IYABO OJO: Nigerian Actress, Filmmaker and business woman

 Iyabo Ojo 

 The Fearless Queen of Nollywood

Iyabo Ojo is one of Nigeria’s most vibrant and outspoken actresses, producers, and entrepreneurs. Known for her bold personality and emotional performances, she has built a strong reputation in Nollywood through hard work, resilience, and determination. Beyond acting, she is also admired for her business ventures and her role as a single mother who raised two successful children.

Early Life and Background

Iyabo Ojo was born on December 21, 1977, in Lagos State, Nigeria. Although she hails from Abeokuta in Ogun State, she was raised in Lagos, where she spent most of her childhood. Growing up in a modest environment, Iyabo learned early in life the importance of strength and independence. Her upbringing shaped the bold and fearless woman she would later become.

She attended National College, Gbagada, Lagos, for her secondary education. Even as a young girl, Iyabo was lively and expressive. She loved entertaining people and was drawn to drama and performance. However, acting was not immediately her first professional pursuit.

After completing her secondary education, she proceeded to Lagos State Polytechnic, where she studied Estate Management. While in school, her passion for acting began to grow stronger, and she decided to pursue it seriously.

Entry into Nollywood

Iyabo Ojo joined the Nigerian movie industry in 1998. At that time, Nollywood was still growing, and competition was intense. She began by taking minor roles in Yoruba-language films, gradually building her experience and network in the industry.

Her early years were not easy. Like many upcoming actors, she had to struggle for recognition and stability. But her consistency and emotional depth in acting soon began to attract attention. She became known for her ability to interpret strong, dramatic roles, often portraying complex characters with passion and realism.

Over the years, Iyabo Ojo has featured in more than 150 movies, most of them in the Yoruba segment of Nollywood. Her versatility allowed her to act in both traditional and contemporary storylines. Some of her notable movies include Bofeboko, Ololufe, Esan, Okunkun Biribiri, and Silence.

Becoming a Movie Producer

Not content with just acting, Iyabo Ojo ventured into movie production. She established her own production company and began producing films that reflected her creative vision. Some of the movies she produced include Bolutife, Bofeboko, and Ololufe.

Producing films allowed her to take control of storytelling and provide opportunities for other actors. It also strengthened her position as a respected figure in the industry.

Personal Life and Challenges

Iyabo Ojo married at a young age, but the marriage did not last. She became a single mother of two children, Priscilla Ojo and Festus Ojo. Raising her children alone came with its own struggles, but Iyabo has often spoken openly about her journey, describing it as one of the most defining periods of her life.

Despite the challenges of single motherhood, she remained focused on her career and her children’s future. Today, her daughter Priscilla Ojo has become a well-known social media influencer and brand ambassador, while her son has also made his mother proud.

Iyabo’s openness about her personal life, including relationships and controversies, has made her a constant topic in entertainment news. However, she has never shied away from speaking her truth. Her boldness and outspokenness have earned her both critics and loyal supporters.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Beyond acting, Iyabo Ojo is a successful entrepreneur. She launched Fespris World, a fashion and beauty brand named after her children (Festus and Priscilla). The brand includes a boutique and other fashion-related businesses.

Her interest in fashion and style has always been evident in her public appearances. Iyabo is known for her glamorous red carpet looks and stylish outfits, which have made her a fashion inspiration to many young women.

Activism and Public Voice

In recent years, Iyabo Ojo has also become known for her activism and social commentary. She has used her platform to speak about social justice issues and governance in Nigeria. Her outspoken nature has sometimes placed her at the center of political discussions and controversies

Regardless of differing opinions, Iyabo remains firm in her beliefs and continues to use her influence to address issues she feels passionate about.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Iyabo Ojo has received several nominations and awards for her contributions to Nollywood. She has won awards such as Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Yoruba) at various award ceremonies. Her impact on the Yoruba movie industry remains significant.

Legacy and Influence

Iyabo Ojo’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and courage. From a young woman with big dreams in Lagos to a powerful actress, producer, entrepreneur, and mother, she has built a lasting legacy in Nollywood.

She represents strength for many women who face challenges but refuse to give up. Through hard work and determination, Iyabo Ojo has proven that success is possible even in the face of adversity.

Today, she stands as one of Nollywood’s most recognizable faces bold, fearless, and unapologetically herself.