Putting online trolls on the spot by vintage Genevieve Nnaji
Until her recent reappearance from her coop, the last time 45-year-old mum Nnaji came online was Tuesday 28 January 2025, when she was wearing a backless black gown.
It is mostly part of the perks of being a prominent extension of an exceptional set of mid-nineties Nollywood stars, the actress Genevieve Nnaji knowingly project the life of being a recluse on her social media profiles, but with every reappearance comes the risk of being unfairly mocked for the minutest thing and this time online trolls were given a hard pill to swallow.
As it should be expected from any actor representing the classic era of Nigeria’s films industry, from an acting prism, every time vintage Nnaji shows up for an intentional conversation, it is an opportunity for the wolves to mix side-by-side with cud-chewing mammals, the sheep.
These creatures, contrasting in nature or temperament, is certainly a literal way to view how fans that adore both the looks and of at least 200 films compilation of this Lionheart (2018) actress pull up at the same time body-shaming critics would be making their latest debut.
And so it happened that after two months of staying away from her X (previously Twitter), Nnaji who followers have never known to be married, posted a tweet that ideally would have mostly come off as a message of love reverberating, but somehow trolls found a way to see that age was catching up with this actress.
Until her recent reappearance from her coop, the last time 45-year-old mum came online was Tuesday 28 January 2025, when she was wearing a backless black gown and posing with a painting that revealed four women each with pots placed on their heads.
Miss. Nnaji’s latest display on the last day of March was strictly nature-based. It was a picture in the background where the view suggested watching a plateau from the sea as eagles penetrated from the sky and the caption included two palms coming together to make a heart shape.
Close to 60minutes after the actress tweeted then came a profile Mai Keke posting under the thread and saying: You really cannot cheat nature. My fine wine is finally growing old. After this, Nnaji wrote a reply with tongue in cheek.
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Quite the subtle sarcasm when Nnaji commented, saying that her situation gets worse. I’ll get so old I’ll die if I’m lucky, read the response of an actress comporting herself with grace while stating the obvious to the bully.
The next day after these reactions was still in the Eid al-Fitr holiday mood, although it was not friendly. It was Genevieve Nnaji dishing it out the way she got it and here is what prompted that.
One X user Callendrone just could not help another comment talking about the middle-aged actress in her natural transition. He had posted Mummy u Don old o, and got a response that he felt was very close to the belt. Daddy I don’t wish it on you was the actress’s response.
Those two encounters with trolls witnessed an instance when a celebrity, while offering themselves for engagement with their followers, turn it to a classy exhibition even when the comments they get might have been rude.
Why do fans love Genevieve?
First is because this actress has obviously earned her place as one of the film industry most beloved icons, and her fans’ admiration goes far beyond her striking appearance. She is a pioneer in Nollywood who became the first personality to win the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2005.
Her directorial debut, Lionheart, which she also stars in as Adaeze alongside famous cast, like Pete Edochie and Nkem Owoh, was the first Nigerian film acquired by Netflix and also Nigeria’s first submission for the Oscars, although it was disqualified for not integrating language balance. One that would have been fit for a global audience.
Other milestones have solidified her as a symbol of excellence in the industry. Beyond acting, she has become a global ambassador for Nollywood, representing Nigerian cinema on international platforms. Oprah Winfrey in 2009 referred to her as the “Julia Roberts of Africa“, which testifies to her influence.
Despite her fame, Genevieve maintains a relatable and grounded persona. Her interactions with fans, whether through social media or public engagements, often reflect humility and warmth.
Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.
