Godwin Maduagu is a Nigerian model, TV commercial actor and Nollywood actor from Anambra State. He appeared in adverts for big brands such as MTN and Maggi, and he became widely known in 2021 after a private video of him leaked online. In September 2022, he publicly came out as gay, which made him one of the few Nigerian entertainers to do so.
| Date of Birth | October 8, 1995 |
|---|---|
| Age | 31 years |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Occupation | Model, Actor |
| State of Origin | Anambra State |
| Father | Anayo Maduagu |
| Mother | Rose Maduagu |
Minister GUCGodwin Maduagu Biography
Godwin Chidiebere Maduagu was born on October 8, 1995, in Lagos State, Nigeria. He is 31 years old. His family comes from Mgbuwa Village in Akwaeze, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.
He grew up in a family of six in Lagos. His father, Anayo Maduagu, is a businessman, and his mother, Rose Maduagu, is a teacher. He attended Temple Nursery and Primary School and later Augusta College for his secondary education.
For university, he went to Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where he studied Mechanical Engineering. It was while he was still a student there that modeling started to take over his life.
Godwin Maduagu Career
Maduagu started modeling in 2015, when he was 20. His first big outing was the Face of Val 2015 pageant, where he finished as second runner-up and also won the Photogenic award. From 2016, he began walking runways at fashion shows across Nigeria.
Campus awards followed as his name grew. He picked up the Campus Iconic Achievers Award in 2017 as a fast-rising model, then Campus Most Fashionable Model of the Year and a “Runway God” award in 2018. Standing about 6 feet 2 inches tall, he had the build that runway and print clients look for.
TV adverts brought him to a wider audience. He featured in commercials for MTN and Maggi, and in an MTN Pulse advert he appeared alongside BBNaija star Ozoemena Joseph and singer Joeboy. He also worked with fashion and fragrance brands such as Clear Vision Classic Fashions and 100 Percent Fragrance.
He describes his work in simple terms. “I’m a model, I’m an actor, I’m a TV commercial model,” he said in a 2021 interview on Obialor JamesBrown’s YouTube channel. In that same chat, he said he saw himself as “an international actor” and “international model,” and told viewers he was back in business and “available for bookings.”
The 2021 Leaked Video
In early 2021, a private sex video involving Maduagu and another man spread online. At first, he denied it was him. He told the media his face had been edited into the clip by people who wanted to blackmail him.
The fallout hit him hard. In his interview with Obialor JamesBrown, he called it “the worst thing I’ve ever experienced my entire life.” He said he lost jobs and casting offers, became broke, fled Lagos to hide in the East for his safety, and went for therapy before returning to work.
Godwin Maduagu Personal Life
Maduagu came out as gay on September 27, 2022, in an Instagram story posted with a pride flag. In the post, he said close friends had set him up, blackmailed him and leaked the video. “I became depressed and almost committed suicide,” he wrote, adding that his family saved him.
The announcement made headlines because same-sex relationships are illegal in Nigeria. Outlets such as TheCable, Ripples Nigeria and PinkNews covered it, and YouTube news channels such as Newsbreak Nigeria read his post on air. He has kept his romantic life private since then, and he is not married and has no known children.
Godwin Maduagu Net Worth
Godwin Maduagu’s net worth is estimated at around $20,000 to $40,000. His income comes from modeling jobs, runway shows, TV commercials and brand deals.
Commercial work for brands like MTN and Maggi pays well by Nigerian modeling standards, but he has said the 2021 scandal cost him several deals. That puts his earnings in a modest range rather than among Nigeria’s top-paid models.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Godwin Maduagu?
Godwin Maduagu was born on October 8, 1995, so he turns 31 on October 8, 2026.
Where is Godwin Maduagu from?
He was born in Lagos, but his family comes from Akwaeze in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Is Godwin Maduagu gay?
Yes. He came out as gay in an Instagram story on September 27, 2022, about a year and a half after his private video leaked.
What happened to Godwin Maduagu?
A private video of him was leaked in early 2021. He first denied it, then later said friends had blackmailed him and leaked it, and that he went through depression before his family helped him recover.
What commercials has Godwin Maduagu been in?
He has appeared in commercials for MTN, including an MTN Pulse advert with Ozoemena Joseph and Joeboy, and for Maggi.
