Veteran Nollywood actress, Rita Dominic, has taken a nostalgic trip down memory lane, celebrating more than two decades of her career alongside fellow screen legend Genevieve Nnaji.
In a heartfelt post shared on her official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, Dominic reflected on the humble beginnings she and Genevieve had in the Nigerian film industry, recalling how they both started out as “two passionate girls with a dream.”
With Dominic boasting 27 years in Nollywood and Genevieve clocking 26 years, the actresses have become household names, shaping the face of African cinema and inspiring a new generation of filmmakers and actors.
Dominic expressed gratitude for the growth of the industry, noting that Nollywood has expanded beyond Nigeria’s borders to become one of the world’s largest film hubs.
“When we started in Nollywood all those years ago, we were just passionate girls with a dream.
We had no idea the incredible journey ahead or how our industry would grow to touch the entire world.
To look around today and see how far we’ve come… It fills my heart with pride. No matter what, we did not walk alone,” she wrote.
Her message resonated with fans who hailed the duo as pioneers and trailblazers, highlighting their resilience in an industry that was once plagued with poor infrastructure, piracy, and limited global recognition.
Beyond the screen, Rita Dominic and Genevieve Nnaji have shared a lasting friendship that has stood the test of time.
They have worked together on several Nollywood classics, including Girls Cot and Goodbye New York, films that contributed to Nollywood’s rise in the early 2000s.
Their bond was once again evident during Rita’s 50th birthday celebration in London, where Genevieve made a rare but notable public appearance.
The event was attended by top entertainment figures such as Mo Abudu, Michelle Dede, and Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, showcasing the respect and admiration Rita commands in the industry.
Today, Nollywood is valued at over $6 billion, producing thousands of films annually and reaching audiences across Africa, the diaspora, and global streaming platforms.
Dominic and Nnaji’s contributions have been instrumental in this growth, from their early days of shooting on low budgets to starring in films that now premiere on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Industry observers say their journeys symbolize Nollywood’s transformation from grassroots storytelling into an international cultural export.
As Dominic reflected, her words served not just as a personal tribute but also as an encouragement to younger actors and creatives striving to leave their mark.
“Together, we dreamt. Together, we grew. And together, we continue to inspire,” she concluded.
For fans and colleagues alike, the message is clear — Nollywood owes much of its global recognition to the dedication of trailblazers like Rita Dominic and Genevieve Nnaji, who turned passion into a legacy.