Actress Iyabo Ojo recently opened up about her inspiring journey into Nollywood, crediting her senior colleague, Bimbo Akintola, for giving her a much-needed breakthrough despite her lack of connections in the industry.
During an appearance on The Glass House show hosted by comedian Ayo Makun, Ojo reflected on her path from a passionate secondary school student to a celebrated actress.
From a young age, Ojo’s love for the arts was evident. She actively participated in school activities such as singing, acting, rapping, and debating. “For me, I’ve always wanted to be in entertainment,” she said. “I was very famous in secondary school—not as Ojo, but as Ogunro.”
Her determination grew after watching Bimbo Akintola in the movie Out of Bounds, which solidified her decision to pursue acting. Inspired, Ojo boldly visited Akintola’s home, where she auditioned on the spot, despite struggling with an on-command crying scene. However, Akintola saw her potential and decided to mentor her.
“She [Bimbo Akintola] introduced me to Uncle Keppy Ekpenyong Bassey and his wife, who were incredibly kind to me,” Ojo recalled. It was through this connection that Ojo received a note to attend an audition in Surulere, a turning point in her career. “For the first time, I was going to work in front of a camera, and that was a big deal for me,” she shared.
In 1998, Ojo landed her debut role as a sub-lead actress in the movie Satanic. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed gratitude for the opportunities that allowed her to thrive in Nollywood, starting with the support of Bimbo Akintola and Keppy Ekpenyong Bassey.
Ojo’s story is a testament to resilience and mentorship, highlighting how determination and the right support can transform dreams into reality.
CREDIT: Allneeds, THE NATION
RELATED POSTS:
No products in the cart.