Veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, popularly known as Omo Sexy, has shared how her experiences living overseas have shaped her perspective and instilled humility.
Gossip News Now reports that in an interview with Punch, Omotola revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic shifted her outlook on life, emphasizing that visiting the United States was very different from actually residing there.
The actress explained that while she gained fame early in Nigeria, moving to the U.S. exposed her to lessons in discipline, organisation, and professional presence.
She said, “It wasn’t the country’s situation that motivated me. I had opportunities before but waited for the right moment. COVID-19 made me see how fleeting life can be. Traveling to the U.S. frequently wasn’t the same as truly living there. Moving was intimidating, but it was a necessary step.
“Living abroad humbled me. Early fame in Nigeria was thrilling, but relocating taught me discipline, organisation, and presence. Even simple tasks, like driving or attending auditions, reminded me that nothing is guaranteed.”
Omotola also addressed rumors claiming she was banned in Nollywood for asking for higher pay.
She clarified, “That’s not true. Who would be banned for requesting fair compensation? It wasn’t about greed—it was about maintaining professionalism. I was among the top earners at the time, yet a few of us were seen as ‘too outspoken.’ I made sure crew members were treated well and fed properly before beginning work. That drew attention, but I have no regrets.”
Reflecting on the broader challenges of Nollywood, and drawing from her experiences both at home and abroad, she added, “The biggest hurdle in Nollywood is the lack of structure. I’ve advocated for standards from the start of my career, even facing blacklisting for insisting on professionalism and proper documentation. That’s why I launched Tefes, a platform aimed at formalising the entertainment industry and raising standards.
“In other countries, entertainers are recognised with salaries and pensions because of their societal contributions. Nollywood represents Nigeria globally through films, culture, and music, but what we need is proper organisation, functional guilds, less politics, and a greater emphasis on professionalism.”
