d love the chance to contribute to projects that reach audiences both locally and globally.”

Beyond acting, Ejiofor said faith, integrity, consistency and gratitude have guided her journey.

She also noted that marriage and motherhood have changed the way she sees life and deepened her emotional understanding as an actress.

“Marriage and motherhood have made me more intentional about everything,” she said.