Ex-model and Ondo State-born Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is a Nigerian actress, singer and philanthropist. The award-winning actress has appeared in over 200 movies and received numerous high-profile awards.
Omotola is the first African celebrity to receive over one million likes on her Facebook page. Today, beyond her show business accomplishments, the mother of four has been applauded for her remarkable humanitarian efforts. In this interview with Telegraph’s ABIOLA ALABA PETERS, the beautiful wife of a pilot and Member of the Order of the Federal Republic speaks about her family, politics and what has helped her get to where she is today
Your children seem to be delving into showbiz. Was it your idea or their choice?
Absolutely not. It was not my idea or their father’s, it was proudly their choice. We are happy about it; we are proud of them and that is why we are supporting them. Only two of them are into showbiz. One of my daughters is into fashion; that is Mariareh. Plans are already in top gear for her to go study fashion in school. My first son is a music producer cum singer. He had wanted to be a pilot, but for funny reasons, he changed his plans and decided on music.
Do you still influence their decisions?
Not at all. I can only advise them. When it involves their career, they take decisions for themselves. If any of my children wants to be a welder, I will gladly support him or her and give them the best of education in that field.
How is your online store doing and why such an initiative?
Oh wow! It’s doing very well. Our clients and fan base keep growing by the day. I am grateful to God for that.
If you were offered a ticket to contest for the seat of a governor in your state and it’s confirmed you will win, would you consider the offer?
I won’t accept the offer; but maybe, if it’s in Lagos, I will accept the offer.
You have been involved in charity work and some motivational projects. How much joy does it give you?
I have always been actively involved in charity work, maybe you don’t see them. I have just returned from South Africa where I went for a program, ‘POVERTY S*XIST.’
What is that one thing or those things your colleagues are fond of in the industry and you are not down with?
Those who are very close to me know that too well, I can’t specify.
Have you ever been been attracted to any man apart from your husband?
No! I’ve never been attracted to any man other than my husband. My husband is sweet; he’s very cute, handsome and attractive. He’s the one man I have always been attracted to all my life.
When will you produce your own movie?
Well, maybe sometime in the future. But for now, no plans whatsoever.
Twenty years down the line, how has it been and what lessons do you want your fans and other upcoming acts to learn from your rise to fame and fortune?
There’s so much to learn, and that’s why I introduced my reality show, ‘THE REAL ME.’ It’s not easy getting here, but I am thankful to God and my husband. I couldn’t have achieved this much without him. For my fans and the rising stars, they should be prayerful, determined, focused, hardworking and by His grace, they will get there.
What do you have for those who have been wishing that your marriage had hit the rocks a long time ago?
They should keep wishing. That’s all I have to say.
Three things you cherish about your husband.
Oh my hero, my pillar of support, my ever cute captain. I admire and respect him for his calmness, dignity and his love and fear for God. So much I cherish about him, he’s one in a million.
Do you still wash your husband’s clothes and cook for him?
Well, he’s sitting next to me (pointing at her husband). Maybe, you should ask him.
What advice do you have for President Muhammadu Buhari?
He should scrap NYSC. It’s not useful, he should please do that for Nigerians. Our children don’t need it anymore.
Why do you want NYSC scrapped, knowing fully well it’s a national orientation programme?
I have looked at the programme thoroughly and exactly what it’s supposed to have achieved over the years. Believe me, there is no credible or tangible result. It’s a total waste of time and resources and I think all the time and resources should be channelled into something more resourceful.
For instance, I have had situations where some members of my staff, in the name of NYSC, left for a year only to come back and their spaces had been taken by another. You can imagine. NYSC is not just adding any value to our society or even to the lives of our children. I am of the opinion that it should be scrapped.
So what other useful and relevant programmes do you suggest?
Skills acquisition. We have had situations whereby the young ones, after graduation, are with no jobs. They start roaming the streets or even go into crime to survive. This is an urgent situation that needs to be addressed.
Let us make good plans for our children, instead of going to waste a whole year of their struggle, claiming they are serving their fatherland. They should be trained and equipped with skills. That way, their future is secure.
Where do you see yourself and your children, especially those in showbiz, in five years?
B y G o d ’ s g r a c e , five years from now, I see them at the peak of their careers, all doing us proud with their different talents.
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