Obasanjo Applauds Omotola’s Directorial Debut, Calls Her ‘National Treasure’

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has showered praise on Nollywood star Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, describing her as a “national treasure” whose talent should be harnessed for Nigeria’s growth and development.

Obasanjo made the remarks on Sunday at the premiere of Mother’s Love, Omotola’s directorial debut, held at Alliance Française Lagos.

Speaking about the actress, the former president drew her close in a fatherly gesture and said Nigeria must preserve and utilise talents like hers.

“We have a treasure that we must keep and utilise for the development and growth of Nigeria,” he said. “And there are many others like that. We have to keep them and bring them to make meaningful contributions.”

While movie premieres in Nigeria often attract celebrities and dignitaries, it is rare to see a former president in attendance. Obasanjo, 88, dressed in a white agbada and blue fila, fully immersed himself in the evening’s festivities, taking photographs and interacting with guests and the media.

His appearance quickly sparked reactions online. Many social media users described it as a major boost for Nollywood’s credibility, while others saw it as a brilliant publicity move.

The premiere also doubled as a celebration of Omotola’s 30 years in the entertainment industry. Since launching her career in the early 1990s, she has featured in more than 100 films, including Mortal Inheritance, Ije, and Alter Ego.

With Mother’s Love, Omotola transitions from in front of the camera to behind it, embracing storytelling from a new perspective. The film stars Olumide Owuru, Noray Nehita, and Ifeanyi Kalu, and explores themes of sacrifice and resilience  a subject that resonates with the actress, who is also a mother of four and wife to Capt. Matthew Ekeinde.

By stepping into the director’s role, she joins a growing list of actor-producers shaping Nollywood’s evolution, including Kunle Afolayan, Funke Akindele, Niyi Akinmolayan, Toyin Abraham, and Genevieve Nnaji.

With a presidential endorsement and three decades of influence in the industry, Omotola’s latest milestone underscores her enduring impact not just as a screen icon, but as a creative force shaping the future of Nigerian cinema.