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By Goli Innocent
Award-winning actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has said women remain the engine room of Nigeria’s film industry, stressing that they dominate key segments of Nollywood while running multiple businesses alongside their acting careers.
Speaking during an interview on Naija FM 102.7, the veteran actress reflected on the crucial role women have played in sustaining the industry from its early days.
“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.
According to her, entrepreneurship has become almost second nature to female actors in the industry.
“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,” she added.
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Omotola also drew a comparison between male and female actors, noting that although men are appreciated, the level of attention women receive 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 disclosed that despite being married, she still receives gifts and gestures of support from admirers both men and women.
“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.
“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 stated.
Omotola, married for over two decades, remains one of Nollywood’s most respected figures and has often spoken publicly about trust, balance and stability in marriage.
