Renowned Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has called for a new generation of Nigerian leaders who are genuinely committed to the nation’s well-being and ready to make tough sacrifices to set the country on the path of progress.
She made this appeal on Sunday while speaking during an interview on Channels Television, where she addressed Nigeria’s political climate in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
Lamenting the country’s prolonged struggles despite its enormous natural and human resources, Omotola said, “It’s unfortunate that we’re still where we are now. We have everything that every other nation wants and is clamoring for.”
The actress challenged those in positions of power to take daring actions that could bring real change, regardless of personal risk. “I wish that our leaders could be bold enough to take some decisions to liberate this country, even if it means dying for Nigeria,” she stated.
She further emphasised the importance of strong institutions, stressing that discipline and order in any society depend on effective laws and their enforcement. “Every nation can become very bad or terrible. Even America can be the most lawless country if there were no laws or enforcement.”
Continuing, she said, “What keeps any nation sane or in order is laws and enforcement, and it starts from that. So my prayer for Nigeria is that we actually get and find leaders who are selfless and ready to die for this country.”
Omotola also criticised what she described as deceptive political storytelling, questioning the sincerity of some public figures. “We saw the people coming to say I love Nigeria. I was poor. I did not have one shoe. All are lies. They don’t care,” she added.
