Iniobong Edo Ekim aka Ini Edo is unarguably one of the most beautiful actresses in the Nollywood movie industry. She has been in the Nollywood movie industry popularly known for decades and counting. She was married to Philip Ehiagwina in 2008 but they divorced in 2014.
In this article, I will be pointing out to you 10 real facts about the Nollywood famous actress, Ini Edo, that you didn’t know.
Ini Edo is the Highest Paid Nollywood actress
Iniobong Edo Ekim aka Ini Edo is a famous Nollywood actress, model, film producer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and television personality, she doubles into so many careers. Ini is described as one of the most beautiful actresses in Nollywood and also one of the highest-paid actresses in the industry. Ini is always known for featuring in romantic, dramatic, and action-thriller films. In most movies, she would always play the role of either a maid, or president’s daughter, or royalty.
Ini Edo always wanted to act, at an early age.
Ini Edo was born on 19th April 1982 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State which is in the southern part of Nigeria but she grew up in Calabar in Cross River State, Nigeria. Ini Edo, 40 years old, is the second child in a family of four children. Her mother was a teacher and her father was an elder in one of the orthodox churches in Nigeria. She is currently single and hopes to get married again someday.
Ini Edo started acting at a very tender age. When she was a kid, she always dreamt to become an actress. She is very much talented in acting and representation of roles in the movie. She easily fits into any character given to her by her movie directors and producers in Nigeria.
Ini Edo attended and started acting at the University of Uyo
She completed her primary school education in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and obtained her First School Leaving Certificate in the same state. Ini Edo furthered her education at Cornelius Connely College in Calabar, Cross River State for her secondary school education level and obtained her West African Senior School Certificate.
After her secondary school education level, Ini Edo attended the University of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State where she bagged a National Diploma (OND) in Theatre Arts. She went ahead to the University of Calabar in Cross River State, Nigeria, and landed a Bachelor’s Degree in the English Language.
During her days at the University of Calabar, Ini Edo auditioned for acting jobs in Nollywood movies. After she graduated from UNICAL, Ini Edo joined the Nigerian movie industry in 2000 playing minor roles in movies.
2004 was her biggest year
In 2004, Ini Edo rose to stardom after she featured in a Nollywood movie titled “World Apart”. In “World Apart” the movie Ini Edo starred alongside the likes of Kenneth Okonkwo and Lis Benson.
Doris Simeon (Lis Benson) Biography, wedding, husband, son, career, and net worth
In 2005, she won the award for “Most Promising Actress” in Nigeria at the Africa Movie Academy Awards thanks to the movie “World Apart”. Ini Edo featured in other popular Nollywood movies including World Apart, Thick Madam, Royal Gift, Blind Kingdom, Ghetto Queen, and Power of Beauty. She was named the brand ambassador of noble hair in 2010 and she is currently the brand ambassador of Slim Tea Nigeria. In 2014, Ini Edo earned a scholarship to study law at the National Open University of Nigeria but she declined the offer and steered her full attention to film production.
Ini Edo is also an award-winning model
Aside from being an actress, Ini Edo is also a model and a crowned queen. Back in 2013, she was announced as one of the judges for the Miss Black Africa United Kingdom Beauty Pageant. And owning to her philanthropic gestures, the United Nations announced her as the United Nations Habitat Youth Envoy. Ini Edo has also held an ambassador contract with GLO, a telecom company, for over ten years, from 2006 to 2016. She has won several awards both in Nigeria and abroad including
- Best Actress in a Leading Role – Africa Movie Academy Awards
- Best Actress in Nigeria (English) – Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards
- Most Promising Actress in Nigeria – Africa Movie Academy Awards
- Best Actress in Comedy – City People Entertainment Awards
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Exquisite Lady of the Year Award
- Best Outstanding Actress in Nigeria – Nigeria Entertainment Awards
List of Nollywood Celebrities who turned Pastors
Ini Edo’s net worth is over $3 million
Ini Edo being the highest-paid Nollywood actress currently has an estimated net worth of over $3 million, making her one of the richest actresses in Nigeria. In 2011, Ini Edo was honored by the Nigerian government as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR).
Member of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR) is the highest award and honor given to a celebrity in Nigeria for an immense contribution to the economic growth and development of the state through entertainment. In 2016, Ini Edo was appointed as the Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Culture and Tourism during Udom Gabriel Emmanuel’s first tenure.
Her role in the Shanty Town movie which is available on Netflix made waves in Nigeria and was at some point 1 movie on Netflix. She played a major in the movie and has writing credits in the movie.