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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