Omotola hails women’s dominance, entrepreneurial drive in Nollywood

Award-winning actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has commended the role of women in Nigeria’s film industry, stating that they dominate key segments and often run multiple businesses alongside their acting careers.

Speaking during an interview on Naija FM 102.7, Omotola underscored the pivotal role women have played in sustaining Nollywood, citing their entrepreneurial drive and capacity to balance diverse ventures.

“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.

The actress added that many female actors combine their film careers with enterprises such as modelling, brand influencing and retail businesses.

“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. 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”, she said.

She compared the experiences of male and female actors, stating that while men receive admiration, the level of attention women get is 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 added.

Omotola also shared her personal experience, revealing that she continues to receive gifts and assistance from admirers despite being married.

“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.

However, she emphasised that her husband remains secure in their marriage, describing him as the most secure person she has ever met.

“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 concluded.

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