Uche Jombo Rodriguez opens up on recent eye surgery

"As a child, I had an accident while playing with an iron hanger as a gun and it accidentally got into my right eye. I had surgery then abroad, at the age of 9. This new surgery is more of cleaning and keeping up to date with the best eye surgery, when it was found out that it wasn't properly done the first time, and presently the doctors are correcting it"

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I Won’t Waste My Breath To Swear For Journalists Writing Rubbish About Me

The name Uche Jombo is synonymous to a Nigerian movie star that has had a rough time with the Nigerian media especially on her romantic relationship. Shortly before her secret marriage, she reportedly blamed the media for her failed relationship with Super Eagles football player, Kalu Uche. 

The relationship was believed to have lasted 10 years before both parted ways. It was no surprise when the talented actress chose to pull off a secret wedding to her Puerto Rican lover, Kenny Rodriguez in May in the US. 

Even after the secret wedding, many controversies still trailed her over the late release of her wedding pictures. Some days ago, newsmen had an interview with Uche Jombo. She talked about sundry issues but refused to delve into her marriage, which she claimed to be private to her. Excerpts 

With what you have achieved, how have you give back to the society?
I employ and pay people’s school fees of those not related to me, how else do you want me to give back to the society? Oga, I like to know how you give back to the society. 

I do by reporting what is right
Are you really doing that? Because the other time, you were asking about my private life

But that is part of Uche Jombo
No, because Uche Jombo as a person is different from Uche Jombo as a brand. 

What differentiates the two?
Uche Jombo the person is quiet about her privacy because that is the only thing that has made me to still remain where I am and still stand. Like I said, in as much as I will piss you off, we cannot do without each other. So, I would rather not give you reason to piss me off. I would rather speak about the work that speaks about how serious I am as a filmmaker or humanitarian projects I do.

Do you bring up future talents in acting?
Is that not what Royal Arts Academy (RAA) about? That is what we do every day. It is not actually building future stars alone, it is about getting people who are interested in this and passionate about this job because that is what keeps you here. If you are here for money or fame, it fizzles out. You have to make those who want to have a staying power in the industry that it is not about fame and money. Money should not be the reason why they want to act. But when the passion is put into it, money would come. 

What has kept the likes of you and others remain on top despite having other talented ones coming after you
I can’t speak for anyone but like I said earlier one, it is the passion. Passion has also driven me to invest back into Nollywood that is how much I believe in it. I am sure I am not the only one who is capable of doing that. Investing back into Nollywood wasn’t about making money. You can tell by the kind of films I do, which is advocacy based. It was really about the kind of story I write and want to bring out because I prefer to do human stories. If you get to a point you define why you are here, you will just be here. But if you don’t, you will float. So, you ask why you are in the industry, it will either make or mar you. 

Please talk about your foundation
My foundation is ‘Uche Jombo and You’. It empowers the youth through talents. My production company is mostly filled with young people. I am responsible for their trainings. They train and get paid when they work, even on my production. If someone comes to me and says he does not have money to pat his school fees, he can work for me and get paid. I am also always being careful because some people come with fake stories of being in one problem or the other. It is sometimes difficult but we are trying. I just feel for them because of where I was coming from. I crawled, ran and I got here (stardom). I have spent over 10 years here. I came from a very humble beginning and saw myself through school. I started as a script writer, an actress, producer, a studio owner and I have everything that I need to help anyone that is interested in production. I am interested in the next generation. That was how I came on board as a director for royal acts. It is basically what I am about.

How have you been able to stay up with all the negative stories written about you
I just have a feel of it. I have learnt how to separate my life from work. I have come to the realization of the fact that I am in a love and hate relationship with the press. Having said that, I have had few people who have been supporting me over the years and have seen me grow. They have seen me from my teenage years to my maturity stage. They have been there for me from my waka pass era to my brand now as Uche Jombo. When such people write about me, it is a little different [from others]. Those few people help me in balancing stories written by those who don’t know much about me. 

What negative story has really hit you the most and won’t forget in a hurry
I have written about severally but none can come to mind now. I have had times I read through a story written about me in the papers and the only thing that is true is my name. sometimes, they spell my name wrongly. They spell ‘Jumbo’ rather than ‘Jombo’. Like a colleague of mine told me that I should work hard to separate me as a person from me as a brand. That advice was given to me almost eight years ago and I have really tried to do that. 

Which one in particular brought down tears in your eyes
None can come to mind now

Is it about the abortion story
I have had worse. That one was just big because it was the one I took to court because I don’t understand why anybody would sit down and fabricate something that would hurt another human being without any shrewd. Even if you don’t have a sister, you might get married tomorrow and have a girl child. Anytime anybody writes, I always say, drop your pen and just imagine you being that person. If what you’ve written is the truth, you are justified. If it is not the truth, the person need not to go to anywhere to swear for you, karma would just take care of you. 

Have you swore for anyone before
No, I am just saying, I do not need to waste my breath to swear, karma would take care of you. That is the way it works. 

Which one has forced tears out of you
Several, are you looking for headline?

Not at all
I said that none can come to mind. You have asked me one question five times. None can come to mind, capuche. 

Where do you mostly stay now, Nigeria or the US
Why are you interested in my personal life? The fact that I pulled off a traditional, court and white wedding and you did not know, that should tell you the way I value my privacy. How else can I explain this to you?

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Uche Jombo off to the US for surgery

God bless American doctors. The delectable actress and movie producer found out she needed corrective eye surgery after going for a routine eye test to get a driver's license in the US. 

One of the prerequisites of getting a driver's license in America is to go for an eye test to certify that you can see clear enough to drive. So Ms Jumbo went for hers, since she now spends a lot of time in the US with her husband, and doctors discovered she needed corrective eye surgery, which she has gone for.

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Uche Jombo Endorses Upcoming Actress, Ruth Kadiri As Her Successor

When in Matthew 3:17 John the Baptist in the Holy Bible told his followers "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. that the one coming after him," not many thought he was referring to Jesus Christ. But when Jesus Christ started his work, he wowed many to their admiration.

At a time when some fans and Nollywood addicts are craving for new faces to take over from already established figures in the make-believe industry in Nigeria, superstar actress, Uche Jombo has revealed to NEWSMEN 'the 'Jesus Christ' coming to take over from her, just like John The Baptist in the Holy Bible.

NEWSMEN caught up with the recently married screen goddess at an event held last weekend. Uche was asked who among the up and coming actress she thinks can take over from her. The script writer cum actress and producer didn't hesitate in introducing one Ruth Kadiri, who Uche said can take over from her.

Asked the attributes she saw in the budding actress for her to have endorsed her. Uche said, "when I started, I was a script writer and an actress. This separated me from other actresses. It took me close to six years to see someone that could step into that.

"I acted in a film she (Ruth) wrote 'Mad Sex'. She was just starting then and that was the first time I came across a script written by her though she has written several others before. I saw the potentials in her as a script writer but when I saw her act, I was convinced she 'could be the next Uche Jombo' (our words). So, I encouraged her."

Will Ruth Kadiri be the 'Jesus Christ' that will do greater things John The Baptist (Uche Jombo) did? Fingers crossed

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AFTER DUMPING HER:Uche Jombo & I still friends -- Uche Ikechukwu Confessed!

Contrary to the believe of many, all action Villarreal goal poacher, Ikechukwu Uche is afterall not regretting missing the opportunity of marrying screen goddess Uche Jombo.

 The two love birds have been dating for close to ten years with rumours being rife that the hot romance might result to marriage.

Said he:’’ Uche is a nice person.we have Known each other for a long time. We both come from the same community in Abia State .

You can see we are like brother and sister. We never announced to anybody that we were getting married.As a matter of fact I am happy she has found love with a man she loves so much and I wish her all the best in life.’’

There are media reports that IK as the fair complexion player is affectionately called is finalising plans to marry US based Ruth Okoro. When asked to comment on his new relationship with the beautiful damsel,Uche said: “I don’t discuss about my private life in public.That is a personal issue, it’s not for public consumption’’. @ e. express

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Uche Jombo’s Damage, Anchor Baby jostle for Best film award

Uche Jombo

Uche Jombo’s trilogy film, ‘Damage” is on the threshold of making history again going by the nominations for the Best film in this year’s edition of the prestigious Nollywood and African Film Critics Awards(NAFCA), scheduled to hold on Sunday, September 16, at Carolina Theater, Durham North Carolina, USA. 

 The list of nominations released by the event organisers, show that ‘Damage’ which has four nominations out of the nine categories will be jostling for the prize alongside such films as “The Professor”, ‘Anchor baby’, “Treacherous Heart” and “Ünge’s War.’ The film is also nominated for Best Docu-Drama, Best Drama and Best Screenplay. It was followed by ‘Ünge’s War’ produced by US based Nigerian film maker, GuGu E. Michaels, which has three nominations; Best Traditional film, Best Film, and Best Visual Effects. 

 Lancelot Imasuen’s epic film, “Adesuwa’ and Lilian Bach’s ‘Eletan” respectively had two nominations each; Best Traditional film and Best Visual Effects. Also, “Kajola’ is being nominated for the Best Trailer/Short Film just as ‘Champion of Our Time’ is to jostle for the prize of Best Docu-Drama with “films such as “As I die Slowly”, “Wamba”, “Eyes on Hope”and “Damage.”

 Nominated for the Best Original Score award nominees are; ‘Lost in Abroad-Katumbela, Immoral Affairs-Joyce Ngimah, “Stolen’, Nigerian National Anthem-The Professor and I love Africa-The Professor. Meanwhile, organsiers named Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State and President Yahya AJJ Jammeh of the Gambia as among the dignitaries that will be honoured during the event. 

 They will be given the Special NAFCA Life Time Achievement awards. Others are Olu Jacobs and Pete Edochie who will bag the Special NAFCA Life Time achievement in Cinema awards, Zeb Ejiro and Patience Ozokwor(Special NAFCA Most Influential People), Moses Adejumo Olaiya (Baba Sala) and Zebrudaya Okoigwe Nwogbo (Chika Zerudaya Alias 4:30) who will also receive the Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre awards amongst others.

 Commenting on the nominations,the founder and the CEO of NAFCA , Dr. Victor O. Olatoye said “we received over 200 films from African filmmakers worldwide and we are very proud of our filmmakers for the significant improvements we continue to see as we review the films. NAFCA 2012 is going to be our biggest award to date and we are partnering with the North Carolina Museum of Art here in the United States and over 50 members of the press, (prints and online) to help spread the good news. 

 This year, we have new and improved categories we feel are needed based on our research within the industry, such as Lifetime Achievement in Cinema and Theater.” Olatoye also added, “this year’s entries in 40 major categories are judged against a stringent set of registered movie star ratings standards. I want to personally thank all the filmmakers for their trust and support. I also want to congratulate all the nominees for their hard work, it was not an easy process, but we appreciate the opportunity given to us.”

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BREAKING: Uche Jombo and Van Vicker Arrested By Police AGAIN

Reports reaching Newsmen confirms that Nollywood actress, Uche Jombo, Ghanaian actor, Van Vicker, Uduak Isong and some other crew were arrested by the police in Lagos yesterday. We learnt that they were arrested while filming in Surulere, Lagos with some of their crew members. They were detained at Bode Thomas police station, Surulere, Lagos.

 Though they have not been told on the grounds they were arrested, but according to what we gathered, unconfirmed sources believed that they were arrested because they might cause a false alert due to a robbery scene they were about to act as at the time of the arrest. Unconfirmed sources also say they did not get the necessary approval to shoot the robbery scenes in the movie in that area. 

 Two weeks ago, Van Vicker was arrested in Lagos for arms possession which he claimed was for a movie props. Uche Jombo was reported to have fought for his release by men of the State Security Services (SSS) in Lagos, where he was held overnight. They are still in police detention as at the time of writing this story.

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UCHE JOMBO LAUNCHES UK TALENT HUNT PROGRAMME

In a bid to seek and groom fresh talents in the Nigerian movie industry, popularly known as Nollywood, versatile actress Uche Jombo is set to launch a platform for talent discovery in the UK. 

 We’ve been told ‘Nollywood Star Search‘ a brainchild of the actress and producer, will target primarily people of African and Caribbean descent based in the UK. Auditions for the programme are expected to begin any moment from now. 

 The Winner of Nollywood Star Search will get a lead role in a movie to be produced by Uche Jombo studio and directed by Desmond Elliot in the summer of 2012. Runners up are also to get roles in same movie. 

 The reality show, in a statement by the organisers is ‘geared towards affording participants the great opportunity to become stars and feature alongside other Nollywood greats in a mainstream Nollywood film’. Jombo is an award winning actress with numerous movies to her credit both in acting and directing capacities.

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THE AFTERMATH OF UCHE JOMBO'S BREAKUP WITH IKECHUKWU;SHE FINALLY SPEAKS ON MARRIAGE PLAN

Some months back, the news about Uche Jombo and Ikechukwu Uche secret love affair hit the entertainment industry with people feasting on the news that instantly became a hot item for celebrity and entertainment journals, not leaving out the blogs and other news site on the internet.

In the midst of the speculation, It came as a terrible shock last week when news filtered out that the two lovebirds have parted ways.

In a recent interview,Uche jumbo opens up on relationship between her and Super Eagles big boy,Ikechukwu Uche and her wedding plans in this short interview.

Excerpts from the interview;

Do you still believe that all men are good?

I never believed that,so I would rather not talk about it.

Do you think men can be faithful?

I don’t know,everything in life is about the person you are involved with not about a group of people.

Would you forgive a man that cheats on you?

Laugh… I don’t know,that’s a cheap question.Let me tell you who I am a simple person,the things I do to you,you do them back to me.That is what I expect from you in a relationship.

Are you saying with all sense of modesty that your boyfriend can be faithful?

Why are we discussing this issue,please let’s put that aside,thank you

Is it true there is something between you and the Super Eagles big boy,Ikechukwu Uche,because so many things have been written about it?

And since they have been saying it,have you seen me replying or discussing it with anybody?

Yes,that is why I want to know the real position of the relationship?

Well,I don’t have a comment on that.

Please,at least for once,say something so that your fans could know your stand over the issue?

It’s not going to happen and it can never happen where I would discuss this issue on paper.

So,when would you discuss it,when you walk down the aisle?

Laughs… ehm very funny but even when I am getting married,I won’t discuss it

Then we would remind you on the day of your wedding?

I am sure you will be there or you will hear about my wedding.

Okay,when is Uche getting married?

I will get married when I am ready and I will come and tell you that I am married.

Are you saying you will get married secretly?

I am not saying anything to you concerning marriage.

Would your marriage be made public or secret?

Wait and see… when the marriage happens,you will surely know.

Would it be this year or next year?

Like I have said,wait for it to happen because you people have already given me wedding date and it’s only left for you to give me invitation for my own wedding.Laugh…

But aren’t you worried that you are getting old and people are asking when would you marry

I am not bothered because people’s opinion about how old I am or If I am not getting married is not my problem.So,they should rather worry about their own problems and let me worry about mine.

Does the age bother when they are saying that you are 32 years or thereabout?

How can it worry me when I know whom I am,just let them continue to be worried about me.

But your mum said something about that,didn’t she?

She was asked and she answered because she doesn’t know she didn’t have to,but we are already used to things like that.

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ACTRESS UCHE JOMBO CAUSES COMMOTION AT INTERCONTINENTAL BANK

Nollywood diva Uche Jombo was the cynosure of all eyes on Thursday,November 3,2011 at Surulere branch of Intercontinental Bank.

We gathered that Uche was shouting and screaming at the top of her voice that she wants to close her four accounts and wants to be paid for damages.She raised her voice so loud that everyone's mouth were wide open.

According to sources,Uche decided to close these accounts because of bad service with her visa card.

We learnt that she was recently in the States to shoot the concluding part of the Damage trilogy and ran out of cash because the bank messed up her forex account

The poor customer service got her pissed off and decided to close her four accounts

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ACTRESS UCHE JOMBO OPENS UP ON ALLEGED ROMANCE WITH AFRICAN CHINA AND EMEKA ENYIOCHA

Star actress,Uche Jombo has denied rumors that she is dating reggae star,Chinagorom Onuoha popularly known as African China and Nollywood actor, Emeka Enyiocha respectively. 

Reacting to the rumour, while speaking on Celebrity Eye, a gist programme on AfricaMagic and anchored by Mercy Johnson-Okojie, Uche claimed that the two entertainers are her friends.

“African China is a very good friend of mine and so also is Emeka Enyiocha. In our industry, when you hangout or dance with someone, you are automatically linked romantically to the person. 

I have learnt not to allow these things to bother me. They guys are my friends, true. I’m more comfortable in the company my male friends than the ladies and that’s me.”

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