Overcoming the Desire to Bleach: Linda Osifo’s Journey

Nollywood actress, Linda Osifo, recently opened up about her past contemplation of skin bleaching due to racial slurs she faced while living in Canada.

Osifo, who was born in Benin City, Nigeria, and later moved to Canada at the age of 16, shared that the racism she encountered was particularly distressing because it came from within her own community.

This revelation was made during a candid interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, who asked her about the comments she received growing up. Jideonwo inquired, “Did people actually call you a monkey?”

Osifo responded, revealing, “Yes, it definitely happened. And it happened within my own community as well. That’s what made it even more hurtful. When someone else says it, it may not affect you as much. But when it comes from someone you know, someone you interact with regularly, it cuts deeper.”

She further elaborated, sharing that this experience occurred during her teenage years in Canada. However, she emphasized that moving back to Nigeria had a transformative effect on her, as she began to see more individuals who resembled her.

According to Osifo, relocating to Nigeria allowed her to develop a stronger sense of self-appreciation and acceptance.