Ini Edo

Ini Edo, born Iniobong Edo Ekim on April 23, 1982, in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, is a prominent Nigerian actress. Her mother was a school teacher, and her father was a church elder, resulting in a strict upbringing for her and her three siblings (two sisters and one brother). For her education, she attended Cornelia Connely College in Uyo, Nigeria. She later obtained a Diploma in Theatre Arts from the University of Uyo, and also studied at the University of Calabar and the National Open University of Nigeria. Edo began her film career in 2000 with her debut in the movie "Thick Madam." She was discovered by a producer at an audition she attended. Her major breakthrough came in 2004 when she starred in the film "World Apart." Since her debut, she has appeared in over 200 movies. Her career has seen her become one of the most recognizable figures in Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry. A testament to her critical acclaim, Ini Edo received a "Best Lead Actress" nomination at the 11th Africa Movie Academy Awards for her performance in the film "While You Slept." Beyond acting, she has also been involved in other professional roles. In 2013, she served as a judge for the Miss Black Africa UK Pageant and the De9jaSpirit Talent Hunt. In 2014, she was appointed by the United Nations as a United Nations Habitat Youth Envoy. Ini Edo has also secured several high-profile brand endorsements throughout her career, including serving as a Glo brand ambassador for ten years (2006 to 2016), an ambassador for Noble Hair (starting in 2010), and for Slim Tea Nigeria. She also signed on as an ambassador for the MrTaxi_NG brand in 2019. Edo was married to Philip Ehiagwina from 2008 until their divorce in 2013. She continues to be an active and influential figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry.