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Nollywood hunk and single father of two – a boy, 11 and a girl, 13, Joseph Benjamin, in a new interview has opened up balancing fatherhood, Nollywood and bachelorhood.
Read excerpts below.
On being a father:
It’s not a task. It’s an experience, and a beautiful one. Being a
father has helped me build the very fabric of who I am as a man. It’s
helped me to grow and mature. It’s taught me responsibility and so I
would say being a father has been a blessing for me because I have been
able to draw strength from that and put it into my work. It has helped
me balance my life in a sense.
It’s not a task. It’s an experience, and a beautiful one. Being a
father has helped me build the very fabric of who I am as a man. It’s
helped me to grow and mature. It’s taught me responsibility and so I
would say being a father has been a blessing for me because I have been
able to draw strength from that and put it into my work. It has helped
me balance my life in a sense.
On balancing work with fatherhood: I try to balance it. It can be difficult at times but I try in the midst of all that to balance it. I speak to them a lot.
On the most interesting part of being a parent:
Being responsible for lives. Knowing that these lives are your
responsibility; whatever comes out of this is on you. That has me in
check and it’s lovely.
Being responsible for lives. Knowing that these lives are your
responsibility; whatever comes out of this is on you. That has me in
check and it’s lovely.
On how fatherhood has changed him:
I have a different view on life. I’ve come to understand what our
parents went through and I can relate with them directly. I do
understand. And it’s made me more accountable. And business-wise, it has
helped me because you realize every penny counts as a father and a
parent because you know that you have a responsibility to these people.
So whatever business decisions you are making, you understand that. You
are also economically conscious of the fact that they are your first
priority.
I have a different view on life. I’ve come to understand what our
parents went through and I can relate with them directly. I do
understand. And it’s made me more accountable. And business-wise, it has
helped me because you realize every penny counts as a father and a
parent because you know that you have a responsibility to these people.
So whatever business decisions you are making, you understand that. You
are also economically conscious of the fact that they are your first
priority.
On his advice to young fathers in the industry:
My advice is that your children and family should be first priority. Be
close to them and let their lives be part of yours and [and let your
life] be a part of theirs. You guys should be together – make time for
them – you can speak to them now and then and let them feel your
presence even if you are not there physically, it goes a long way. And
more personally try to be there for special events in their lives. Those
are memories that would constantly remain with them. It’s key to try to
protect your children from the limelight. Shut them away from all of
that; create a world for them and let them be in that world so that way,
they have a balanced life.
My advice is that your children and family should be first priority. Be
close to them and let their lives be part of yours and [and let your
life] be a part of theirs. You guys should be together – make time for
them – you can speak to them now and then and let them feel your
presence even if you are not there physically, it goes a long way. And
more personally try to be there for special events in their lives. Those
are memories that would constantly remain with them. It’s key to try to
protect your children from the limelight. Shut them away from all of
that; create a world for them and let them be in that world so that way,
they have a balanced life.
On searching for a partner: I am right now so focused on work and giving a good life to my children. I am not searching. I am good where I am.
