Nkiru Sylvanus

Nkiru Sylvanus Riches (born 21 April 1985) is a Nigerian actress and politician. She has featured in over two hundred movies and had been nominated for Best Actress of the Year at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards and Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.

Early life and education
Sylvanus was born in Osisioma, Aba, a city located in Abia State, Nigeria. She attended Ohabiam Primary and Secondary School, where she obtained her first school leaving certificate and West African Senior School Certificate. She also attended the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, graduating with a BSc degree in mass communication.

Acting career
Described by The Punch newspaper as a veteran, Sylvanus began her acting career at the age of 16, in 2001. She has been featured in over 70 Nollywood movies.

She has been featured twice (2017 & 2018) in The Guardian's publication on Celebrities Who Made Headlines.

Political career
In 2011, Sylvanus was included in the cabinet of former governor of Imo state Rochas Okorocha as his Special Assistant on Lagos State Affairs and later became his Special Adviser on Public Affairs.

2012 kidnap and release
Sylvanus, who was a special assistant to former Governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha on Public affairs was kidnapped on 15 December 2012 at 2.30pm as reported by various reputable Nigerian media houses. A Vanguard media publication reported that a ransom of a ₦100,000,000 (One hundred million naira) which was (per exchange rate) in 2012 equivalent to $640,000 (Six Hundred and forty thousand U.S dollars) was demanded by her captors in exchange for her release. It was reported by Nigerian media houses that on 21 December 2012 at 10:30pm, Sylvanus was released from her kidnappers.

Awards

 * Best Actress of the Year at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards
 * Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards

Personal life
For The first time in her life, On January 12, 2023, she married the love of her life Riches Sammy traditionally in her hometown in Osisioma local Government Area Abia state. Her husband is a Japan base actor/ business mogul & Investor who invested in Japanese Nightlife entertainment and Hospitality Industry. Mr. Riches Sammy owns Club, Bars, Luxurious Restaurant & Lounge in Japan and Nigeria he is also into Importation of Beauty and Anti-Aging Equipments, Cars and few other businesses They had their white/church wedding in Enugu state on January 15, 2023.

Selected filmography
ref: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_orphan
 * My Heart
 * Final Tussle (2008)
 * Life Bullets (2007)
 * Fine Things (2007)
 * No More Love (2007) as Kate
 * Secret Pain (2007) as Camila
 * She Is My Sister (2007) as Flora
 * The Last Supper (2007) as Vera
 * Treasures Of Fortune (2007) as Vanessa
 * Alice My First Lady (2006) as Antonia
 * Buried Emotion (2006) as Precious
 * Divided Attention (2006) as Naomi
 * Pastor’s Blood (2006) as Ego
 * Serious Issue (2006)
 * Sweetest Goodbye (2006)
 * What A Mother (2005)
 * Dangerous Mind (2004)
 * Hope Of Glory (2004) as Ebere
 * King Of The Jungle (2004)
 * My Blood (2004)
 * Queen (2004)
 * The Staff Of Odo (2004)
 * Unconditional Love (2003)
 * Egg Of Life (2003) as Omalechi
 * Green Snake (2003)
 * Six Problem Girls (2003)
 * Holy Violence (2003)
 * Last Weekend (2003)
 * Onunaeyi: Seeds Of Bondage (2003)
 * The Only Hope (2003)
 * A Cry For Help (2002)
 * Love In Bondage (2002)
 * Miracle (2002)
 * Pretender (2002)
 * Unknown Mission (2002)
 * Never Come Back (2002)
 * Terrible Sin (2001)
 * Angel of Darkness
 * Udor
 * The Orphan