Bullying & taunts by school mates nearly drove me to commit suicide—Actor Chinedu Ikedieze, Aki & Pawpaw
Veteran Nollywood actor, Chinedu Ikedieze, has opened up about the struggles he faced growing up with a condition that led to stunted growth.
In a heart-wrenching revelation, Ikedieze shared how bullying and taunts from peers almost drove him to suicide.
Ikedieze, who is best known as Aki, recounted the moment he discovered he had growth retardation.
“I remember the doctor saying, ‘Madam, what he has is stunted growth.’ Then he wrote something on a report, and I saw another word: growth retardation. I didn’t even know how to pronounce it.”
The actor revealed that his mother had always encouraged him to focus on education, knowing that his physical limitations would make it difficult for him to engage in manual labor.
“My mom always told me, ‘You are small; you cannot start carrying cement or doing furniture work. The best thing for you is to go and study.”
However, Ikedieze’s condition made him a target for bullies, who constantly taunted him and called him names.
The actor admitted that the experience was painful and that he often cried and felt like ending his life. “It got so bad that, at times, I thought of ending it all.”
Despite the challenges he faced, Ikedieze persevered and went on to achieve great success in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Today, he is a highly successful entertainer and entrepreneur.
About Chinedu Ikedieze
Born on December 12, 1977, in Iluoma Uzuakoli, Bende, Abia State, Nigeria, he has become a legendary figure in Nollywood, with a career spanning over two decades.
*Early Career and Education
Ikedieze’s journey into the world of acting began during his secondary school days, where he was an active member of the school’s dramatic society.
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His passion for acting led him to enroll at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu, where he earned a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Theatre Arts and a degree in Mass Communication.
Determined to hone his craft, Ikedieze furthered his education at the prestigious New York Film Academy in 2004.
*Rise to Fame
Ikedieze’s breakout role came in 2002 when he starred alongside Osita Iheme in the film “Aki na Ukwa.”
The movie’s massive success catapulted him to national fame, earning him the nickname “Aki.”
Since then, he has become a staple in Nollywood, featuring in over 150 films, including “Tom and Jerry,” “Back from America,” “Spanner,” and “Nothing Spoil.”
*Notable Roles and Awards
Throughout his illustrious career, Ikedieze has received numerous awards and accolades.
He was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2007 and was conferred with the national award of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2010.
*Personal Life and Business Ventures
In 2011, Ikedieze married fashion designer Nneoma Nwaijah, and they have three beautiful children together.
Apart from his acting career, Ikedieze is also a successful entrepreneur.
He co-produced the Hollywood-Nollywood movie “Take the Spotlight” and runs his own entertainment company, Aki and Pawpaw Entertainment, alongside his long-time collaborator and friend, Osita Iheme.
