‘Living Abroad Taught Me Humility’ – Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde Reflects

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Renowned Nollywood star Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, widely recognized by fans as Omo Sexy, has opened up about how her time living outside Nigeria transformed her outlook on life and career.

The award-winning actress and filmmaker reflected on the personal growth she experienced after relocating overseas, explaining that living in another country exposed her to realities that ultimately reshaped her mindset and deepened her humility.

According to Gossip News Now, Omotola shared these reflections during a recent conversation with Punch, where she spoke candidly about how the global COVID-19 pandemic influenced some of the major decisions she made about her life and career.

Lessons Learned from Living Overseas

Omotola explained that although she had traveled to the United States several times before, relocating there permanently was a completely different experience. She noted that frequent visits did not prepare her for the adjustment required to actually live there.

The actress admitted that the move initially felt intimidating, but she eventually embraced it as an important step in her personal journey. According to her, the experience brought new lessons that fame alone had never taught her.

She explained that being widely known in Nigeria early in her career was exciting, but living abroad made her appreciate everyday responsibilities in a new way. Even routine activities—such as attending auditions or driving around—reminded her that success is never guaranteed.

Omotola emphasized that the experience strengthened qualities like discipline, organization, and professional awareness, which she believes are crucial for anyone seeking long-term success in the entertainment industry.

Addressing Rumors About Nollywood

During the discussion, the actress also responded to long-standing claims suggesting she had been banned in Nollywood for demanding higher pay.

She rejected those rumors, stating clearly that asking for fair compensation should never be treated as wrongdoing. According to her, the issue was not about greed but about professionalism and respect for creative workers.

Omotola revealed that during the peak of her career she was already one of the highest-paid actresses in the industry. However, she explained that advocating for fair working conditions sometimes made her appear outspoken to some people.

She also shared that she often insisted on better treatment for production crews, including ensuring that workers were properly fed and respected before filming began. While these actions occasionally generated controversy, she said she stands by those decisions.

Calls for Better Industry Structure

Reflecting on her experiences both in Nigeria and abroad, Omotola pointed to structural challenges within Nollywood that still need attention.

Among the key issues she highlighted were:

Weak organisational structures within the industry
Insufficient professional standards and documentation
Internal politics affecting industry progress
Limited welfare systems for entertainers

She noted that in many countries, creative professionals benefit from structured systems such as pensions and stable salaries due to the cultural value they contribute to society.

Advocacy for Reform

The actress also discussed her efforts to encourage reforms within the industry. She revealed that she launched an initiative called Tefes aimed at improving professionalism and establishing stronger institutional standards in the entertainment sector.

According to her, Nollywood has played a major role in projecting Nigerian culture, film, and music to international audiences. However, she believes the industry still needs stronger organisational frameworks to support its growth and protect those who work within it.

Commentary and Industry Analysis

Omotola’s reflections highlight a broader conversation taking place across Nigeria’s entertainment sector. As Nollywood continues to expand globally, questions about professional structures, fair compensation, and worker welfare are becoming increasingly important.

Her perspective also illustrates the difference between early fame and long-term professional sustainability. While celebrity status can bring recognition, structured systems often determine whether an industry can truly support its creative workforce.

Many analysts believe that reforms focused on transparency, union strength, and professional standards could help Nollywood maintain its global influence while improving conditions for actors, filmmakers, and crew members alike.