Nollywood actress and filmmaker Stephanie Linus, formerly known as Stephanie Okereke, is celebrating her 44th birthday.
Born on Oct. 2, 1982, Linus marked the occasion with an Instagram message, expressing gratitude for life, personal growth, and the experiences that have shaped her journey.
In her post, the actress reflected on both the joyful and challenging moments of her life, as well as prayers answered and those that required patience.
“Today, I celebrate life.
“Not just another year, but every experience that has shaped me. The beautiful moments, the difficult ones, the prayers answered, the prayers that made me wait, the doors that opened and even the ones that didn’t.”
Linus added that she was entering a new chapter with gratitude, purpose and optimism.
“My heart is full, my faith is strong. I step into this new year with gratitude, purpose, joy and great expectations.”
The actress has spent more than two decades in the Nigerian film industry, working as an actress, filmmaker and model.
She gained recognition for her roles in films including Through the Glass, which she produced and starred in, and Dry, which she wrote, produced and directed.
Dry, which explored issues including obstetric fistula and child marriage, reflected her use of filmmaking to highlight social challenges affecting women and girls.
Linus began acting at a young age and later studied English and Literary Studies at the University of Calabar.
She subsequently trained in filmmaking at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, United States.
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Beyond the film industry, she founded the Extended Hands Foundation, an organization focused on raising awareness and supporting women affected by obstetric fistula.
In recognition of her contributions to the Nigerian film industry, Linus was honored by the Federal Government with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
