My Marriage Was Arranged, I Didn’t Know How To Love” – Patience Ozokwo

According to Ireporter Online, veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwo has opened up about her early marital life, revealing that she entered into marriage at the age of 19 through an arrangement made by her parents.

The respected actress disclosed that the decision to get married was not hers, explaining that such arrangements were common during her time. She admitted that she felt scared at the beginning, as she struggled with the idea of loving a man she did not personally choose.

Ozokwo, however, noted that with patience and time, affection gradually developed between her and her husband, strengthening their union. She revealed that the marriage lasted for 23 years, during which her husband battled illness for 15 years before passing away in 2000.

The actress stated that the union produced three biological children, while she later adopted five more. Sadly, one of the adopted children died, leaving her with a total of seven children.

Following the death of her husband, Ozokwo said she chose not to remarry, dedicating herself fully to raising her children. Reflecting on modern marriages, she observed that despite increased self-awareness and efforts at self-improvement today, many homes still collapse.

She explained that marriages arranged by parents in her era were often sustained through patience, duty, and endurance. Ozokwo added that she instilled strong moral values in her children, teaching her daughters respect and her sons responsibility, lessons she said helped keep her family united despite numerous challenges.

The veteran actress further revealed that she consistently advised her children never to consider divorce, encouraging them instead to build their homes on love, respect, and sacrifice.