# Nkiru Sylvanus

Nkiru Sylvanus Riches // (born 21 April 1985) is a Nigerian actress and politician. She has featured in over two hundred movies and has 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

Sylvanus was born in Osisioma, Aba, a city located in Abia State,

## Education

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, and her breakout role came in 2002 with the film 'A Cry for Help', where she played Blessing, earning her the nickname 'Ble-Ble. She has been featured in over 800 Nollywood movies. Her first acting was by coincidence when Her house was asked to be used as a King's Palace in a movie.
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 based 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 Equipment, Cars and few other businesses They had their white/church wedding in Enugu state on January 15, 2023. Nkeiru Sylvanus was a brand influencer for his brand 7th Planet International Ltd an Entertainment and Hospitality company which is into loung and Dining Restaurant and film production in Enugu State. Riches is a Sports lover who played for the England Team in Japan Rugby World Cup Tv Promo in 2019.

## Controversies

The Actress is said to have once married the aide to the former Vice President, Sambo, Umar Sani in 2013. Not long after, She was involved with Stanley Duru the ex-husband of her industry colleague, Oge Okoye.