‘How Life Abroad Humbled Me’ – Omotola Jalade Opens Up On Marriage, Parenting Style And More
Veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has revealed how living abroad has been a humbling experience for her.
The mother of four, in an interview with PUNCH, said COVID-19 changed her perspective about life, noting that visiting the United States was not the same as living there.
According to the movie star, fame came early in Nigeria and relocating to the United States taught her discipline, organisation, and presence.
She said,
“The country’s situation wasn’t the main reason. I had opportunities before, but waited for the right timing. 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.
“Living abroad humbled me. Fame came early in Nigeria, and moving taught me discipline, organisation, and presence. Even small things, like driving or auditioning, reminded me that nothing is guaranteed.”
She also spoke about the secret to keeping her marriage strong and fun. In her words:
“God’s grace is central. My husband and I share the same faith and had Christ before we met, which is our foundation. Misunderstandings happen, but we always return to that foundation.
My husband is mature, simple-minded, and values peace over the spotlight. He doesn’t compete with me, and he manages our home, including shopping. He’s a blessing.”
Speaking about her parenting style as a proud mother of four, she said:
“I initially modelled my parenting after my mother, a disciplinarian, but I didn’t want to raise my children with fear. They would get the occasional slap or chase, but I stopped early. My husband is more like my dad, a free thinker who insists on respect.
Our children are well-behaved and listen to our instructions. My parenting style is firm but loving, and it has carried them well into adulthood.”
Omotola also addressed the purported ban in the Nollywood industry for demanding too much pay. She said,
“That’s false. Who bans someone for asking for fair pay? The issue wasn’t greed; it was about professionalism. I was one of the highest-paid actors at the time, but a few of us were seen as “too powerful” and outspoken.
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 challenges of Nollywood, having worked both abroad and in Nigeria, the movie star said,
“The biggest challenge in Nollywood is the lack of structure. I’ve fought for standards since the beginning of my career, even being blacklisted at times for insisting on professionalism and proper documentation. That’s why I started Tefes, a platform focused on formalising the entertainment business and raising standards.
“In other countries, entertainers are recognised with salaries and pensions because they shape society. Nollywood projects Nigeria to the world through movies, culture, and music. What we lack is proper structure; functional guilds, less politics, and more professionalism.”