Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde says women are the backbone of Nollywood, highlighting their dominance and entrepreneurial drive in a trending interview

Award-winning Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has declared that women remain the backbone of Nigeria’s film industry, stating that female practitioners dominate key sectors while simultaneously running multiple businesses alongside their acting careers.

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Speaking during an interview at Naija FM 102.7, which was shared on YouTube on Friday and has since attracted widespread attention online, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde emphasised the pivotal role women have played in sustaining Nollywood from its formative years.

“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,” the actress said.

The film star, often regarded as one of Nollywood’s most influential figures, highlighted what she described as the remarkable entrepreneurial drive among female actors.

According to her, even newcomers to the industry typically operate several businesses in addition to their screen 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.”

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde added that the demands of acting require financial balance and diversification.

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, the actress said.

Drawing a comparison between male and female actors, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde acknowledged that while men also attract admirers and support, the level of public attention directed at women is significantly 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.”

In a candid moment, the actress revealed that she continues to receive gifts and gestures of support from admirers, including both men and women, despite being married for more than two decades.

She noted that such attention has not unsettled her household.

“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, no shaking,” she said.

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has frequently spoken about the importance of trust and stability in marriage, themes that have become part of her public narrative over the years.

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The interview, now trending across social media platforms, has reignited conversation about gender dynamics, entrepreneurship and influence within Nigeria’s powerful film industry.