LAGOS, Nigeria — Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo marked his daughter Uloaku’s 25th birthday with a heartfelt message that quickly sparked online conversations about parental expectations and adult independence.
In a post shared on April 8 on his official Instagram account, Kanayo congratulated his daughter and reflected on her growth from “little Valerie” to a “prospective Madam Uloaku.” He encouraged her to use the day for “sober reflection,” advising her to consider “things to copy, things to paste, things to delete.”
Addressing her longstanding complaint about his frequent absences due to his acting career, Kanayo explained, “Good actors travel, always on the move because they are always hired. Thank God I am still very active and relevant. Try and tolerate me.”
He then set clear expectations for her future: “Please ensure that before 2027, you are either walking down the aisle, going for your PhD, or walking out of my house. Simpliciter.
Kanayo’s message has ignited discussions online about parental expectations and the pressures adult children face to meet certain life milestones by specific ages. While some praised the actor for his candidness, others debated the appropriateness of setting such firm deadlines.
The post, which included childhood photos of Uloaku and a video of her birthday celebration, has garnered significant attention, reflecting the broader societal conversations about independence, education, and marriage in contemporary Nigerian culture.
Kanayo O. Kanayo, often referred to as “Nnayi Sacrifice” for his iconic roles in Nollywood films, continues to be an influential figure both on-screen and off, using his platform to share personal insights and societal commentary.
As of now, Uloaku has not publicly responded to her father’s message.
