Ruth Kadiri screenwriting journey began at the National Theatre, where a chance encounter led her from poverty to becoming one of Nollywood’s top creators

Nollywood actress and film producer Ruth Kadiri has shared the touching story of how her rise to stardom began — a journey she describes as both divine and transformative.

Also read: Ruth Kadiri Marriage Privacy Sparks Emotional Response in Rare Interview

Speaking on Jay On Air TV, Kadiri revealed that her path into the film industry started by chance at the National Theatre in Lagos, where she initially went in search of acting opportunities.

“Growing up in the slum and getting out of it wasn’t really easy,” she said. “I remember going to the National Theatre because I wanted to act.

I got there and saw over a thousand people. I just looked around and said to myself, ‘There’s no way I’m getting this role.’ The crowd was intimidating.”

Unable to secure an acting spot that day, fate intervened when she stumbled upon a notice about screenwriting classes inside the building.

“I think it was God. I just went into the office,” Kadiri recalled. There, she met an instructor who initially demanded payment for the course.

With no transport fare to return home, she pleaded for a chance to learn — and her passion moved him to accept her without charge.

That simple act of kindness, she said, became the turning point of her life.

“Doing that basic class literally got me to where I am today,” Kadiri said. “When I wrote my first script, it became a hit. The producer didn’t believe in me.

He even tried to send it to bigger actresses like Tonto Dikeh and Uche Jombo. Tonto kept telling him, ‘I really like this script.’ He didn’t even want to pay me, but I didn’t care. I just wanted a small role in the movie.”

Also read: Actress Ruth Kadiri celebrates YouTube recognition for redefining creativity

From that humble beginning, Ruth Kadiri’s screenwriting talent blossomed into a celebrated career in Nollywood, where she now stands as one of the industry’s most prolific female storytellers — a testament to perseverance, faith, and the power of seizing opportunity.