Nollywood actress Maureen Solomon has explained why she stepped away from acting at the height of her career, saying motherhood demanded more of her time and attention.

The actress said raising her children became her top priority. She added that she does not regret putting her career on hold to be present for her family.

Choosing family over acting

Speaking on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds, Solomon said balancing work and family became harder after the birth of her second child.

“It was difficult because when I started having my children, I had to make a choice. When I had my first son, it was easy. I could take him to work, movie locations and everywhere,” she said.

“But when my second child came, it wasn’t that easy. I had help in the house, but when my daughter was about five years old, things were no longer going well. I had to stop and give my time to them.”

She said her upbringing also influenced her decision to stay close to home.

“Maybe because of how I was trained, I don’t really believe in going so far and leaving home for a very long time. So, I had to stay back,” she said.

No regrets about the decision

Solomon said returning to Nollywood has been easier because her older children are now adults and more independent.

Asked if she regretted pausing her acting career, the actress said she had no regrets.

“Regrets how? I have a 20-year-old and a 19-year-old now. They are grown, though I still have a seven-year-old. Anyone can attest that if parents are present, it makes a difference. I don’t regret it at all.”

Solomon made her acting debut in Alternative. She later featured in films such as Not With My Daughter, Snake Girl, Final War, Angel of My Life and Careless Soul. She married medical doctor Okereke in 2005, and they have three children together.