With her poised presence, striking features, and a knack for playing royal characters, Agwunobi Akachukwu Peculiar — better known by her screen name Ada Uli — is fast becoming a household name in Nollywood. Hailing from Anambra State, this rising actress is capturing hearts with her grace and acting prowess. But beyond the glitz of the screen lies a story of resilience, survival, and a redefined journey in the Nigerian film industry.
In a recent interview, Ada Uli opened up about her disturbing early encounter with sex exploitation in the Nigerian movie industry.
Unlike many who dream of stardom, Ada Uli’s earliest experience in Nollywood was anything but glamorous. In 2020, after landing a role as a maid in a film, she was approached with a shocking proposition.
“I was still a virgin at the time. I was like Why do I need to sleep with the man? That my mum will find out and it won’t be funny, they said, “Who would tell her if you don’t?” I just knew that was my clue to run! I just did one scene and ran home the next day. I didn’t tell my mum because that would be the end of my career. It didn’t end there. I confided in my brothers and eventually quit Nollywood altogether,” she said. “I returned to content creation. My perception of the industry was badly damaged.”
It wasn’t until 2024 that Ada Uli found her way back into Nollywood — this time, under the mentorship of veteran producer Uchenna Mbunabo.
“That man changed everything. He taught me that my talent alone could open doors. He never once made me feel uncomfortable or unsafe. He treated me like a daughter,” she recalled.
While many young actors chase roles for visibility or financial gain, Ada Uli is intentional about the parts she plays.
“I’ve turned down roles that don’t align with my morals or beliefs, no matter how well they pay,” she affirmed. “If your script is baseless and lacks depth, I’m not doing it. I love stories that challenge me — ones that push me to go deeper as an actor.”
She also expressed disappointment with the current state of storytelling in Nollywood. “Unfortunately, many producers today don’t care about the narrative. It’s all about making quick money.”