Omotola Jalade Ekeinde says relocating to the United States changed her outlook and humbled her deeply.
She explains that living abroad taught her discipline while exposing ongoing structural problems within Nollywood.
Veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, better known as Omo Sexy, says relocating to the United States completely reshaped her outlook on life and humbled her in ways she never expected.
In an interview with Punch, Omotola said the COVID-19 pandemic pushed her to rethink many things and finally take the step to move abroad. She explained that although she had visited the U.S. many times, the experience of actually living there came with a different kind of reality.
According to her, “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.”
She said adapting to daily life outside Nigeria reminded her that nothing is guaranteed, especially after enjoying early fame back home.
“Living abroad humbled me. Fame came early in Nigeria, and moving taught me discipline, organization, and presence. Even small things, like driving or auditioning, reminded me that nothing is guaranteed.”
Addressing long-standing claims that she was banned in Nollywood for demanding high pay, Omotola dismissed the rumor outright. She said her insistence on professionalism and fair treatment for crew members made her a target, not greed.
“That’s false. Who bans someone for asking for fair pay? The issue wasn’t greed; it was about professionalism.”
She added that she always pushed for better conditions on set. “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 broader issues within Nollywood, Omotola said the industry still struggles because of weak structures and poor documentation. She revealed she had faced blacklisting in the past for demanding better standards and proper organization.
Reflecting on the state of the film industry, Omotola said Nollywood’s biggest setback is the lack of structure. She revealed that her advocacy for better standards once led to her being blacklisted, which motivated her to launch Tefes, a platform aimed at formalizing entertainment business practices.
This inspired her to create Tefes, a platform aimed at strengthening the business side of entertainment and raising the industry’s overall standards. She noted that in other countries, creative professionals thrive because they are supported by proper systems.
“In other countries, entertainers are recognised with salaries and pensions because they shape society.”
She stressed that Nollywood through music, movies and culture, carries the weight of portraying Nigeria to the world and needs stronger foundations to keep growing. “What we lack is proper structure; functional guilds, less politics, and more professionalism.”
She stressed that the industry has come a long way, but the next phase of growth will depend on proper organisation and accountability.
