Kanayo O. Kanayo’s Heartfelt Message to Daughter on Her 25th Birthday: Setting Expectations for the Future

Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has shared a heartfelt and firm message with his daughter, Uloaku, as she celebrates her 25th birthday. Known for his discipline and dedication to his craft, Kanayo used the special occasion not only to congratulate his daughter but also to outline his expectations for her as she enters a new chapter of her life.

In a birthday post shared on his official social media account, the actor expressed deep pride in his daughter’s growth, urging her to reflect on the journey she has taken thus far. He wrote:

“My dear daughter, uloaku (bank/house of wealth), congratulations on your 25th birthday. From little Valerie to a prospective Madam Uloaku, as I told you this morning while praying for you, it should be a day of sober reflection, things to copy, things to paste, things to delete.”

Kanayo’s words were filled with both love and wisdom, encouraging his daughter to not only celebrate her accomplishments but also to take stock of the lessons she has learned. His choice of the name “Uloaku,” meaning “bank of wealth,” symbolized his hopes for her to continue growing into a woman of strength, wisdom, and success.

Acknowledging the Distance

In the post, Kanayo also acknowledged his daughter’s past complaints about his frequent absences due to his demanding career. As an actor, Kanayo has often been on the move, traveling for work and taking on various roles. He explained to Uloaku that being away from home is an inherent part of his profession, but that it should be seen in the context of his dedication to his work.

“Your issue with me has always been ‘you are always travelling, hardly at home.’ Uloaku, 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.”

This statement reflected Kanayo’s work ethic and the sacrifices he has made for his career, even though it has meant being away from his family at times. His light-hearted tone and appeal to his daughter to understand the nature of his work conveyed both his affection for her and his commitment to his profession.

Setting Expectations for the Future

As part of his message, Kanayo laid out clear expectations for Uloaku as she continues to grow into adulthood. He emphasized that by the time she turns 27, he expects her to have made a definitive life choice—whether that is through marriage, pursuing higher education, or becoming independent.

“In all these, please ensure that before 2027, you are either walking down the aisle, going for your PhD, or walking out of my house. Simpliciter. Ka Chukwu Okike Abiama gozierem Uloaku.”

His message reflected a mix of love and pragmatism, as he encouraged his daughter to make clear decisions about her future while respecting her independence. Kanayo’s use of the phrase “simpliciter,” meaning simply or plainly, added a humorous touch to the otherwise serious tone of the expectations.

Reactions and Conversations

Kanayo’s birthday message has sparked conversations online, particularly around the topic of parental expectations and the pressure placed on adult children to reach certain milestones by specific ages. Many have discussed the balance between providing guidance and respecting a child’s autonomy in making their own life choices. Some have praised Kanayo for his candid approach, while others have questioned the societal pressures that come with such expectations.

For Uloaku, Kanayo’s message is a mix of love, wisdom, and practicality, offering both support and a reminder of the importance of taking responsibility for one’s life choices as she steps into her late twenties.

As the daughter of a seasoned actor, Uloaku’s journey will likely continue to be in the public eye, but Kanayo’s message underscores that his guidance, while firm, is rooted in a deep desire for her success and happiness.