Award-winning Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has described women as the driving force behind Nigeria’s film industry, saying they dominate critical sectors and often juggle multiple businesses alongside their acting careers.
The actress made this known during an interview on Naija FM 102.7, shared on YouTube on Friday and currently trending online.
She stressed that from the early days of Nollywood, women have played a central role in sustaining and growing the industry.
“Women are the ones who hold this industry, right from the start. Women are the ones who do well for this industry. Women are mostly the producers. Women are the ones who hold Nollywood really,” she said.
Omotola also highlighted the strong entrepreneurial culture among female actors, noting that many of them run several businesses in addition to their entertainment careers.
“I don’t know any female actor, even small ones who just entered this industry, that don’t get at least like three or four businesses,” she said. “A lot of the females get businesses. They run different things. Most of them are influencers. They are doing acting, modelling, they have shops.
“You will hear say this one get boutique, that one gets this one, virtually everybody I know gets one or the other. Our job is very intense. You have to be on call. With acting, this is crazy to me. I think the balance must be there.”
Comparing the experiences of male and female actors, Omotola noted that while men also receive admiration, the attention directed at women is often more intense.
“Male actors too dey try, but I don’t think it’s as intense as the women,” she said. “Women get admirers. Men too get admirers wey dey help them, but women have more.”
She further revealed that even as a married woman, she still receives gifts and support from admirers of both genders.
“Me, wey be married woman sef, I know how many people don dash me things. Asin women and men not be just men, women and men just see me, just say, ‘Oh, I’m sending you this, they don dash me car before sef,” she said.
Despite this, the actress emphasized that her husband is completely secure in their marriage.
“My husband is the most secure. How you go marry Omosexy and you no go dey secure. My husband is the most secure human being you will ever meet. The most secure, you know, no shaking,” she added.
Married for over two decades, Omotola is widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s most admired stars and often speaks about the importance of trust, balance, and stability in marriage.
