We all know Iyabo Ojo as one of the biggest stars in Nollywood — beautiful, bold, and never afraid to speak her mind. Whether it’s a drama on set or a gbas-gbos moment on Instagram, she always keeps fans talking. But beyond the fame, makeup, and movies, there’s a side of her that many people don’t know.
She’s more than just a celebrity — she’s a fighter, a businesswoman, a mother, and a woman with layers of untold stories. If you think you already know everything about the Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, these five facts will make you see her in a new light.
1. Iyabo Ojo Studied Estate Management Before Acting
Yes, you read that right. Before all the fame and red carpets, Iyabo Ojo was just a regular Lagos babe who went to Lagos State Polytechnic to study Estate Management. Acting wasn’t even her first plan. She had a strong interest in the real estate world and business in general. It was only later that her love for acting took over. But guess what? That early business mindset still shows in how she runs her life today — smart, strategic, and always thinking ahead.
2. She Produced Her First Movie with Her Own Money
In Nollywood, it’s not easy for women to get ahead — especially in the early 2000s. Instead of waiting for roles or begging producers, Iyabo Ojo decided to take her destiny into her own hands. In 2004, she produced her first movie, Bolutife, with her own savings. That one move changed everything. She became more respected in the Yoruba movie industry, and doors started opening. That’s the true definition of “hustle no dey tire me.”
3. Iyabo Ojo Opened Up About Her Battle with Depression
Many people only see the glamour, but they don’t know what goes on behind the scenes. A few years ago, Iyabo Ojo shocked fans when she opened up about going through depression. She talked about the pain of being a single mother, betrayal from close friends, and the emotional toll of fame. Instead of hiding it, she used her platform to encourage others — especially young women — to speak up about mental health. In a country where we hardly talk about depression, that was a bold and powerful move.
4. Yoruba Nollywood Was Her Real Breakthrough
A lot of younger fans know her from Instagram skits and English-speaking movies, but real OGs know that Iyabo Ojo’s rise started in Yoruba Nollywood. That was her real playground. She acted in countless Yoruba films and earned her respect among the veterans before gradually crossing over to the mainstream. She paid her dues — the hard way.
5. She Does a Lot of Charity Work Quietly
Don’t let the loud social media presence fool you — Iyabo Ojo has a soft side. Through her foundation, Pinkies Foundation, she supports underprivileged children, orphans, and kids with special needs. She often visits orphanages and helps struggling families, but she rarely makes noise about it. For her, giving back is personal. She once said in an interview that growing up with limited resources taught her the importance of helping others when you can.
