Juliana Olayode: It’s challenging being a sexual purity advocate

Juliana Olayode popularly known as Toyo Baby, an alias she got from starring as Toyosi in the series, Jenifa’s Diary, is an actress and sexual purity activist. Born into a family of eight and brought up in Lagos, Toyo hails from Ipokia Local Council of Ogun State.

Before she came to limelight, she had featured in a couple of movies including Couple of Days, Life of disaster, Move on, Bridezilia and The Cokers. She clinched a role in Jenifa’s Diary after attending the audition and has since gone on to become a household name in the movie industry. The motivational speaker and author published her autobiography, Rebirth: From Grass to Grace, where she talked about her personal life, sexual abuse, and career struggles. In this interview with IJEOMA THOMAS-ODIA, Olayode, who is known for being a critic of sex before marriage among Nigerian youths, speaks about this cause.

You have been away from social media for a while, what have you been up to? Is there a particular project you have been working on?
I have been working, resting, keeping in touch with me and basically just evolving and growing. Also, if you are following me on social media, you will know I have been saying that you all should anticipate something big coming up. I’m not going to let the cat out of the bag, so keep your fingers crossed.

You are a sexual purity advocate, what motivated that drive?
It has to do with my work with God. I am a Christian and if you are one and you study your bible, you know that God says we should not fornicate, which means that you shouldn’t sleep with someone before you get married. And because I love God and my work with Him, I believe in this and I follow it.

I also realise that a lot of young people especially feel that there’s no other option; they feel that every other person is doing it. So, it’s just to give people an option and let them see that you don’t necessarily have to do it, but if you feel you want to do it, then it’s okay; it doesn’t make you uncool. It’s the information that is out there that you know, so some people just need to know that this is possible.

That is also part of the things that drives me to be a sexual purity advocate. First is because of my work with God and just about me wanting to honour God and also just reaching out especially to young people that there is an option.

So, how are you driving this cause?
Basically, I talk about it on my social media platform; I’ve done one or two episodes on my Youtube channel. I have also been invited to schools, youth conferences and summits where I get to talk about this.

How challenging has it been for you?
It’s definitely challenging. When people hear sexual purity, they feel like you as a person don’t struggle. I mean, we are all humans and God made sex and God wants us to have sex in the confines of marriage. There are times when you just feel like, there are times when you can’t control it, and so in your relationship you want to give in, but then when you remember it is not just about you, but there is a greater one whom I love and I want to honour God. This is not to say that there is no Konji, but having the consciousness that it’s beyond you, and you need to honour God keeps you going. That’s where self-control comes in.

What has it cost you?
I wouldn’t want to really talk about that, but then, I count it all joy. Whether you are a sexual purity advocate or not, you will face some discouragements or the other, but I count it all joy.

What attracts you to movies you feature in?
It is the story, the theme of the story. What the story teaches or promotes and then how can this story challenge me as an actor to show people another side of me.

What does fashion mean to you?
To me, fashion means my own style. Being me.

What is your favourite fashion outfit?
I like to wear two pieces.

What’s your favourite food?
I don’t have a favourite. For me, variety is the spice of life.

Describe Juliana
I am God’s baby girl for life.

What are your hobbies?
I love going to the spa, relaxing and having me time. Watching worship music on YouTube, I love being with my friends and family. Traveling, seeing places and people.