Chidiebere and Chidinma Aneke popularly known as Aneke Twins
are popular faces in Nollywood movies. Endowed with chocolate skin and
rolling eyeballs, the Anekes have striking resemblance that would
mesmerise anyone.
The ladies are delectable, and gifted with dress
sense and carriage. Already, many people are looking forward to the day
wedding bells will toll for the twins. Proudly however, they would tell
you they are taking their time. According to the sexy babes, a failed
courtship is better than a failed marriage’. Their assertion was based
on the fact that their mother did not divorce their father. ‘Until we
lost our father, our mum was faithful to him.
So, we want to emulate her
good virtues by having a successful marriage”. The Enugu-born
actresses cum producers also envisioned the Aneke Twins Foundation; an
NGO that has brought succour to many less privileged people. In this
interview with Effects, the twins spoke on their current work, lifestyle, marriage and the unresolved riddle of who is older between them.
What are you working on?
Chidiebere: We have released Queen of the Heart and Onochie will soon hit the market. We also plan to premiere our movie entitled Back to Basis
which touches on the need for, and importance of education in our
society. ‘Knowledge is imperative in one’s life, because where there is
lack of knowledge, failure is bound to override success’. The production
of that movie was made possible through support from Nollywood Project
Act, an initiative of the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. We have
the likes of Patience Ozokwor (Mama G) Maria, a Gambian who lives in
London among other casts.
It has been a while, you girls are looking good, what are you doing in Abuja?
Thanks! All glory must be ascribed to God almighty Exodus 17. God
promised us that when we serve him in truth and in spirit, He will take
sicknesses away from us and He will bless the works of our hands. So,
serving and believing in God has keeps us going. We are in Abuja for the
registration of Aneke Twins Foundation. We have been operating with the
name for many years, but we registered it recently.We have been
involved in humanitarian works; giving succour to the less priviledged,
especially on our birthday in August.
Who are the lucky men after your hearts?
Marriage is sacred! It is better for me to break courtship than
marriage. Our mother didn’t divorce her husband until we lost our
father. So, we want to emulate her good virtues of living a peaceful and
lovable life with our husbands. Honestly, we need to understand the
purpose of marriage which includes love, friendship, patience, trust and
tolerance. Some marriages break because the couples don’t see their
partners as friends and soul mates. Couples should treat their spouses
like their fresh and blood. Sincerely, if you truly love someone you
would hardly hurt that fellow. But our society of today celebrates
divorce more than marriage. It’s not about wealth or look, but it takes a
lot of commitment to stay married.
Are you saying that suitors are not coming?
Chidinma: Our Bible makes us to understand that before we were
formed in our mother’s womb, God has sanctified and ordained us
prophets. So, the day I will get married is ordained by God. If I’m not
married now, it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t get married. Besides, the Bible
also says ‘he that finds a wife, finds a good thing and obtains favour
from God. So, my man will find me at the right time. Suitors come but
after praying and God showed us a sign, we wouldn’t go before of our God
to avoid future regrets. Some marriages have broken up because the
women hope to change a man who has not grown from a boy. How can that
be possible? So, it is advisable to marry your friend, not a stranger.
We desire to marry the men after our hearts. A man who is God-fearing,
hardworking and kind.
Tell us about your family and the lessons you have learnt from your mother?
Chidinma: My mum is doing great and our siblings are fine. We are five children in the family and we are the last born.
Could you share the bond that exist between you and your mum, more
especially, raising you as a single mother since your father died?
Chidiebere: My mother remains our pillar of success and
Almighty God, our provider. She is a very peaceful woman. Whenever we
quarreled, she settled our disputes. Most importantly, she is very
prayerful. She strongly believes in the efficacy of prayers to live a
sustainable life. In fact, she is down-to-earth, neat and lovable
person. Our mother led us to God. She would always remind us of the need
to stay away from evil acts. We are dedicated Christians; all thanks to
our mother.
As identical twins who is older?
Chidiebere: Chidinma is my younger sister. I am older technically. I’m 7 minutes older, you can ask our mother.
Chidinma: Who is your younger sister? Don’t mind her, our mother couldn’t differentiate us at birth.
Both of you wear weaves with your natural hair, are you trying to create a brand or it’s just a fashion statement?
Chidinma: We braid our hair ourselves. My sister braids
mine, while I braid her hair. But, we make our wig ourselves. We don’t
wear or follow trends which include our outfits. We wear what fits us
and as an African, we love to look natural on weaving.
Chidiebere: My sister covered her hair with wig, while I
rock my braid from Enugu to Abuja. We learnt hair-making while in
secondary to support our mother who was involved in beauty business.
Are there fashion items you can’t do without?
Chidiebere: We are not crazy about fashion. I can go
out without makeup. As you can see, we are not wearing makeup. Are we
not looking good?
What does style mean to you?
Chidiebere: It means inner beauty. Fashion is not
about what you wear or your facial looks. You know that there are people
with beautiful faces, but have wicked hearts.
Chidinma: It’s my way of life!
What’s the toughest experience you’ve ever had?
Chidinma: Honestly, we consider every experience as a stepping stone to success.
What is the secret of your success?
Chidiebere: There is nothing hidden about how we
climbed the ladder of success, because anyone with God is in the
majority. We don’t depend on human beings to attain destiny, but on He
who created us, direct our paths to accomplishing our destiny.
What has life taught you?
Chidinma: We have learnt to face life with ease,
regardless of the challenges. It is dangerous to be in a rush , because
one may end up in misery. As individuals we need to be patient,
hardworking and above all, fear and love God by obeying his commandments
in order to live everlasting life.
Where is your favourite holiday spot?
Chidiebere: Nigeria is our favourite holiday spot. Is
it because people love traveling abroad for holidays? Do you know that
we have virtually all we pay hard currency to enjoy abroad? If you want
to see gorilla, there is gorilla is Nigeria (laughter) We have our
delicacies but we like foreign products. That is why they are currently
feeding us with rubber rice.
Chidinma: Honestly, Nigeria is the best place to be! You can’t compare the taste of our Abakalaki rice with foreign rice now.
How best do you like to look on red carpet?
Chidiebere: We wear made in Nigeria dresses on every
occasion, not only for red carpets. Surprisingly, on red carpets people
are amazed when they learnt that our dresses were made in Nigeria by
Annecouture and afam elite designs. We have some nice made in Aba shoes.
See! The slippers we are wearing is made in Aba. Are they not
beautiful? You wouldn’t believe that until you see the label.
Chidinma: Honestly, we love wearing designers’ shoes
but because we hardly get our sizes and designs, made in Aba sometimes
comes handy. Sometimes, we face challenges of people buying the wrong
designs or sizes, since we can’t go shopping in the market, because of
the way our fans treat us whenever we shop.
Is there anything you believe you haven’t achieved in life?
Chidiebere: We are contented with our level of growth.
In life, you don’t have to struggle to be like another person. Instead,
we should live your lives to the glory of God and await His wind of
glory. There are wealthy people who are not healthy. Why would anyone
bother to kill himself or herself because of worldly things. Honestly,
we don’t buy clothes or material things on credit.
What is your take on indecent dressing?
Chidinma: We wear bum shorts, but you would hardly see
us display our cleavages. However, it’s not about what you are wearing,
but the motive behind it is what God judges.