Idowu Philips, a seasoned Nollywood actress better known by her stage as Iya Rainbow, has spoken candidly about the challenges she encountered as a young, single mother raising her children.
The veteran talked about how happy she was when her son built her a house in an interview with Saturday Beats.
She defended herself, saying that because she spent her money on raising her kids, she was labelled a miser in Nollywood. She said:
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“It was reported in the press at the time that I was the cheapest actress. I was previously known as ‘Iya Osumare,’ not ‘Iya Rainbow.’ Even in church, when everyone else was buying clothes and jewelry for the holiday season, I dared not.
The best I could do was buy (such items) for my children while wearing rags. It was due to a lack of funds and the inability to meet anyone (for help). I also didn’t want to marry another husband. It wasn’t easy because I had to travel to certain movie sites. However, I am relieved that it ended in praise.”
Iya Rainbow also discussed the reasons behind her tears when her child made her a house. She stated:
“I assisted him in purchasing the land, but he never told me what he planned to do with it. He just said he wanted to acquire land and that I should assist him in inspecting it, which I did and bargained (the price).
I was also the one to whom he sent the money, and he began construction gradually.
When it came time to do the roofing, he requested me to assist in purchasing the necessary materials, which I did.
When the building was finished, he told me, ‘Mummy, you are the one I constructed this house for.’ It made me so happy that I burst into tears of joy.”