9jaNollywoodstars

They are the pacesetters in the Nollywood industry.Their presence in the film making industry has been felt and always appreciated by lovers of homevideos and soaps.These are actors who have spent many years in the make-believe industry,have survived the good,bad and ugly sides of Nollywood.And because of their wealth of experience and influence in the industry,the younger artistes and even the aspiring ones look up to them,not only artistically,but because their names open doors to several opportunities in the corridors of power.

They stand as pillars of the Nigerian movie industry known as Nollywood.

Olu Jacobs: He commands so much respect,not only in Nollywood,but in Nigeria as a whole.Uncle Olu as many prefer to call him,has for many years been a source of inspiration to the younger actors and adored by his peers.He is a though-breed professional that has been able to prove his worth in the international movie industry.He is married to one of the best actresses in Nigeria,Joke Silva.
Olu Jacobs has lost count of the movies that he has featured in,has stood the test of time in Nollywood and possesses the qualities of a godfather.

Pete Edochie: Based in the Eastern part of Nigeria,Pete Edochie remains one of the most popular actors in Nigeria.His vast experience and knowledge about the Igbo culture has earned him more Igwe or Chiefly roles in movies.Although,people say he is stereotyped,Pete has repeatedly debunked such allegations claiming that as an actor,his professional responsibility is to interpret whatever script is given to him.
He is a godfather,particularly among the Igbo-speaking filmmakers.

Justus Esiri: He can be described as a bundle of talent with a unique way of interpreting roles.He had on several occasions served as a counsellor or adviser to less experienced filmmakers and actors. He is one of the few that are often contacted when issues affecting the development of Nollywood are to be addressed.

Lere Paimo a.k.a Eda Onile Ola: he is a Yoruba actor with vast experience.Like Pete Edochie in
the English/Igbo sector,Lere Paimo also seems to have been stereotyped,but that has not in anyway hindered the Ibadan based actor from displaying his talent and ability to inteprete roles.

Peter Fatomilola: He is an Ifa scholar of repute and has made use of his knowledge to become a celebrated movie star.However, his vast knowledge about Ifa may be the reason why he mostly plays the role of an Ifa Priest in movies.

Eddie Ugbomah: Ugbomah,who celebrated his 40 years on stage recently,is a down to earth person.He is proactive and innovative.As far back as the 70s Ugbomah had shot movies in celluloid, setting a pace for the modern Nollywood.His intelligence has earned him the responsibility of playing the role of an adviser in virtually all the guilds in the English sector of Nollywood.

Adebayo Faleti: He has proved his mettle as a fantastic script interpreter over the years.This ageing actor for sometime now has been playing an advisory role in the affairs of the Association of Nigeria Theatre-Arts Practitioners (ANTP),an umbrella body of all Yoruba thespians in the country.
Faleti is one actor that has distinguished himself with the unique style of delivering his lines. Watching this icon act,one will be convinced that he has experience.He fits in perfectly in movies that tend to promote more of Yoruba culture.

Kola Oyewo: Apart from being an actor of international repute,Kola Oyewo has contributed tremendously to the growth of Theatre-Arts in Nigeria as a Lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University,Ile-Ife.
Oyewo is an actor that has no limits.He can conveniently feature in both Yoruba and English movies, but as a man who loves impacting more on people in his immediate constituency,he prefers Yoruba movies,particularly those that concentrate more on culture.

Sola Fosudo: Sola Fosudo is one of those that started what we today know as Nollywood.Before home videos and movies eventually became the order of the day,he had been one of the veterans doing stage performances.Fosudo, who is a senior lecturer at the Department of Theatre-Arts, Lagos State University and currently the Academic Director of LASU Part-time studies in Lekki.

Prince Jide Kosoko: He is currently the National President of the Association of Nigerian Theatre-Art Practitioners (ANTP).Although he is still very relevant as an actor,he is more involved in the politics of ANTP lately.Kosoko,one of the early actors in Nigeria,is married to an actress, Henrietta.

Adebayo Salami: Otherwise known as Oga Bello,this chubby actor has also contributed his quota to lift the make-believe industry up and has lost count of his movies.


eNowNow.com

A star and household name is asked by a friend to come for an audition. So she goes with a big bag of clothes, because, naturally, it should be a lead role. But she gets there and is told she will only be in two scenes. The fee? N3,000. She is so humiliated she can't hide the tears.

Like a movie script
Fast forward by a few years and that has-been is now the rave of the moment. Funke Akindele's personal story reads like a movie script. "When I look back today," she said recently in an interview, while on location, "I say God I thank you."
Before she became Jenifa the phenomenon, there was Bisi the phenomenon. Bisi was the lead character in the UNFPA-sponsored family television series called ‘I Need to Know', which was immensely popular. The series was shown on the NTA network and syndicated across the country for four years.After the series ended, movie stardom should have been a cakewalk. But the Nigeria movie and television industries are unlike those in Hollywood; Akindele was a star but she couldn't find work. She had to start afresh.

She began to go "from audition to audition," so broke was she sometimes that her mother had to drive her to the auditions. Still, save for ‘Egg of Life' and ‘Prison of Passion' where she got minor roles, she wasn't making any headway. She was almost forced to stoop to begging for roles."You can't rely on people," the 31-year-old said from experience. "I trusted people a lot and at the end of the day, I got heartbroken. So these days, I expect anything from anybody. That is the biggest lesson that life has taught me."

One can understand this from a woman who wept inside toilets and danfo buses because every door to stardom seemed jammed. "I remember Tayo Odueke (aka Sikiratu Sindodo) coming to meet me and saying ‘Funke stop crying, one day we will make it.'"That day came. Many auditions later, Funke made the hard decision to move over to Yoruba movies. And like a magic slipper, her fortunes changed.

Runaway success
In 2008, her movie, Jenifa - on the escapades of a village girl (Sulia aka Jenifa) desperate to make it big in the city - became such a crossover hit within weeks of release that it has become a cultural phenomenon, considered the highest selling movie in Nollywood."I didn't expect this level of success, I must tell you," she said. "My mother always advised me to do anything I am doing very well; there is no telling which will take you up there. So yes, I give acting and script-writing my all, but I must confess I didn't expect to be this big. What I intended to do with Jenifa was pass a message, especially to the young ladies out there. We obviously made a bigger impact."
Bigger impact is quite an understatement. Words and phrases from the movie - ‘gbogo bigs gelz', ‘my parry', ‘yelz' ‘Sulia Kan, Ayetoro Kan', ‘Don jazzy e' and others - have become a strong part of pop culture lexicon, Ms. Akindele is now possibly the most recognisable actress in Nigeria, and has won a string of accolades including: Actor of the Year 2009 (The Future Awards), Actress of the Year 2009 (AMAA Awards), Best Actress of the Year 2008(City People); not to mention a lucrative telecoms ambassadorship deal running into millions of naira.

Full-on Jenifa
She never tires of the feedback from the character. "No. I am loving it the more," she insists. "In fact, I try to create new things out of the character. The movie really changed my life, so I cannot be tired." Some of the new ‘things' she is creating are "The Return of Jenifa"; and a movie with that other famous comedy character, ‘Osuofia' - to be produced by Kingsley Ogoro. Other plans include full-on Jenifa branding and merchandising - ‘Jenifa' wigs, hair extensions, baseball caps, handbags, purses; ‘bigz boy' chains, shirts and others.
However, there is still a breadth of difference between Funke and Sulia. One is a crass wannabe with few values, the other an urbane law graduate with sound diction. "Sometimes, people always want me to be Jenifa," she says. "Some are even surprised when I talk off the screen. They keep on asking, ‘is she really posh?' They find it hard to believe that am not the village girl, Sulia. I handle them well. I try to be nice and smile. I also crack jokes for them with the Sulia accent."
The actress went out of her way to get that accent right. She had to go down to ‘bukas' (local restaurants) in Ibadan, Osogbo and Ilorin to see ‘local girls' and hear how they pronounce things like ‘big girl', how they paint their faces and what she called "their brand of self confidence".

A brand of self confidence
Her own brand of confidence comes from a string of degrees including an OND in Mass Communication from the Ogun State Polytechnic, as well as a law degree from the University of Lagos. But "acting has always been my first love. I love acting. It's a talent given to me by God."An actor, producer and director, she has so far acted in Yoruba and English language movies totalling 50 - including the multi million naira epic movie, Apaadi (Seal), in which she was lead actress and producer, working with a cast of over 200.
Whilst she calls producing Jenifa the highlight of her career, she is already focused on her next major projects - two dance movies called "Dasofunjo" and "My Choice" - in which she wants to have stars like Genevieve Nnaji. She doesn't have the money yet - but she knows she will do it."I tell younger actresses that Rome was not built in a day," she said. "Acting for instance; you shouldn't want to act because Funke Akindele is acting and is making money. Keep doing it even when you are not getting the roles. When they see you are focused and when you are prayerful too, you will get your chance."
And, of course, she knows what she's talking about.

Story by http://nigeriafilms.com

Association of Movie Producers (AMP) in collaboration with the Lagos State government have, come up with what will henceforth be known as the AMP/Eko International Film Festival. The body powering and packaging the festival, tagged “Film, The Catalyst For Change: Positive,” at the The National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos from November 24 to 27.
Speaking on the objectives of the festival, Paul Obazele, the national president of the, AMP said that it would definitely bring about behavioural change, with respect to motion picture issues: “Especially, the micro issues in motion picture, distributing and marketing.
It will also help to effectively communicate film values and its impact on our tradition. It will assist immensely in the dissemination of information on emerging and new technologies that would ensure effective piracy management. It will also be a medium for operators in the film industry to promote their products and services. The festival will create employment opportunities for the youths”, he said.
While shedding more light on the motivating factors behind the coming festival, the Chairman of its Business Committee section, Mr. Fred Amata, explained that the absence of any such festival that promotes the culture and values of the people of Lagos, to the outside world, through Nollywood, was one of the reasons for their coming on board.
He further added that the growing awareness about Nollywood and its effect on the image of Nigeria to the outside world was another motivating factor. “You cannot rule out the importance of film, in the re-branding of Nigeria.Again, the prevalence of HIV infection, unhygienic practices and moral decadence among youths, can be reduced through films, which is a vehicle for communication and change,” explained Amata, a leading actor/filmmaker in Nollywood.
Also speaking, Mr. Emeka Ossai, a top actor and the Chairman of the Media Committee of the festival, disclosed that it would run for four days.As it will involve issues of interest, spotlights, interviews, presentations, movie screenings, awards and many more while the language of communication is English and Yoruba, so as to reach majority of the audience that will be attending”, Ossai stated.
As Movie Reporters Guild of Nigeria (MORGON), endorsed their support for the forthcoming festival, which is currently serenading Tinsel town.

Culled :This daynewspaper

With the incessant kidnappings recorded in the South-East in general, entertainment practitioners all over the state are now turning down offers to come and perform at concerts and shows in the region. This is coming on the heels of the latest kidnapping of ace-actor, Nkem Owo a.k.a Osuofia last week by unknown persons in Anambra State, but was freed at the weekend. The state however, is fast becoming a kidnappers haven given the high calibre of personalities seized so far in the latest money spinning criminal venture.

Not only is the trend affecting the music industry who are yet to record any victim, many Nollywood actors and actresses are now having a rethink on shootings on locations in the region after the news of Osuofia's confiscation was broken.With the Yuletide season is around the corner, South East dwellers may be witnessing celebrations without any physical appearance of artistes, as many industry watchers are afraid that the kidnappers searchlights will soon be beamed at musicians as a result of their many Bling Bling nature expressed on screen.

The Nigeria Movie Industry, is one of the thriving sector of the Entertainment industry. However, with the influx of new movie artistes and the problem of piracy which is prevalent in this make-believe industry, a lot of movie stars have diversifies into other areas of business to complement their acting careers. NONYEM ANYAKWO in this report unveils the stars who are into other businesses.

PATIENCE OZOKWOR
Popularly known as Mama G Patience Ozokwor is a multi-talented actress who has carved a niche for herself in the movie industry. She launched into the music scene with her debut album titled “Make We Jolly”. Apart from acting and music, Mama G also owns the hottest fast food joint called “Wendy” at Ngwo in Enugu State.

GENEVIEVE NNAJI
Star actress Genevieve is one of the highly celebrated actresses. The talented and pretty screen diva was selected Africa's Most Famous Actress at the recent Oprah Winfrey Show tagged, “Most famous people in the world”. She is also musician and owns a fashion label called St. Genevieve. The dark complexioned mother of one is a renowned model who has done so many jobs, including Face of Lux. She has indeed carved a niche for herself.

OMONI OBOLI
Omoni, no doubt, is a super star who has done so well for herself before relocating to London to raise her family. Presently, this chocolate skinned actress is back full time and has been hitting it big with lead roles. Apart from her acting career, she is also a compere.

SHAN GEORGE
This Edema, Cross River State born actress is unarguably one of the highly controversial actresses in Nollywood. She made a big statement in the industry in the movie, Outcast many years back and since then, her career has been on the rise. Despite her achievements in the industry, she also owns a fashion house which she combines with her acting career.

KATE HENSHAW-NUTIAL
Apart from being a renowned actress, Kate, the beautiful mother of one is also a model and a TV presenter. This Cross River State born multi-talented star who has fetured in so many movies, is now the Face of Onga seasoning.

OMOTOLA JALADE EKEIDE
Award winning actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, popularly known as Omo Sexy is also a PR Consultant and a musician. This mother of four who is endowed with a good height and figure, is another actress who has made a great impact in the movie industry.

ENIOLA BADMUS
Popular Yoruba actress, Eniola Badmus was shot to limelight by her role in the blockbuster movie, Jenifa. She made her entry into the movie industry 11 years ago with the movie, “Brutal Times” and ever since, she has featured in several English and Yoruba Movies. Asides acting, she is also a compere and presenter with Excite TV.

EUCHARIA ANUNOBI
UK as she is fondly called by friends and colleagues, started off
as a model when she was still an English Language undergraduate at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. A divorcee and mother of one, the light-complexioned pretty movie star has featured in so many movies. Apart from being a Nollywood star, this tall and bulky actress also owns an outfit that deals in the supply of frozen foods.

CHIKA IKE
Beautiful, charming and unassuming actress, Chika Ike has had a steady rising career in Nollywood. The pretty actress is one of the hot Nollywood faces, as she has featured in lots of block buster movies. Asides acting, the Human Kinetics undergraduate of University of Lagos also owns a restaurant.

MONALISA CHINDA
She is one actress who has eared her place in the Movie Industry through hardwork. This pretty screen diva whose marriage to Dejo Richards just broke up, came to limelight in 1996, when she featured in the flick. Pregnant Virgin, as an undergraduate of the University of Port Harcourt. She is presently one of the Nollywood Glo Ambassadors. She also owns a restaurant.

NDIDI OBI
She is of the long serving actresses in the Nigerian movie industry. She came to limelight with her first movie, Nneka The pretty Serpent. Apart from acting, Ndidi is a model and a business woman. She deals in the importation of Solar chargers.

UFUOMA EJENOBOR
This beautiful actress who sings with the masked musician, Lagbaja is not just and actress and singer, she is also a super model who has carved a niche for herself in her chosen career

BUKKY WRIGHT
Despite her immense contribution to the growth of the industry and her numerous achievements, this charming and elegant actress, Bukky Wright recently launched her fashion label “Wright Affairs”. She also owns a boutique in Lagos. This light skinned and versatile actress is a mother of two.

STELLA DAMASUS
Pretty actress and a mother of two, Stella Damasus is household name in the industry. Apart from acting, the talented actress who recently got married 4 years after the death of her first husband, is also a musician and a Master of Ceremony.

FUNLOLA AOFIYEBI-RAIMI
She is an acclaimed actress, TV and radio presenter, show compere and entrepreneur all rolled into one. The talented artiste is indeed doing well as an on air personality, despite her acting career which is now spanning over s decade.

BIMB AKINTOLA
For the busty and talented actress, Bimbo Akintola, she is another good compere at events. The talented actress who has been in the movie industry for quite a long time, has featured in so many block buster movies, one of which is Circle of Three produced by her.

Story by http://nigeriafilms.com

Ayo Onikoyi
They are beautiful, vivacious, multi-talented and are on top of their trades. They are the new breed of Yoruba actresses who have changed the looks of Yoruba films with their ultra-cosmopolitan style both in packaging and delivery. Most of them shot into limelight barely two years ago while others got into reckoning as far back as five years ago.

Since their foray into the industry, they have been able to stretch as wide and good the traditional laid-back outlook of Yoruba films as far as it has gotten in recent times. Because these girls are chic, sophisticated and educated, they have made Yoruba films a delight to watch not only for the core-traditional Yoruba audience but also for the polished, hip-hop young generation who would not be caught dead watching Yoruba films in the past.

The last African Movie Academy Award, AMAA, proved that much when Funke Akindele, one of the new kids on the block, got away emerging as the ‘Best Actress in Africa’ for her sensation leading role in the uptown movie “Jenifa”. Just yesterday Doris Simon, one of the rave-making chicks in town, got Nollywood by the horns when she premiered her new movie ‘Omo Iya Kan’ at the Silverbird Cinema, Lagos. Iyabo Ojo, Mide Funmi-Martins, Mercy Aigbe, Funmi Lawal, Flaky, Laide Bakare, Lizzy Anjorin, Toyin Aimaku, Bimbo Akinsanya, Mosun Filani, Bimbo Okeowo, Ireti Osayemi, Regina Olakunle, Yemi Okin, Ola Margaret, Tope Bali, Ade Joseph, Dupe Ashaye and a few others are the new rising stars expanding the firmament of Yoruba films, winning more converts along the way.

Though the likes of Bukky Wright, Tayo Odueke aka Sikiratu Sindodo, Moji Olaiya, Ronke Ojo, Opeyemi Aiyeola, Lola Alao, Fathia Balogun, Funke Daramola, Bimbo Akintola, Bimbo Oshin, Aishat Abimbola and others who glamourised the Yoruba movie world in the 1990s to early millennium no doubt put together the ‘glitzy cake’ on which these new ‘glamour girls’ have added not just the icing but lacquering cream of style, attitude and provocativeness that have continue to titillate the most reserved of sensibilities.

Iyabo Ojo got the eyes of movie-watchers not only for talent in films like ‘Jenifa’, ‘Rusida’, Wemmy’ and Abimbola’ but also for her sharp attractiveness and hip-hop kind of style. Funmi Lawal is a kind of robust beau who gave us enough dose of ‘leg and hip’ tease in the movies like ‘Wemmy and ‘Omodara’. Lizzy Anjorin, the fair-complexioned plum with forget-me-not eyes got her break with Iyawo Ojo Kan’ and have since got a drove of fans rooting for more of her films. Toyin Aimaku is alluring and has got a lot on her chest to want you to want to see her films even if they are as dry as the fig leaf during harmattan. Get a eyeful of her ‘Oniyangi maba temije and Omo Chief’ to get goggle-eyed with her talents and treasures.

Now, Mercy Aigbe is a genuine article, just what the doctor ordered when it comes to suaveness and sophistication wrapped up in beauty and brawn. Her love scenes with Yomi Fash Lanso in ‘Mosa d’oluwa and Abimbola’ could get anyone tripping, wanting to opt for love rather for some cool pile of Azikwes. If her free-flowing acting doesn’t get you her cuddly-kind of enchanting love aura will definitely do things to you. Then comes Mosunmola Filani who got into the big league with ‘ Amin Ayo’ brandishing drop-dead beauty and those eyes? Don’t even get me started on those eyes because just describing them could get many a happy fellow go a-sorrowing, wondering what lies beneath them. For Bimbo Akinsanya too, there is more than just a pair of goggle eyes. Those eyes are warm, comforting and maybe not too healthy to have staring at one often and much, you know, some funny stuff could go to play. If you have seen ‘Irin Ajo Mi or Ejiworo’ you will know eyes are far more than for seeing.

Flaky got her ovation in ‘Ididowo’ and ‘Jenifa’ and got away, disarming the male folks with her quantum of feminine sensuality which radiates powerful volts of attraction. She’s on the plumb side yet with mesmerising steps that leaves a wave of treasure bouncing provocatively behind her. Bimbo Okeowo, has this reserved beauty and a home-grown kind of attractiveness that could get you head-long in the saddle before you even let off a hint.

Maybe Ireti Osayemi is slipping these days with her figure but she’s so blessed with natural beauty and vivaciousness that will lead her along any day any time in the pack. Get a copy of ‘Iboju’ and behold the new gem of splashing beauty called Laide Bakare. She’s curvy, high on the chest and wide at the back, and yet a delight to watch as her talent is unique and multi-faceted. The other bunch like Regina Lakunle, Yemi Okin, Ola Margaret, Tope Bali and Dupe Ashaye have the sharp double-edge of beauty and brawn in great abundance. They have added glamour to the rich storylines Yoruba films are traditionally known for.

Divorce among Nollywood actresses is becoming a daily occurrence.As it is,hardly any day passes without the news of one failed marriage involving one notable Nollywood actress or the other.The rate is become so alarming that people are wondering if there is anything wrong with actors and actresses.Many factors have been identified as being responsible for this development.

Bukky Wright,a budding actress,reportedly said that these marriages crash because Nigerian men lack confidence,especially to manage successful women.

Whatever is the case, the list is increasing. Such actresses as Eucharia Anunobi, Bukky Wright, Monalisa Chinda, Chiege Alisigwe, Fathia Balogun, Clarion Chukwurah, Shan George, Regina Askia, Obot Etuk, Stephanie Okereke, Ngozi Nwosu, Ann Njemanze, Ibinabo Fiberesima and Sandra Achums, are among those whose marriages have crashed.

Eucharia Anunobi
Her marriage to Charles Ekwu looked like one made in heaven. The then couple was so much in love, in the beginning that their marriage was the envy of many. Tales are told of how they would hold hands and kiss during night outing at Ajao Estate in Lagos, in expression of love. However, the cookies just crumbled. Eucharia accused the husband of constant battering. She was reported to have admitted marrying her man out of infatuation. Her ex-husband was said to have dumped his matrimonial home in 2007, and in the process, also abandoned his child.

Fathia Balogun
The delectable Yoruba movie actress has twice married and divorced. Before she married Saheed Balogun, a fellow Yoruba movie actor, Fathia was once married to Tunde Anchor and the marriage produce a son. After her first marriage collapsed,she met and married Balogun.The marriage also hit the rocks.The former couple made frantic efforts to come back together as husband and wife,which proved abortive. Fathia was even said to have dedicated an award she won in the United Kingdom to her former husband and enlisted top Yoruba actors,like Jide Kosoko,to plead her cause. However,Saheed has remained adamant,insisting that their union had ended.He has since moved on with his life and married another wife.

Shan George
Shan George got married at the tender age of 15, and after bearing two kids walked out of the union at 21. She allegedly pulled out because her husband did not send her to school, but rather turned her to punching bag. When marriage crashed, she went back to school and after her graduation, from the University of Lagos at the age of 29, she got married the second time. However, that too was short lived. Last year, she was reported as saying that she deserted her matrimonial home because she was not ready for a servant/master relationship.Meanwhile, she has grown up kids from her first marriage, who are based in the United Kingdom with her first husband.

Clarion Chukwurah
Clarion Chukwurah came into limelight in 1984 when she starred in the now defunct popular soap, Mirror in the Sun. She is one of the best Nollywood actresses and has appeared in several stage productions, soap operas and over 74 home videos. Her Non-Governmental Organization, Clarion Chukwurah Initiative, is geared towards touching the lives of the underprivileged in the country. Chukwurah has been married twice, one of which was into the the late Moshood Abiola family. Later she became Mrs. Oduneye. She now bears her maiden name. In all, she has five children, two biological children and three adopted ones.She said that marriage is a fusion of two minds on the platform of joyful co-existence and, therefore, one can walk out and the two parties remain friends instead of living in misery. However, it is reported that she is friendly with the fathers of her babies.

Monalisa Chinda
The crash of Monalisa Chinda’s marriage is the latest in Nollywood. In a statement by her lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo, Monalisa said her marriage to Segun Dejo-Richards, an artist manager, broke down due to irreconcilable differences. It was believed that this incompatibility led them to disagree on many issues. At the end, they could not manage the situation, which led to the crash of the five-year-old marriage. This came as a surprise to many Nigerians, especially as Monalisa, on several occasions, vowed that nothing could separate her from her husband. Indeed, before the marriage broke down, Monalisa had described her husband as God-sent.The marriage is blessed with a child, Tamar Kirejesu.
However, Monalisa’s husband expressed surprise at what could be called sacked letter from his wife. He attributed the crash of the marriage to bad advisers. However, he denied the allegation that he physically assaulted his wife. He also denied that his break-up with the wife was caused by the N10 million Glo Ambassador endorsement deal Monalisa got recently.

Ayo Adesanya
Ayo Adesanya, one of the notable Nollywood actresses, reported packed out of her matrimonial home owing to irreconcilable difference with her husband, Goriola Hassan. In order not to die in frustration, the actress decided to call it a quit. Ayo has since moved on with her life and now having a good time with an Abuja-based contractor, Tunde, who met at a party. A graduate of the University of Ibadan, she shot into limelight with the movie Out of Bounds.

Foluke Daramola
She was married to Mr. Shobowale for four years and the marriage was blessed with two children. In an interview with a national newspaper, Daramola said there were frequent crises in the home, to the extent that the condition became traumatic to her children. She packed out about a year ago and has not filed for divorce. She said that she had endured, believing that it would be in the interest of the children, but that she later discovered the continuation of the marriage would be to the detriment of the kids.The actress is not willing to go back to her husband’s house neither is she thinking of divorcing him.

Ann Njemanze
Her marriage to Segun Arinze crashed as soon as it was contracted. Shortly after the marriage hit the rocks, she was involved in a car crash, about eight years ago and was bed-ridden for a while. She could not walk for two years. Though she would want to go into another marriage, she was reported to have said that she would be very careful this time. However, she still relates with her former husband, as their marriage produced a child. She had wished she listened to her parents and waited much longer before jumping into marriage. She is now a single parent. After she recovered from the car crash, she went back to school to study Visual Art at the University of Lagos.

Stephanie Okereke
Stephanie’s marriage to a former Super Eagles player, Chikelu Iloenyosi, is another story of failed marriage. The top actress sought the dissolution of the marriage on the grounds that her ex-husband had extra-marital affairs. Stephanie said she had no regret whatsoever that the marriage crashed. She is quoted as saying that she is a better person now than when she was in marriage.

Sandra Achums
Sandra Achums was married to an Amakohia, Owerri man who was living abroad. The marriage crashed as soon as it started. The marriage would have produced a child but the baby died during delivery. Sandra has three children for two different men.

Ibinabo Fiberesima
The Rivers State-born actress, who was recently convicted for killing a medical doctor in a car crash, has her own share of failed relationship. Her affairs with Phillip Trimnell and top singer Daniel Wilson were widely celebrated on the pages of newspapers.Recently, it was alleged that Ibinabo and ace actor, Fred Amata, are having an affair. Her two failed marriages produced two children from the two ex-husbands.

Bukky Wright
This popular face in TV soaps and home videos has been in and out of marriage twice. Perhaps, owing to bitter experience, the Economics graduate was reported to have said that marriage was no longer in her dictionary. She did not lament over what could have been her mistakes. Rather, she sees the experience as an eye-opener. However, the beautiful actress has moved on with her life, while hoping to get married again.

Chiege Alisigwe
She came into limelight in 1998 when she played a role in the movie called Igodo. Her marriage crumbled as soon as it was contracted in 2002. Chiege attributed her failed marriage to incompatibility. She was reported to have admitted that she was naive when the union was contracted. Chiege was heavy with three-month pregnancy before their union crumbled. And since then, the Orlu, Imo State-born actress has picked up the broken pieces of her life and moved on.In the meantime, Chiege has not ruled out remarrying, provided the right man comes her way.

Ngozi Nwosu
Ngozi Egonu came into limelight when she played Ego in the popular home video, Living In Bondage. She is also popular with Fuji House of Commotion. Ngozi was married to one Mr. Huessnon from Badagry, but the marriage was not sustained.

CULLED FROM SUN NEWSPAPER

Few months after her clergy man took her to the altar,remarried Nollywood legend, Elizabeth Benson,may have signalled her strong desire to return to her first love, acting.The screen idol has already started making contacts in order to return to the industry,which she reportedly abandoned some years back.
Liz Benson got married again in an intimate court ceremony in Abuja a few months ago. In July, she and her man, Bishop Great Emeya, celebrated their love by walking down the aisle at the Rainbow Christian Assembly in Warri, Delta State. The couple are both deeply involved in Christian ministry.Liz is an evangelist while Bishop Great is a pastor of one of the largest ministries in Warri.They also have overcome tragic circumstances as Liz is a widow while Bishop Great is a widower. Their Wedding marked a turning point in the lives of the couple.
The 49 year-old man allegedly met Liz in the course of doing God's work. Their relationship however moved from friendship to the altar, now husband and wife.A recipient of the movie awards, THEMA, and the Reel Awards at different times, Liz Benson is one of the pioneer actresses in Nigeria who brought glamour and respect to the acting profession.
She has also been honoured outside Nigeria at several times. Liz was a past recipient of the Afro-Hollywood Awards in the United States of America. Her great performances in the past have been regularly acknowledged and rewarded by both industry practitioners and watchers.The deluge of awards and accolades with which she has been showered and continues to receive is vivid testimony to the high esteem in which she is held by all.
As she returns to Nollywood, expectations are high as questions are being asked, regarding what role she will be assigned to, given the fact that many of her contemporaries are presently not in the picture, with the emergence of vibrant looking, yet pretty young faces.