Veteran Nollywood actress cum filmmaker, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, popularly known as Omo Sexy, has opened up about how living abroad has humbled her.
Naijaonpoint reports that Omotola, in an interview with Punch, said COVID-19 changed her perspective about life, noting that visiting the United States was not the same as living there.
According to the movie star, fame came early in Nigeria and relocating to the United States taught her discipline, organisation, and presence.
She said, “The country’s situation wasn’t the main reason. I had opportunities before, but waited for the right timing. COVID-19 changed my perspective; I realised life is short. Visiting the U.S. often wasn’t the same as living there. Moving was scary, but it was a necessary leap.
“Living abroad humbled me. Fame came early in Nigeria, and moving taught me discipline, organisation, and presence. Even small things, like driving or auditioning, reminded me that nothing is guaranteed.”
Omotola also addressed the purported ban in the Nollywood industry for demanding too much pay.
She said, “That’s false. Who bans someone for asking for fair pay? The issue wasn’t greed; it was about professionalism. I was one of the highest-paid actors at the time, but a few of us were seen as “too powerful” and outspoken. I insisted on fair treatment for crew members and wouldn’t work until they were properly fed. That made me a target, but I have no regrets.”
Speaking on the challenges of Nollywood, having worked both abroad and in Nigeria, the movie star said, “The biggest challenge in Nollywood is the lack of structure. I’ve fought for standards since the beginning of my career, even being blacklisted at times for insisting on professionalism and proper documentation. That’s why I started Tefes, a platform focused on formalising the entertainment business and raising standards.
“In other countries, entertainers are recognised with salaries and pensions because they shape society. Nollywood projects Nigeria to the world through movies, culture, and music. What we lack is proper structure; functional guilds, less politics, and more professionalism.”
© 2025 Naijaonpoint, a division of NOP Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]