Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, born on February 7, 1978, is a prominent Nigerian actress, singer, philanthropist, and former model. Widely known for her influence in Nollywood, she has appeared in over 300 films since her debut in 1995, earning recognition both locally and internationally. With over 3 million followers on Facebook, she was the first Nigerian celebrity to receive over 1 million likes on the platform. In 2013, Time magazine listed her as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Born in Lagos, Omotola grew up with her parents and two younger brothers, Tayo and Bolaji Jalade. She attended various schools, including Chrisland School and Command Secondary School in Kaduna, before studying Estate Management at Yaba College of Technology. Although she originally aspired to a business management career, a chance audition opened the doors to Nollywood stardom.
Her breakthrough role came in Mortal Inheritance (1995), where she portrayed a sickle-cell patient fighting for survival. This performance earned her several awards and established her as a leading Nollywood actress. Over the years, she has starred in notable films like Blood Sisters, Ije, and Last Flight to Abuja, amassing numerous domestic and international accolades.
In addition to acting, Omotola ventured into music in 2005, releasing her debut album “Gba.” She continued her musical journey with collaborations with top producers and artists.
Beyond entertainment, Omotola is known for her philanthropic efforts. She has been a United Nations World Food Programme Ambassador and an Amnesty International campaigner, participating in various humanitarian causes across Africa. Her dedication to youth empowerment is reflected through her NGO, the Omotola Youth Empowerment Program (OYEP).
In 2014, the Nigerian government recognized her contributions by honoring her with the title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR). Omotola continues to inspire through her work in entertainment, activism, and philanthropy, leaving an indelible mark on Nigerian culture and beyond.
