For nearly three decades, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has stood as a monumental figure, not merely as an actress, but as a driving force in shaping the very identity of Nollywood. From her teenage debut in the mid-1990s, she has ascended to legendary status, gracing over 300 films, consistently breaking barriers in pay equity, and emerging as one of the pioneering Nigerian actors to achieve significant global recognition. Today, Omotola's name is inextricably woven into the fabric of Nollywood's narrative and the broader cultural history of Nigeria. Remarkably, even after such an extensive and impactful career, she embarks on a new chapter with "Mother’s Love," marking her highly anticipated directorial debut.

Reflecting on her journey, Omotola recalls pivotal moments that defined her trajectory. Joining the film business in 1995, she, at the tender age of 16 or 17, uniquely insisted on contracts—a practice she carried over from her modeling experience, introducing a new culture of professionalism from day one. Her relentless push for higher industry standards often put her at odds with marketers, leading to a temporary ban for some actors, with Omotola facing a two-year exclusion for her steadfast stance. A defining financial milestone arrived when she was the first to demand and receive a 1 million naira payment for a movie, an unprecedented sum that initially led to her being dropped from the project. Her unwavering resolve, however, eventually secured the payment, subsequently raising fee benchmarks across the industry. Her early career was further marked by projects like "Mortal Inheritance," which earned her the distinction of being the youngest Nigerian actor to win both Best Actress in an English-speaking movie and Best Actress overall at the Thema awards at just 18.

Omotola's contributions to Nollywood's evolution extend significantly to its global outreach. She asserts that the industry, through collective hard work and sheer determination, gained international recognition beyond Nigeria and Africa well before the rise of Afrobeats. This was achieved through extensive tours and fan engagements across the Caribbean, the US, and the UK, utilizing VHS and DVDs. Further solidifying her global presence, she participated in projects like "Ije," filmed in Los Angeles and screened in theatres, and made her US TV debut in the Hollywood series "Hit the Floor." Her inclusion in the TIME100 list of most influential people propelled her to a new stage, followed by her esteemed position as an Oscar voting member, marking numerous "firsts" in her illustrious career.

Beyond acting, Omotola has actively worked towards formalizing the industry through initiatives like "TEFFEST," the Entertainment Fair and Festival, which she founded in 2019. The festival's core mission is to standardize the business practices within entertainment globally, promoting best practices. Its inaugural event notably featured Craig Fenton, then Google's Chief, as the keynote speaker, with YouTube partnering for a masterclass on the future of the industry, a move Omotola notes was prescient given YouTube's subsequent fundamental role in artistic expression.

Her latest endeavor, "Mother's Love," signifies her transition into directing. She chose this particular story for her directorial debut due to its perceived ease of quick accomplishment under existing circumstances. While on vacation in Nigeria, Ruth Kadiri, a prominent figure in YouTube productions, encouraged Omotola to engage with the platform, showing her impressive viewership numbers. Initially hesitant, Omotola agreed to shoot a YouTube project on the condition that she wouldn't be pressured to release it if she disliked the outcome. The efficiency and thoroughness of this initial shoot emboldened her to immediately pursue a feature film. She selected "Mother's Love" from her scripts as it required a smaller cast, resonated deeply with her, and could be swiftly adapted for a Nigerian setting, birthing the project through a back-to-back production.

The film delves profoundly into the intricate dynamics between daughters and their mothers, a theme largely drawn from true-life events and personal observations. As is characteristic of Redhot Concepts, her production house, many of their movies are inspired by real experiences. "Mother's Love" specifically mirrors Omotola's own relationship with her mother as a first daughter and, subsequently, her relationship with her own first daughter, Princess. The narrative also incorporates other individuals' experiences, holding a mirror to subjects often overlooked, such as mother-first daughter relationships and their associated expectations, alongside issues of loss, PTSD, over-protection, and classism.

Omotola remains a vocal advocate for structural reforms within Nollywood. She emphasizes that the industry has matured and must now take itself seriously to gain international respect. This necessitates standardizing workflows and eliminating "anyhowness." She critically notes that ego-tripping and political maneuvering among some guilds often hinder genuine, lasting reforms that could empower practitioners, especially actors, to work smarter. The absence of best practice industry standards comparable to other global industries, coupled with the Nigerian Actors Guild still not being unionized in 2025, prevents the attraction of sustainable collaborations essential for growth.

Despite reaching the pinnacle of her career, Omotola expresses no pressure to conform, embracing continuous evolution. She believes that as long as there is life and health, opportunities for new ventures and charting new territories abound. Her primary focus, consistently throughout her life, has been on her legacy. She is committed to ensuring that every endeavor is meticulously thought through, truly merits her full commitment, and contributes meaningfully to advancing conversations and trajectories within the industry and beyond.

For young actors and filmmakers aspiring to build a lasting career in Nollywood, Omotola offers sagacious advice: to "relax," "pace yourself," and "do it well." She encourages them to "turn off the noise and stay away from the distractions," emphasizing the importance of having a clear plan, writing it down, maintaining tunnel-vision focus, regularly reviewing goals, and most crucially, seeking a higher power. She personally recommends Jesus, advocating for a spiritual foundation to navigate the taxing and profound nature of their profession, ensuring a well-directed and supported life.